Crew Opportunities: Northern Prawn Fishery (Karumba, North Queensland)

In the Northern Prawn Fishery, out of Karumba (Nth Qld), Raptis operates 14 modern 23 metre steel trawlers. Each vessel has comprehensive refrigeration and electrical systems and are powered by Caterpillar or Cummins marine engines.

The fishing crew comprises Skipper, Engineer, Mate, Deckhands and Cook. The Raptis fishing fleet is supported with extensive on shore administration, support vessels and shore based engineering services.

Multiple opportunities are available at the start of every season.

  • Banana Prawn Fishing Season commences annually in April for a period of 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Tiger Prawn Fishing Season commences annually in August for a period of 12 to 16 weeks.

For Marine Engineers the requirement is to have either Marine Engine Driver – MED 1 or MED 2 qualifications with refrigeration endorsement, ARC Licence, First Aid, and commercial fishing or sea experience.

For Mate, Deckhand and Cook positions, at sea experience preferred.

Expressions of interest for crewing positions are passed along to Skippers who are independent contractors responsible for the operations of the vessels and selection of their own crew. The Northern Prawn Fishery is Australia’s largest and most valuable fishery. The crew receive a share of the value of the catch.

Please complete the Expression of Interest form below.

Apply Now

Crew Enquiry 2025

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Address(Required)
Position Applied for:
All crew positions require sight, hearing, and mobility, the ability to lift heavy weights, to push and pull, to carry and to bend.
Living in such close proximity with others for a long period of time means that crew are more susceptible to contagious disease or illness. The isolation of the vessel from land means that emergency treatment or the supply of medication is not immediately available.
Are you able to perform the physical duties required in this position, which may include freezer work?
Have you been previously diagnosed with, or currently suffer from an injury, physical or mental condition which would prevent you from safely performing the work duties or that could be aggravated / enhanced by the work duties?
Have you previously had any back pain, back injury or currently require the wearing of a back brace?
Have you been previously diagnosed with, or currently suffer from an illness or disease which could be transferred to other crew members?
Do you suffer from any mental or physical illness or disease that may require treatment?
Do you require medication?
Do you have any allergies?
Do you have any adult Commonwealth or territory convictions which are less than 10 years old, or juvenile Commonwealth or territory convictions which are less than 5 years old which relate to this position (e.g. for theft, assault)?
Do you have any convictions for Commonwealth or territory offences which are over 10 years old (or 5 years for juvenile convictions) where the sentence imposed was imprisonment for a period greater than 30 months which relate to this position (e.g. theft, assault)?
I am aware that fishing can/may involve long hours of arduous work? (upside is more catch more income)
Are you aware that you would be a member of a Joint Venture agreement and paid a percentage of the value of the catch?
Are you aware that your airfares, food and insurance will be deducted from your earnings?
The Skipper, Engineer, Mate, Deckhands, Cook & any other crew Join a Joint Venture Partnership. The skipper being Manager of the Joint Venture Partnership enters into an agreement with A Raptis & Sons to share in the proceeds of the sale of the catch. The skippers will then advise each joint Venturer of his/her share.
Do you understand that the Skipper of the vessel is the Managing Joint Venture Partner with Raptis and you are to deal with the Skipper on all issues and queries?
I understand that I am NOT an employee of Raptis but an independent contractor and part a Fishing Joint Venture
I understand that the catch value is the only form of income for each Venture Partner
Do you have an Australian Tax File Number? (ATFN)
Do you have an Australian Business Number? (ABN)
Be aware we make all payments by EFT into a nominated Australian bank account only?
I understand that I need to make my own way to and from the operating base for the vessel whether it be Cairns, Karumba, Darwin or any other base, at my own cost?
I understand that a minimum of 20% tax will be deducted from my earnings from each trip payment and paid to the Australian Tax Office?
If you are an overseas applicant, have you been advised to take out insurance to cover medical expenses whilst working in Australia?
I understand that I am signing on for the entire/remainder of the season? Also, that penalties may be applied, if crew have to be replaced during this season?
I am 16 years old or over (min AMSA age is 16 years)
Please be aware that there could be insurance implications with age restrictions
The possession of recreational drugs in any form is a criminal offence. Any crew member found in possession of, or using same on any Raptis boat or property will be instantly dismissed. The use of alcohol on board vessels is at the skipper’s discretion and must be in moderation.
No weapons or firearms are allowed. Any crew member found in possession of or using same at sea or on board will be instantly dismissed.
Declaration(Required)
I declare that all the information given in this application form is true and correct and that I have not withheld information relevant to this application.