Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 63

Condition for receipt (optional contributors)

Section 63 sets out the conditions under which a person engaged in share fishing may qualify for jobseeker's benefit.

• Share fishers may only claim jobseeker's benefit for days when they are not actually fishing and are actively seeking work.
• Benefit is available when the fishing vessel cannot put to sea due to weather conditions that make sailing unreasonable.
• Benefit is also available when the vessel is undergoing repairs or maintenance, provided these do not fall within the definition of "work" that share fishers are expected to perform.
• "Work" means unpaid duties (beyond profit shares) that are necessary for the vessel's safety or efficiency, including repairs, maintenance, and preparation of nets and gear.