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 and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner

applies effective modifications and contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during fishing trips

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure guiding of groups on multiple fishing trips in fishing locations that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

suitable fishing locations to guide participants

participants to take part in fishing trips

a range of oceanic, offshore, fly, estuarine and freshwater fishing tackle and equipment

resources and information regarding participants and fishing site to plan, guide and document fishing trips for a variety of participants.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of planning and guiding processes and interacting with participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all fishing activities throughout trip

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of fishing trip plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan fishing trips that meet their needs

convey information about the safety and logistical aspects of trips

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan fishing trips according to participant's needs and abilities

make decisions about potential hazards that may affect trips

modify aspects of trips according to all variable factors and non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate equipment and suitable fishing locations

organise participants into manageable groups for fishing

language and literacy skills to:

produce plans for fishing trips

complete post trip participant and self evaluations

first aid, rescue and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and legal conduct of all activities

minimal impact codes to ensure protection of environment and fish species

site specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment characteristics and technology used for specific types of fishing, and factors affecting appropriate selection, use and maintenance to enable safe conduct of all activities

methods and techniques used to catch and handle various species of fish

fish species available within specific aquatic habitats

hazards and risks associated with various types of fishing to adequately prepare group

sources of weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the trip

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during the fishing trip

first aid, emergency and rescue procedures relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

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.

Condition of participants may include:

previous fishing experience

physical capabilities

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location, equipment and resources

guide and participant ratios

risk and contingency management plans.

Type of fishing may include:

fly

freshwater

oceanic

estuary

beach and rock

charter in and off-shore.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use, maintenance and storage of fishing equipment

manufacturer's design specifications and recommendations for equipment use

procedures for handling dangerous fish

procedures for returning undersized and unwanted fish to water

communication protocols

risk management procedures

time and budget constraints

confidentiality of participant information

code of ethics.

Trip objectives may include:

self improvement

meeting people

catching various species of fish

adventure and recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards

slippery or unstable shore

poor posture, poor technique

poor carrying techniques

loose or insecure craft when being transported.

other craft.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

hyperthermia

injuries

exhaustion

dehydration.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

food preparation

individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including tide times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Equipment may include:

fishing equipment

navigation equipment

safety and rescue equipment

Relevant information may include:

minimal environmental impact practices

fishing techniques

logistical details

responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures may include:

use of first aid, safety and rescue equipment

symptoms, treatment and prevention of common fishing incidents or risks

guide or participant ratios

contingency and risk management

establishing safe areas or boundaries, if applicable.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather and conditions

equipment failure

available fish species.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.