Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
biodiversity and genetically modified organisms
biosecurity, translocation and quarantine
Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and other import requirements
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
correct marketing names and labelling
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits and licences
health and welfare of aquatic animals
Indigenous land rights and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
maritime and occupational diving operations, safety at sea and pollution control
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures
safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
ESD principles may include:
applying animal welfare ethics and procedures
controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
maintaining biodiversity by sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection
reducing energy use
improving energy efficiency
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering
insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective hair, beard and boot covers
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
respirator or face mask
safety harness
sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)
waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear).
Observers may be placed on board:
Australian registered vessels
foreign fishing vessels
operations on the high seas
operations within Australian fishing zones
squid jiggers
trawl vessels
tuna long lines.
Compliance with conditions may include:
compliance with permits and agreements
conduct of fishing operations in approved areas
maintenance of approved levels of fishing effort
use of fishing equipment and gear approved for the fishery.
Range of work conditions may include:
difficult work and sleeping conditions
embarkation at any Australian port
isolation
long, irregular hours on deck, typically working up to ten hours a day, seven days a week
short notice to travel
transference between vessels at sea
unfamiliar customs and language
unfamiliar food
varying durations of cruises, typically two weeks to two months.
Unusual or irregular events may include:
by-catch
catch of sea birds and marine mammals
catch of unexpected species
inefficient fishing techniques (as an explanation of catch rates)
law breaking or breach of permit conditions
unusual biological features of catch, including size, weight and age
unusual environmental conditions.
Safety procedures may include:
avoiding interference with fishing operations
communicating regularly with shore-based supervisors
following all onboard safety procedures
keeping crew informed of activities
locating a safe work area free from hazards
minimising risks
wearing PPE.
Observations may include:
long line:
baits at surface
environmental conditions
hook sizes
presence of seabirds
quantities of bait
snood lengths
tangles in setting bins
time of set
other commercial fishing operations
trawl:
by-catch
gilled fish
percentage of bin
quantity
time at hand
weight.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to complete a range of onboard observations, measurements and sampling tasks over time, according to set protocols and plans and under difficult and arduous work conditions.

Assessment must confirm the ability to:
employ quality information collection processes that produce data that is valid and comparable to data from other sources
follow the observation, data collection and sampling routines outlined in cruise plans
identify relevant information and findings likely to be of interest for scientific and resource/environmental management purposes
engage vessel crew in cooperating with the collection and interpretation of information
cope with disruptions and changed circumstances by modifying work plans in consultation with relevant personnel
recognise non-standard events, data and samples and suggest possible causes and effects
record and report observations in appropriate formats and within the required timeframe.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
the Australian fishing industry, including fishing methods, equipment and major species
fisheries research methodologies and the importance of accurate, complete and comprehensive scientific data
fisheries and environmental management strategies
measurement and biological sampling techniques and other data collection methodologies designed to capture information of use to scientific research and fisheries management.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:
relevant documentation, such as:
observation procedures and protocols
data collection plans and recording forms.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
examples of records, reports and other documentation completed by the candidate
observation of the candidate while conducting onboard observations
practical exercises involving the design and conduct of measurement and sampling processes
third-party reports, including reports from shore-based supervisors and cruise crew members
written or oral short-answer questions to assess underpinning knowledge
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units in the Observer Skill Set:
SFIOBSV302B Collect reliable scientific data and samples
SFIOBSV303B Collect routine fishery management data
SFIOBSV304B Analyse and report onboard observations.