PT Dua Jangkar Indonesia has once again achieved a milestone in workforce placement in the Middle East. Our crew members have officially joined and commenced duties aboard a Purse Seiner vessel operating under the flag of the Sultanate of Oman.
Oman is currently aggressively modernizing its fishery sector through entities such as the Fisheries Development of Oman (FDO). Our crew will be working on the latest generation of advanced vessels (such as the Acila class), designed to operate in the international waters of the Indian Ocean.
Below is an overview of the technology and working methods our crew will encounter.
Understanding the Omani Purse Seiner Fleet
Working in the Omani fleet offers valuable experience due to the high technological standards applied.
1. Extreme Freezing Technology These modern Omani vessels do not just catch fish; they preserve premium quality. A key feature is advanced flash freezing technology. The crew requires specific skills to handle catch stored at ultra-low temperatures, ranging from -55°C to -60°C. This ensures that the targeted Yellowfin Tuna maintains the best export quality (sashimi grade).
2. Operational Target: Indian Ocean The vessel’s operational area is the Indian Ocean, a region rich in Tuna stocks. The fleet’s main mission is to increase Oman’s contribution to the global fishing market in a legal and measured manner.
How Purse Seining Works
The Purse Seining method used by the Omani fleet is a systematic, large-scale operation. Here are the working stages:
- Detection: The vessel uses advanced sonar and modern electronics to track schools of tuna deep in the ocean.
- Encircling: Once the target is located, a small boat (skiff) helps deploy a massive net (up to 2,000 meters long and 250 meters deep) to encircle the school of fish.
- Pursing: The bottom of the net is then pulled tight like the drawstring of a purse (hence the name). This locks the school of fish inside the net, preventing them from escaping downwards.
- Hauling: The net is hauled to the side of the vessel, and the fish are transferred to the holds to be immediately frozen.
Professional Management Since this method has the potential for bycatch (non-target species like turtles or rays), Omani vessel operations emphasize careful handling management in accordance with international regulations. PT Dua Jangkar Indonesia crew members have been equipped with the understanding to work within these strict operational standards.