Hired Masters

Hello Fishies!

In prior blogs I let you know that some of the vessels involved in Deadliest Catch are not owner operated. The skipper of those vessels is called a hired master. Here is some information about that:

What is a Hired Master?

A “Hired Master” is an individual who, at the request of an IFQ Permit holder, and on approval by NMFS, has been authorized to fish another person’s specific IFQ permit. Some IFQ permit holders must use Hired Masters to fish their IFQ; some may use Hired Masters, and some types of IFQ may never be fished by Hired Masters, (i.e. the IFQ permit holder must personally be on board).

Who must use a Hired Master to fish their crab IFQ permit(s)?

• All non-individual entities (corporations, partnerships, crab harvesting cooperatives, etc.) that hold crab IFQ permits must use NMFS-authorized Hired Masters to fish their IFQ permits. Even if you are a shareholder, partner, or member of the IFQ permit holder, the IFQ permit holder must formally obtain authorization from NMFS to use that shareholder, partner, or member as its Hired Master.
• Any IFQ assigned to a crab harvesting cooperatives must be fished by a Hired Master authorized for the cooperative’s IFQ permits and vessels.

Who may use a Hired Master to fish their crab IFQ permit(s)?

Individuals holding CVO or CPO IFQ permits are not required to use a Hired Master and may choose to be on board the vessel and harvest their own IFQ crab. However, any individual who holds a CVO or CPO IFQ permit may hire a master to fish his/her IFQ as long as he or she owns at least 10% of the vessel on which the IFQ crab is to be harvested.

What types of crab IFQ may NOT be fished by a Hired Master?

“Crew” or “Captain” IFQ (CVC and CPC types), if held by an individual—not assigned to a cooperative, may only be fished by the IFQ permit holder and may not be fished by a Hired Master. CVC and CPC IFQ assigned to a cooperative must be fished by that cooperative’s hired master.

How do I obtain authorization for a Hired Master to fish my crab IFQ permit(s)?

If you are an IFQ permit holder eligible to use a Hired Master (see above), you must apply to NMFS for approval by submitting the form “Application for Crab IFQ Hired Master Permit” (Application). The application is available from the Restricted Access Management (RAM) Program at 1-800-304-4846 (option #2), or online at: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/crab/rat/ram/hiredskipperapp.pdf. You must submit an Application for each combination of individual Master, IFQ permit fished, and each vessel used. Therefore, you will have to submit another Application when you wish to add, delete, or change individuals, IFQ permits, and/or vessels.

As a Hired Master for a crab harvesting cooperative, do I need to be present on the vessel during fishing operations?

Yes, the Hired Master must be present on the vessel during fishing operations

As a Hired Master for a crab harvesting cooperative, do I need to be present, on the vessel or at the processing plant, during the entire off-load?

Yes, the Hired Master must remain at the facility until the relevant crab IFQ account is debited.

Does a Hired Master fishing for a cooperative, or a non-cooperative IFQ permit holder need to be present when delivering Class B IFQ?

Yes.

Stay tuned!

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