Experiences of the Japanese Pearl Divers

Question 1

Where did the pearlers in Western Australia come from?

Answer 1

The pearlers in Western Australia were Malays, Philippine, Japanese, Aboriginal and Chinese.

Question 2

Why were the pearl divers brought into the Australian pearl industry?

Answer 2

Initially, shell was collected in shallow waters but the shallows became depleted and Japanese pearlers were needed to source the shell from deeper waters.

Question 3

How did the White Australia policy impact the pearling industry?

Answer 3

The government imposed heavy restrictions on Japanese (and other non-Caucasian) workers and their duties. After Federation, the Immigration Restriction Act (White Australia Policy) put more limitations on the immigration of divers in the industry but it was soon realised that it was difficult to attract employees to such a dangerous and modestly paid job so, in 1916, Asian pearlers were made exempt.

Question 4

What were the risks/dangers faced by the pearlers?

Answer 4

Decompression sickness, shark attacks, drowning and cyclones.