Required skills

demonstrating capacity and judgement to identify unusual or irregular events and to suggest possible causes and effects that may have implications for fisheries research and management

engaging vessel crew in cooperating with the collection and interpretation of information

estimating measuring and sampling fishing operations and production

identifying a range of species seafoodaquatic products equipment and resources relevant to the industry sector or geographic area

recording reporting and debriefing on fishing activity catch effort and other relevant information according to set protocols and plans

Literacy skills used for

recording information related to fishing activity

Numeracy skills used for

estimating catch and effort

measuring biological features of species and environmental conditions

sampling of catch and other relevant variables

Required knowledge

basic environmental management legislation regulations and codes of practice relevant to the specific sector within the seafood industry

ESD principles and practices

commercial fisheries and unique aspects relevant to the fishery sector or geographic area

data collection measurement and sampling methodologies

fisheries management methodologies and associated data requirements

fisheries research methodologies and the application of scientific data

radio and telephone communication systems at sea

relationship of observation activities to fisheries management processes

species product work regime and typical equipment used

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 resourceenvironmental 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 nonstandard 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

thirdparty reports including reports from shorebased supervisors and cruise crew members

written or oral shortanswer questions to assess underpinning knowledge

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units in the Observer Skill Set

SFIOBSVB Collect reliable scientific data and samples

SFIOBSV302B Collect reliable scientific data and samples

SFIOBSVB Collect routine fishery management data

SFIOBSV303B Collect routine fishery management data

SFIOBSVB Analyse and report onboard observations

SFIOBSV304B Analyse and report onboard observations.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

OHS guidelines may include:

ESD principles may include:

PPE may include:

Observers may be placed on board:

Compliance with conditions may include:

Range of work conditions may include:

Unusual or irregular events may include:

Safety procedures may include:

Observations may include: