LIFE ONBOARD
It's easy to romanticize the idea of sunsets and calm waters, but the work the boys do at sea is often challenging and physically taxing, weather can change quickly, the nights are long, and the job rarely stops for no man. Next time you are tucking into a King Prawn, consider the journey it took for the crew and skipper to get it to you.
THE CREW
The crew aboard the Kelana battle the elements year-round, heading to sea in all conditions—rain, wind, or sunshine. Except for October, they spend 20 to 27 days each month on the water.
With their vessel fully fuelled and stocked with enough food to sustain three grown men for a month, they maintain the boat, catch the prawns and live onboard during this time.
The boys have been fishing their whole lives, their passion for fishing goes beyond it being just a job, it's a lifestyle. Being on the water provides them a unique connection to the ocean that very few professions offer and even fewer can compare too.
THE SKIPPER
Allan is both owner and skipper of the Kelana, he has been operating in the ECOTF and catching Eastern King Prawns for over 29 years..
THE KELANA
The Kelana is a 17.8-meter steel trawler, fully equipped to accommodate the crew for extended periods onboard. The vessel upholds safety at sea by adhering to strict standards set by the National Regulator.
Every October, during the season's closure, scheduled maintenance and improvements are carried out.
The vessel is dry docked and inspected in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The F.V Kelana holds Export vessel accreditation and Safe Food Queensland certifications
DID YOU KNOW
The name of the vessel that Allan & the crew operate from is the F.V Kelana, this name translates to "the wanderer" or "to roam' - Very fitting!
