Assessor Resource

SFICOMP202B
Conduct field observations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Observations could be for the purposes of surveillance, research or monitoring of cultural or natural resources.

An observer would typically make use of observation and recording equipment, such as maps, charts, video cameras, still cameras and global positioning system (GPS). For surveillance, an observer would require expertise in collecting relevant information of the type, quality and quantity necessary for presentation as admissible evidence in a court of law, if required. Knowledge of legislation relevant to the surveillance is also required.

Where observations are being undertaken for the purposes of research and monitoring, the observer will require sufficient knowledge of the subject to ensure meaningful and accurate observations.

This unit of competency involves making observations in the field following the agency's policies and procedures.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

make accurate and relevant field observations

recognise evidence of non-compliance

use a range of observation and recording equipment and techniques.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

marine and fisheries management legislation relevant to the field observation task.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted in the field and workplace, or in a simulated field and work environment.

Resources may include:

directive and details explaining the observation task

relevant procedures

relevant sources of information

recording forms

observation and recording equipment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of practical demonstration

oral and written short-answer testing

practical exercise that simulates a field observation.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communicating to respond to queries and confirm instructions

conducting equipment serviceability checks

filing and file security

identifying hazards, and conducting risk assessments and risk controls

interpreting work plans

operating observation and recording equipment

selecting, fitting and using of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Literacy skills used for:

developing reports

reading maps, charts and signs

recording observations.

Numeracy skills used for:

making observations, such as counting, measuring and estimating.

Required knowledge

basic operational requirements of observation and recording equipment

culturally sensitive areas impacting on the field observation:

sacred and other culturally significant sites

cultural activity, including the attitude, beliefs and values of local communities

environmental and community issues relating to natural resource management, such as:

fishing by traditional methods

Indigenous land rights

marine and fisheries management legislation and surveillance legislation relevant to the field observation

recording and reporting requirements

safety procedures and hazards associated with field observations.

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.

Field observations may include:

monitoring of:

marine resources

sacred and other cultural sites

surveillance of:

suspected illegal activities

vessel or vehicle movements.

Nature and type of information may include:

environmental factors, such as:

phase of moon

swell

tides and currents

weather conditions

measurements, such as:

frequency

quantity

rate

size (e.g. length, breadth, depth and diameter)

observable features of:

catch

crew behaviour and dress

equipment

fish or marine fauna species

nationality

signage

types of vessels and vehicles

vessel colour and shape

timing, such as:

day of week and month of year

season

time.

Equipment and technology may include:

audio recording device

binoculars and telescope

GPS

maps and charts

night-vision gear

radio

satellite phone

still camera

video camera.

Serviceability may include:

calibration or standardisation

currency

equipment start-up or operational checklists

maintenance logs

test run.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
The purpose of the field observations is identified and confirmed with the supervisor or team leader. 
Nature and type of information to be collected is confirmed with the supervisor or team leader. 
Any agency protocols or requirements for the recording of observations are identified and confirmed. 
Equipment and technology appropriate for the field observation task are selected and checked for serviceability. 
Equipment is used in a manner that facilitates observations being recorded that are accurate and effective for the intended purpose. 
Sufficient and relevant information is collected from observations. 
Observations are recorded according to agency procedures. 
Equipment is used in a manner that ensures the safety of self and others. 
Security of equipment is ensured at all times. 
Report is prepared and collated, identifying any evidence of non-compliance, and presented according to agency procedures. 
Recorded observations are labelled and filed securely according to agency procedures. 
Queries arising from the report are answered in a timely manner. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SFICOMP202B - Conduct field observations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SFICOMP202B - Conduct field observations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: