Application
This unit describes the skills required to catch aquatic animals in a survival situation. This includes preparing improvised fishing resources and conducting fishing operations. The individual is not expected to be an expert fisherperson but rather to have sufficient skills and knowledge to obtain, where possible, a measure of sustenance from waterways to increase their chances of survival.
This unit was developed for Defence personnel but may be relevant to others.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would act autonomously, while performing concrete tasks, in a broad range of contexts which may be highly unpredictable.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare improvised fishing resources | 1.1 Assemble improvised tackle from natural resources and basic survival resources (i.e. wire, fish hooks and fishing line). 1.2 Identify and prepare natural fish 1.3 Bait tackle using locally acquired insects and animals appropriate to the type of aquatic animal being sought. |
2. Conduct fishing operation | 2.1 Choose location and timing of fishing operation to optimise the chances of success. 2.2 Apply basic fishing techniques to attract the desired aquatic animal to strike. 2.3 Land hooked aquatic animals. 2.4 Site and enhance tidal pools (includes making use of inlets, natural constrictions) to trap aquatic animals during tidal ranges. 2.5 Handle, dispatch, gut and fillet captured aquatic animals, and remove undesirable/poisonous animals from catch. 2.6 Examine guts to identify animals’ preferred diet with the aim of targeting particular species and reinvesting offal and offcuts in ongoing fishing operations. 2.7 Implement techniques for maintaining aquatic animals in fresh condition until required for consumption. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
siting an appropriate fishing location that optimises the chances of success
siting and constructing a functional tidal pool of at least two square metres surface area
maintaining a landed fish either by tethering or depositing in an enclosed pool
recognising dangerous aquatic animals and predators
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
ciguatera poisoning signs and symptoms
awareness of dangerous/poisonous aquatic animals and of predators
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of fishing activities that could be expected in a survival situation. Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment with access to a suitable assessment area, fish hooks (maximum of five) and fishing line (maximum of five metres).
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment with other survival units.
While a person can demonstrate the ability to catch aquatic animals, doing so in a survival situation is crucial. Assessment under simulated survival conditions includes:
food restrictions
absence of normal living conditions and amenities
significant period of time
Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Survival