PT Dua Jangkar Indonesia continues to expand its international cooperation in Europe. Selected crew members have officially joined and commenced their duties aboard a Trawler fishing vessel flying the French flag.
The vessel, measuring 24 meters in length and 6 meters in breadth, is categorized as a modern industrial fishing vessel. The placement of our crew in this French fleet underscores the ability of Indonesian seafarers to adapt to the strict operational standards enforced within the European Union.
To provide broader insight, below is an overview of the working methods and technology used on a Trawler vessel.
Understanding Trawler Operations
Trawling is a fishing technique that relies on efficiency and technology. The basic principle involves filtering seawater using a large net towed behind a moving vessel.
How Our Crew Operates
Aboard this 24-meter vessel, the crew operates sophisticated equipment through the following stages:
- Net Opening System (Otter Boards): The trawl net has a very wide mouth. To keep the net open horizontally while being towed underwater, “otter boards” (or trawl doors) are used. These aerodynamically designed devices act like wings, spreading the net outward as it moves through the water.
- Towing Process: The vessel moves at a steady speed, typically between 3 to 5 knots. This speed is crucial to ensure the net inflates perfectly and catches the target effectively.
- Detection Technology: Unlike traditional methods, modern French trawlers are equipped with sonar and echosounders. The crew uses these tools to precisely detect schools of fish in the water column before deploying the net, making the operation highly effective.
- Hauling the Catch: Once the towing is complete, the heavy net is hauled onto the deck using powerful winches. The caught fish are collected in the closed end of the net, known as the cod-end.
Operational Flexibility
Depending on the season and catch target, this type of vessel can operate using two main methods:
- Bottom Trawl: Targeting fish living on the seabed (demersal), such as flounder or shrimp.
- Midwater (Pelagic) Trawl: Targeting pelagic fish that swim in schools in open water, such as mackerel or sardines, without touching the seabed.
Working on a French-flagged vessel demands high discipline, as fishery regulations there are strictly enforced regarding ecosystem sustainability and gear management. We are proud that PT Dua Jangkar Indonesia’s crew can be part of this professional operation.