ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Master Fisher: ANZSCO code 231211

Master Fisher is occupation 231211 in ANZSCO 1.3, the classification Immigration New Zealand uses for most work visas and every Skilled Migrant Category application. It sits at ANZSCO skill level 2, in unit group 2312 Marine Transport Professionals.

ANZSCO code
231211
Skill level
2
Unit group
2312 Marine Transport Professionals
Green List
No

Master Fisher: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 2. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Note: some roles within this unit group are at ANZSCO Skill Level 1. Registration or licensing is required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 231211 is "Master Fisher" at NOL skill level 2: NZQCF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 5-6/NOL Skill Level 2).

A skill level describes the occupation, not you. Immigration New Zealand matches a job to the single closest occupation, and the skill level comes from that occupation; more experience does not move an occupation to a higher level.

What does a master fisher do?

Controls a fishing vessel and fishing operations to catch and preserve fish, crustacea and molluscs. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks for unit group 2312 Marine Transport Professionals include:

  • Directing fishing operations by using knowledge about the species sought, fishing areas, seasons and the capabilities of the vessel and crew
  • Directing crew in catching fish, molluscs and crustacea at varying depths using nets, lines, poles, pots and traps
  • Planning, controlling and coordinating the operational and maintenance requirements of a ship's propulsion and domestic plant and equipment
  • Operating plant and equipment and performing routine maintenance on ship's systems including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam generating, and fire prevention and control systems
  • Controlling and directing shipping operations to ensure the safe and efficient loading and transport of cargo and passengers
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations pertaining to safety at sea and protection of the marine environment
  • Directing the activities of the deck crew for navigational support tasks, berthing and unberthing, maintenance, cleaning and painting of superstructures, and repair and replacement of defective deck gear and equipment
  • Navigating a ship by supervising the ship's course and speed according to predetermined passage plans and safety procedures
  • Examining and approving design plans of hulls and equipment such as main propulsion engines, auxiliary boilers and turbines, electrical power generating plant, refrigeration and airconditioning plant and pumping systems
  • Conducting periodic surveys throughout a ship's life to ensure standards are maintained

Other job titles under ANZSCO 231211

Alternative titles and specialisations from ANZSCO, and job titles Stats NZ lists under the same code:

  • Deep Sea Fishing Boat Skipper
  • Fishing Boat Captain
  • Fishing Boat Skipper
  • Fishing Skipper

What skill level 2 means for New Zealand visas

Visa rule For this occupation More
Accredited Employer Work Visa: longest visa Up to 5 years for skill level 1 to 3 roles. AEWV guide
AEWV: evidence of English Not required for skill level 1 and 2 roles. AEWV guide
Supporting a partner's visa The skill level 1 to 3 wage threshold applies. Partner of a Worker
Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway Open to skill level 1 to 3 occupations, with work experience and pay requirements. Skilled Work Experience pathway
SMC red and amber lists Not on either list. INZ's lists
SMC Trades and Technician pathway Not on INZ's list of eligible occupations. INZ's list
Green List No Green List role is listed under this code. INZ's Green List

Rules as published by Immigration New Zealand. Lists synced 31 October 2026. Each visa has further requirements beyond skill level, including pay and work experience.

National Occupation List occupations for ANZSCO 231211

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 231211. Immigration New Zealand accepts a NOL code only for an AEWV or job check, and only for occupations on its published list; for any other visa, use the ANZSCO code.

NOL code NOL occupation NOL skill level INZ accepts for an AEWV
231211 Master Fisher 2 Not yet

More about this job in New Zealand

Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Ship's master .

Not sure this is your occupation?

Picking the right occupation decides the skill level, and with it the visa rules above. Talk it through with us: we will listen to your situation and match you with the right IAA-licensed adviser. You can also check your pay and work experience against the residence wage rules with our calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Master Fisher?

Master Fisher is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 231211, in unit group 2312 Marine Transport Professionals. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Master Fisher?

ANZSCO skill level 2, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Note: some roles within this unit group are at ANZSCO Skill Level 1. Registration or licensing is required.

Is Master Fisher on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 231211 on Immigration New Zealand's Green List as at 31 October 2026.

Sources: ANZSCO version 1.3, Australian Bureau of Statistics, CC BY 4.0, synced 31 October 2026; National Occupation List V3.0.0, Stats NZ, CC BY 4.0, synced 1 November 2026; Immigration New Zealand occupation lists, synced 31 October 2026. This page reproduces published classifications and Immigration New Zealand's lists. It is general information, not immigration advice. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).