Europêche’s Guidelines on the Recruitment of Migrant Fishers: A Golden Opportunity for a Fairer and More Profitable Maritime Industry

September 30, 2025

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 – Good news for the global fishing industry! A new guide published in 2024 by industry leaders in Europe is now paving the way for fairer, more transparent, and mutually beneficial recruitment practices. The Indonesian Fisherman Association (INFISA) warmly welcomes this initiative and invites all European vessel owners and manning agencies to view it as a golden opportunity.

The guide, a result of a collaboration between the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and Europêche, is titled “Recruitment of Migrant Fishers.” Its goal is simple: to create a recruitment process free from fraudulent practices, ensure every migrant fisher is treated with respect, and build a sustainable fishing industry.

INFISA’s Secretary-General, Mr. Chairul Hadi, states that these new standards align perfectly with the vision and the ongoing initiatives of INFISA, particularly its Responsible Recruitment and Placement (RPP) program. “This is the moment we have been waiting for,” he said. “These European standards affirm what we have long championed through our RPP program: that ethical recruitment is not a burden, but a smart investment in the future of the business.”

Why Is This Good News for Your Business?

For vessel owners and manning agencies, adopting these standards is not merely about compliance; it is about gaining a competitive edge. Here are the tangible benefits you can achieve:

  • Stellar Reputation, Unlocking New Markets. In an era where consumers are increasingly ethically conscious, reputation is everything. By implementing fair recruitment, your company will be recognized as a responsible partner, opening doors to premium markets that demand supply chain transparency.
  • Loyal and Productive Crews. Fishers who are recruited fairly, unburdened by recruitment fee debt, and work under clear contracts are happy crew members. Their satisfaction translates to greater loyalty, higher morale, and increased productivity on board.
  • More Stable Business, Reduced Risks. Unstandardized recruitment practices are prone to legal issues and negative campaigns that can harm your business. By following this guide, you significantly mitigate these risks, leading to smoother and more stable operations.
  • Easy Access to Top Talent. Through partnership with programs like INFISA’s RPP, you gain direct access to thousands of professional, experienced, and STCW-F certified Indonesian fishers who are ready to contribute to your success.

The Next Step: Let’s Collaborate!

INFISA understands that transitioning to new standards requires support. Therefore, we are not just promoting this guide; we are offering to be your partner in the process. Our RPP program (accessible at https://rpp.fishermanassociation.or.id/) is specifically designed to facilitate the implementation of best recruitment practices.

We invite all forward-thinking vessel owners and manning agencies to contact us. Let us work together to build a fishing industry that is not only economically profitable but also upholds human values.

Contact us
St Siklepuh Raya, Kec. Talang, Kabupaten Tegal, Jawa Tengah 52193
+62 819 0244 0911
infisa@fishermanassociation.or.id
http://rpp.fishermanassociation.or.id