Certificate III in Aquaculture

This qualification specifies the competencies relevant to an individual working in the aquaculture sector of the seafood industry in the capacity of a skilled worker or leading hand.

The qualification will have application for people working:

for companies providing contract specialist services for aquaculture operations

in hatcheries and nurseries

in live post-harvest holding facilities, such as processing plants, wholesalers or transporters

in pet shops, public aquaria, zoos or other facilities with aquatic animals

on aquaculture farms or fishout/put-and-take operations.

Job roles

An individual operating at this level will have a broad range of well-developed skills and the ability to adapt and transfer skills to new activities. That person will have some responsibility for decision making and may coordinate some team activities. Their duties may include:

installing or constructing stock culture or holding structures and other allied structures

maintaining the culture or holding environment by:

treating and disposing of effluent and wastes

monitoring environmental conditions

maintaining water quality

overseeing stock-related activities, such as:

feeding, handling, harvesting and controlling predators, pests and diseases

responsibility for:

operating high technology water treatment components

implementing emergency procedures

implementing occupational health and safety policies and guidelines.

Duties may vary between aquaculture and aquatic holding enterprises.

Job role titles may include:

autonomous farm attendant

junior technician

leading hand

senior shop hand

shift or team leader

supervisor

work foreman.


Subjects

Packaging Rules

A total of eighteen (18) units must be achieved.

four (4) core units plus

five (5) aquaculture specialist elective units (Group A) plus

nine (9) elective units that may be selected from a combination of:

Group A aquaculture specialist units not yet selected for this qualification

Group B elective units

imported units from this Training Package or from any other nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. A maximum of four (4) units can be imported, however, at least two (2) of those units must be aligned to Certificate III or IV level. Units must be relevant to aquaculture operations and not duplicate units already selected.

Core units of competency

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFICORE101C *

Apply basic food handling and safety practices

add topic SFICORE103C

Communicate in the seafood industry

add topic SFICORE105B

Work effectively in the seafood industry

add topic SFICORE106B

Meet workplace OHS requirements

* Note: add topic SFICORE101C is not a required unit for aquaculture operations that are growing or holding ornamental or display species, stock for pearls, and stockers for conservation purposes. The unit FDFOP2063A Apply quality systems and procedures is to be used in its place.

Elective units of competency

Group A: Aquaculture specialist units

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFIAQUA301C

Oversee and undertake effluent and waste treatment and disposal

add topic SFIAQUA302C

Construct or install stock culture, holding and farm structures

add topic SFIAQUA303C

Coordinate stock handling activities

add topic SFIAQUA308C

Maintain water quality and environmental monitoring

add topic SFIAQUA309C

Oversee harvest and post-harvest activities

add topic SFIAQUA311B

Oversee production and maintain algal or live-feed cultures

add topic SFIAQUA313B

Oversee operations of high technology water treatment components

add topic SFIAQUA314A

Support hatchery operations

add topic SFIAQUA315A

Oversee emergency procedures for on-land operations

add topic SFIAQUA316A

Oversee the control of predators and pests

add topic SFIAQUA317A

Oversee the control of diseases

add topic SFIAQUA318A

Coordinate feed activities

add topic SFIEMS301B

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic SFIEMS302B

Act to prevent interaction with protected species

add topic SFIOHS301C

Implement OHS policies and guidelines

add topic AHCCHM303A

Prepare and apply chemicals

add topic AHCLSK319A

Slaughter livestock

Group B: Other elective units

Aquaculture operations

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFIAQUA209C

Manipulate stock culture environment

add topic SFIAQUA213C

Monitor stock and environmental conditions

add topic SFIAQUA217B

Maintain stock culture, holding and other farm structures

add topic SFIAQUA220A

Use waders

add topic SFIFISH209C

Maintain the temperature of seafood

add topic SFISTOR202C

Receive and distribute product

add topic SFISTOR204A

Prepare, pack and dispatch stock for live transport

add topic SFISTOR205A

Prepare, pack and dispatch non-live product

add topic AHCWRK305A

Coordinate work site activities

add topic FDFOP2063A

Apply quality systems and procedures

Crane operations

Unit code

Unit title

add topic TLILIC0012A

Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane (capacity 10 metre tonnes and above)

add topic TLILIC3006A

Licence to operate a non-slewing mobile crane (greater than 3 tonnes capacity)

add topic TLILIC3008A

Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane (up to 20 tonnes)

Diving operations

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFIDIVE309A

Work effectively as a diver in the seafood industry*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SFIDIVE310A

Perform diving operations using SSBA*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SFIDIVE311A

Perform diving operations using SCUBA*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SFIDIVE312A

Undertake emergency procedures in diving operations using SSBA*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SFIDIVE313A

Undertake emergency procedures in diving operations using SCUBA*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SFIDIVE314A

Perform compression chamber diving operations*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SFIDIVE315A

Perform underwater work in the aquaculture sector*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SFIDIVE316A

Perform underwater work in the wild catch sector*

add topic HLTFA311A Apply first aid

add topic SISOOPS304A

Plan for minimal environmental impact

add topic SISOODR302A

Plan outdoor recreation activities

add topic SISOSCB301A

SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres

Farm operations

Unit code

Unit title

add topic AHCAGB301A

Keep records for a primary production business

add topic AHCARB205A

Operate and maintain chainsaws

add topic AHCBIO202A

Follow site quarantine procedures

add topic AHCCHM201A

Apply chemicals under supervision

add topic AHCCHM304A

Transport, handle and store chemicals

add topic AHCMOM305A

Operate specialised machinery and equipment

Fishing operations

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFIFISH210C

Assemble and repair damaged netting

add topic SFIFISH309B

Construct nets and customise design*

add topic SFIFISH210C Assemble and repair damaged netting

add topic SFIFISH310A

Adjust and position fishing gear

add topic SFIFISH311A

Operate vessel deck machinery and lifting appliance

Maintenance and operations support

Unit code

Unit title

add topic AHCINF303A

Plan and construct conventional fencing

add topic AHCLSC302A

Construct landscape features using concrete

add topic AHCLSC303A

Construct brick and/or block structures and features

add topic AHCLSC304A

Erect timber structures and features

add topic AHCLSK321A

Service and repair bores and windmills

Maritime operations

The units in this group include the remaining MAR units required to achieve MAR20313 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal). MAR units equivalent to the former Elements of Shipboard Safety are also available in SFI20111 Certificate II in Aquaculture.

Unit code

Unit title

MARB001

Assist with routine maintenance of a vessel

MARB002

Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems

MARB009

Manage refuelling

MARC003

Operate and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment

MARC005

Operate inboard and outboard motors

MARC006

Operate main propulsion and auxiliary systems

MARC020

Transmit and receive information by marine radio

MARF001

Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

MARF002

Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

MARF004

Meet work health and safety requirements

MARF005

Survive at sea using survival craft

MARG002

Manage a small crew

MARH001

Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres

MARI001

Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres

MARI002

Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 80 metres

MARJ001

Follow environmental work practices

MARK001

Handle a vessel up to 12 metres

MARN002

Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres

MARN003

Perform seamanship operations on board a vessel up to 24 metres

Occupational health and safety

Unit code

Unit title

HLTAID003

Provide first aid

Ornamental operations

Unit code

Unit title

add topic ACMCAS305A

Maintain aquascapes and aquatic animals

SIRXICT303

Operate retail information technology systems

SIRXMER303

Coordinate merchandise presentation

Quality assurance, food safety and environmental management

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFIEMS401B

Conduct an internal audit of an environmental management system

add topic BSBRSK401A

Identify risk and apply risk management processes

add topic FDFFS3001A

Monitor the implementation of quality and food safety programs*

add topic FDFFS2001A Implement the food safety program and procedures

add topic FDFFS2001A

Implement the food safety program and procedures

add topic FDFOP2013A

Apply sampling procedures

add topic FDFTEC3001A

Participate in a HACCP team*

add topic FDFFS2001A Implement the food safety program and procedures

Seafood processing

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFIPROC302C

Handle and pack sashimi-grade fish

add topic SFIPROC304B

Boil and pack crustaceans

add topic MTMSR303A

Smoke product

Seafood transport and storage

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFISTOR301C

Operate refrigerated storerooms

SITXINV201

Receive and store stock

SITXINV202

Maintain the quality of perishable items

SITXINV401

Control stock

add topic TLILIC2001A

Licence to operate a forklift truck

Vessel operations

Unit code

Unit title

add topic SFIFISH215B

Apply deckhand skills aboard a fishing vessel

add topic SFISHIP202C

Contribute to safe navigation

add topic SFISHIP206C

Operate a small vessel

add topic SFISHIP207C

Operate and maintain outboard motors

add topic SFISHIP211C

Prepare for maintenance

Business services

Unit code

Unit title

add topic BSBADM311A

Maintain business resources

add topic BSBCUS301B

Deliver and monitor a service to customers

add topic BSBFIA301A

Maintain financial records

add topic BSBFIA302A

Process payroll

add topic BSBFIA303A

Process accounts payable and receivable

add topic BSBFIA401A

Prepare financial reports

add topic BSBINM301A

Organise workplace information

add topic BSBITU306A

Design and produce business documents

add topic BSBITU307A

Develop keyboarding speed and accuracy

add topic BSBITU309A

Produce desktop published documents

add topic BSBRKG304B

Maintain business records

add topic BSBSUS201A

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Corporate management

Unit code

Unit title

add topic BSBFLM303C

Contribute to effective workplace relationships

add topic BSBFLM306C

Provide workplace information and resourcing plans

add topic BSBFLM309C

Support continuous improvement systems and processes

add topic BSBFLM311C

Support a workplace learning environment

add topic BSBFLM312C

Contribute to team effectiveness

add topic BSBINN301A

Promote innovation in a team environment

add topic BSBWOR301B

Organise personal work priorities and development

E-business

Unit code

Unit title

add topic BSBITU305A

Conduct online transactions

add topic BSBRES401A

Analyse and present research information

add topic BSBRKG402B

Provide information from and about records

Training and assessment

Unit code

Unit title

add topic TAEASS301B

Contribute to assessment

add topic TAEDEL301A

Provide work skill instruction


Pathways...

    Pathways into the qualification

    Entry into this qualification may be:

    by direct entry

    after completion of the SFI20111 Certificate II in Aquaculture.

    This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.

    Pathways from the qualification

    After achieving this qualification, candidates may undertake:

    SFI40111 Certificate IV in Aquaculture

    SFI40311 Certificate IV in Seafood Industry (Environmental Management).


Entry Requirements

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations

Licences for operating motor vehicles, tractors, forklifts, vessels and other plant apply to some competencies. Occupational health and safety (OHS), food safety and environmental protection regulations apply to aquaculture enterprises.


Employability Skills

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

SFI30111 Certificate III in Aquaculture

The following table contains a summary of the employability skills as identified by the aquaculture sector for this qualification. This table should be interpreted in conjunction with the detailed requirements of each unit of competency packaged in this qualification. The outcomes described here are broad industry requirements and may vary from one agency to another.

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

counting stock numbers

estimating percentage of feed consumed

estimating the duration of tasks

reading and interpreting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and equipment manufacturer guidelines or instructions

reading meters or test kits when making adjustments to culture or holding environment or calibrating equipment

reading schedules relating to feeding, grading or harvesting

recording and reporting data

summarising oral reports of team members on work activities, problems and abnormal stock behaviour for a supervisor.

Teamwork

contributing to participative OHS arrangements

overseeing or coordinating work of other team members

respecting people from diverse backgrounds

sharing information relevant to work with co-workers

undertaking duties in a positive manner to promote cooperation.

Problem solving

developing practical and creative solutions to workplace problems either individually or in teams

recognising and resolving problems and conflicts that may arise in the workplace

recording and reviewing water quality data or environmental conditions

reporting problems to supervisor.

Initiative and enterprise

adapting to new situations

being creative in response to workplace challenges

identifying opportunities that might not be obvious to others

identifying, assessing and managing environmental, OHS and food safety hazards

monitoring and responding to changing weather conditions

monitoring stock and responding to abnormal activity

recognising and reporting faulty equipment and following OHS procedures.

Planning and organising

applying continuous improvement processes

coordinating labour, equipment and other resources to ensure that work is carried out according to timelines and priorities

establishing and communicating clear goals and deliverables for self and team members

identifying hazards prior to commencing a job

planning for self and work team to complete work within an allocated timeframe.

Self-management

maintaining own knowledge of the job role, reviewing own performance and actively seeking and acting upon advice and guidance

prioritising work and completing delegated tasks

taking responsibility at the appropriate level.

Learning

being open to learning, new ideas and techniques

identifying own learning needs for future work requirements and career aspirations

learning in a range of settings, including informal learning

sharing knowledge and skills with other team members.

Technology

examining options for automation, mechanisation or other technology to reduce risks and improve efficiencies

using automated equipment, such as feeders and data loggers.