Skippers - Deepsea Fishing Vessels, Timaru
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Sanford

Skippers - Deepsea Fishing Vessels

  • Posted 2w ago
  • On Site
  • Contract

Timaru

Job Description

We’re now looking for two experienced Skippers to take command of two of our factory trawlers - San Discovery and San Granit . These are senior leadership roles with responsibility for the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the vessel, its crew and fishing operations. You’ll work closely with our shoreside Vessel Managers and operational teams while leading a large crew at sea.

The vessels

San Discovery – 64m Factory Trawler

San Discovery is one of Sanford’s Sterkoder-class deep-sea factory trawlers. Built in Norway in the early 1990s, she is 64 metres long, accommodates up to 49 crew and has a 940m³ freezer hold. Operating as a deep-sea trawler, San Discovery targets species including hoki, ling, hake, warehou and arrow squid, with onboard processing and fishmeal production facilities.

Ideally, the successful candidate will be available for the full programme, from pre-dry dock preparations through to completion of the January voyage:

  • 6–15 November: Pre-dry dock work – Timaru
  • 17 November–9 December: Dry dock – Lyttelton
  • 11–18 December: Post-dry dock work – Timaru
  • 18 December–27 January (approx.): Vessel trip

San Granit – 67.4m Factory Trawler

San Granit is the largest vessel in Sanford’s fleet, at 67.4 metres, with accommodation for up to 48 crew and a 600m³ freezer hold. She operates using both single and twin trawl methods, targeting hoki, orange roughy and squid, and uses Precision Seafood Harvesting (PSH) fishing gear.

We’re ideally looking for someone who can be available from 25 January for a short layup period for vessel improvements ahead of sailing:

  • From 25 January: Short layup for vessel repairs
  • 8 February: Expected sailing date

About the role

As Skipper, you’ll have overall responsibility for the fishing operation and the safe navigation and operation of your vessel. This is a significant leadership position. You’ll oversee the vessel officers and crew, make operational and fishing decisions at sea, and ensure the vessel operates within Sanford requirements and New Zealand maritime, fisheries, food safety and health and safety regulations.

You’ll also be the key connection between the vessel and our shoreside team, keeping Vessel Management informed of operations, catch performance, vessel requirements and any issues requiring support.

Voyages are typically 6 weeks, followed by approximately 6 weeks ashore. This is an Independent Contractor (self-employed) position, with Sanford covering return travel from your hometown to the vessel’s departure port.

What you’ll be responsible for

  • Lead the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the vessel and its fishing activities.
  • Navigate and handle the vessel safely across changing weather, sea and operational conditions.
  • Deliver against voyage catch plans and make sound fishing decisions based on conditions, fish behaviour and operational priorities.
  • Lead and manage vessel officers and crew, ensuring clear expectations, effective communication and a positive onboard culture.
  • Ensure minimum crewing, training, competency and safety requirements are maintained.
  • Maintain compliance with MNZ requirements, MPI reporting, fisheries requirements, health and safety legislation and Sanford procedures.
  • Maintain accurate vessel, navigation, fishing and compliance records.
  • Ensure safety drills, emergency procedures and onboard safety requirements are understood and followed by all crew.
  • Work closely with the Vessel Manager and shoreside teams regarding operational requirements, maintenance, provisions, fishing gear and repairs.
  • Manage issues at sea calmly and effectively, including operational, safety, crew and disciplinary matters.
  • Maintain a strong focus on crew safety, health and performance while maximising the quality and quantity of the catch

About you

You’ll be an experienced fishing professional and confident vessel leader who understands the responsibility that comes with running a large, 24-hour deepwater operation. You’ll bring sound judgement, strong vessel-handling and navigational capability, and the ability to make clear decisions when conditions change or pressure is high. Just as importantly, you’ll be someone who can lead people well, setting expectations, communicating clearly and creating a safe and productive environment for a diverse crew.

You’ll have a strong understanding of New Zealand fisheries and maritime requirements, alongside practical knowledge of fishing operations, fish behaviour, vessel capability and the realities of operating a large factory vessel at sea.

What we’re looking for

  • Skipper Fishing Vessel Unlimited (SFV-U) certification appropriate to the vessel, with all associated certification current and valid, including GMDSS, STCW-F, Advanced Firefighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PISC) and First Aid.
  • Significant maritime experience, including advanced experience in commercial fishing and navigation.
  • Proven experience leading crew and operations aboard a large commercial fishing vessel.
  • Current Maritime Medical, or the ability to obtain one.
  • Strong knowledge of the Fisheries Act, Maritime New Zealand requirements, MOSS, fishing quota requirements and relevant health and safety obligations.
  • Marine Medic, Mental Health First Aid and Drug & Alcohol Awareness training would be advantageous.

Why Sanford?

Opportunities to take command of vessels of this scale don’t come around often.

The San Discovery and San Granit offer the opportunity to lead two of Sanford’s large deepwater factory trawlers, working alongside experienced vessel crews and as part of a well-supported wider fleet. You’ll have the backing of an experienced shore-based Wildcatch team and Vessel Managers, while still having the autonomy and responsibility that comes with commanding a vessel and managing a complex 24-hour fishing operation at sea. With a 6 weeks on / 6 weeks off rotation, extended time ashore between voyages and travel to and from the vessel covered by Sanford, the role offers a lifestyle and level of responsibility that can be difficult to find in traditional shore-based work.

Whether you’re an established Skipper looking for your next vessel or an experienced senior officer ready for the next step, we’d like to hear from you.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre-engagement checks including criminal history checks, drug and alcohol testing and a medical assessment.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Crew Management
  • Fishing Operations
  • Maritime Compliance
  • Safety Procedures
  • Vessel Navigation

Desired Soft Skills

  • Decision Making
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Judgement
  • Leadership

Culture

  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer

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