This guide walks through every realistic pathway for migrating to Australia as a Master Fisher under ANZSCO 231211. 231211 sits on the ROL only. Only Subclass 494 is open. Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491, Subclass 186, and Subclass 482 are NOT open.
For the assessing-authority detail, see the 231211 skills assessment guide. For worked numbers, see the 231211 cost & timeline case study.
Visa eligibility snapshot
| Visa | Status for 231211 |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Independent points-tested) | Closed |
| Subclass 190 (State-nominated PR) | Closed |
| Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional) | Closed |
| Subclass 186 Direct Entry | Closed |
| Subclass 482 Core Skills | Closed |
| Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer-sponsored Regional) | Open ✅ |
What ANZSCO 231211 covers
- Trawl skippers — Northern Prawn Fishery, southern trawl
- Longline skippers — tuna longline (East Coast / WA)
- Purse seine masters — pelagic / sardine fisheries
- Lobster / crab fishery skippers — WA Western Rock Lobster, southern rock lobster, Spanner crab
- Aquaculture vessel masters — salmon barge / cage tender masters (TAS), tuna tow boat masters (Port Lincoln)
- Pearl industry vessel masters (WA / Northern Territory)
Pathway — Subclass 494 → 191
494 is regional employer-sponsored provisional. 5 years on 494 + meeting income / residence rules = transition to 191 PR. Almost all commercial fishing operations are coastal regional — natural 494 fit.
Realistic 494 employers:
- Northern Prawn Fishery operators — A. Raptis & Sons, Austfish, Newfishing
- WA Western Rock Lobster — Fremantle / Geraldton-based operators
- Tuna longline / purse seine — Sydney Fish Market longline / SAR2 operators, Stehr Group (Port Lincoln)
- Southern rock lobster — TAS, VIC, SA fleet operators
- Pearl industry — Paspaley Pearling (Broome / Darwin), Cygnet Bay Pearls
- Aquaculture support vessels — Tassal, Huon Aquaculture, Petuna (TAS); Clean Seas (SA tuna)
AMSA certificate conversion (post-arrival)
AMSA Certificates of Competency for fishing vessels:
- Master <24m Near Coastal — most common for Australian commercial fishing
- Master <500GT Near Coastal — larger trawl / aquaculture vessels
- Master <80m Near Coastal — large pelagic / blue water vessels
- Master Unlimited — international waters fishing
Foreign STCW-compliant masters generally convert via AMSA Recognition of Foreign Qualifications process plus oral exam.
Common mistakes that cost master fishers their assessment
Sea time gaps. AMSA expects continuous sea service log. Periods ashore need clear context.
Confusing 231211 with 231213 Ship's Master. 231211 is fishing-vessel-specific. 231213 is general merchant marine.
STCW-F vs STCW endorsements. Make sure your certificate includes fishing-specific endorsements where relevant.
Tools to plan your pathway
- Eligibility wizard
- Visa fee calculator
- ANZSCO search — confirm 231211 vs 231213
- Document checklist
Where to verify the rules
- Department of Home Affairs
- AMSA — Australian Maritime Safety Authority
- AMSA Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Next step
Want to model 494 against your fishing master profile and certificate? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.