Diane Snider Photos

The fishing nets used by such fishermen are very large and often a single net is dragged between two such boats because of its size. When not actually out in their boats, the men check over their nets for holes which might require mending.

This basket boat (round boat) fisherman has lowered his paddle and is starting to lower himself as he ducks down enough to take his boat underneath the divided roadway there in front of the main dock area where a big cruise ship is in port.

This close up- photo clearly shows the construction of these basket boats (round boats). They are made of stips of bamboo, laced tightly together and are coated with a special waterproof tar. Used daily and just left up on rocks to dry out when not in use, the boats are recoated with that tar every six months or so to ensure they stay waterproof. The fishermen themselves make their own boats which generally can easily carry 5 people.

Basket boats - or round boats - not only carry fish and huge piles of fish nets but also day-to-day supplies such as wood, vegetables, fruits, other market items, tools, and even the family. Being not only round but also flat bottomed, these boats are quite stable and safe.

The back end of a lower deck on the cruise ship proved to be a perfect spot for photographing the very near small fishing camp used by the basket boat fishermen. Convenient to their village up on the hillside, the camp area provided plenty of rock space on which to dry their very large nets.