Becoming an Observer

We employ seasonal and temporary observers on an "as needed" basis. If you are interested in becoming an observer please forward a current resume and details which address the selection criteria to:

The Observer Administrator
AFMA
PO Box 7051
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610

Summary of duties of an Observer

The duties of an AFMA Observer aboard a vessel are to:

• Collect vessel, technical and biological data which is not normally obtainable through logbooks
• Verify catch and effort data submitted by the vessel in accordance with its fishing permit conditions
• Collect data for research programs supporting fisheries management and other agencies
• Monitor vessel compliance with their permit conditions
• Educate fishers with respect to observer program activities and clarify fishing permit conditions
• Monitor compliance with respects to marine pollution (MARPOL)
• Develop and refine methodologies for the collection of verified data
• Prepare a report at the end of each trip.

The relative importance and priorities for each of these roles is determined by stakeholders during the development of the requirements and protocols for each Observer project, and formally documented in an Observer manual specific to that project.

Our duty of care responsibilities

AFMA has a duty of care responsibility in relation to the occupational health and safety (Commonwealth Employment Act 1991) for seagoing personnel employed as fisheries observers, and AFMA is required to take all reasonable practical steps to protect the safety of its employees.

In complying with this requirement, AFMA needs to be assured that the vessel prior to the observer’s placement is in sound condition and is suitably crewed. In short, AFMA must be satisfied that the vessel is “fit for purpose”.

In order for AFMA to satisfy this responsibility, AFMA require the permit holder to supply the Observer Program with a copy of the vessel's current “Classification Society Survey Certificate,”(or equivalent) and a copy of the master’s and chief engineer’s current “Certificate of Competency” (or equivalent), or as otherwise required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), or the relevant State authority.

Observers have the right to refuse to board a particular vessel should they consider it to be unseaworthy or otherwise unsafe.

Furthermore, as part of AFMA’s ongoing commitment, all observers will have a sea safety training certificate by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) accredited organisation and obtain an AFMA observer medical assessment from a doctor of AFMA’s choice.

Page last updated 21 August, 2007