This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and monitor feed activities for cultured aquatic stock. It includes the ability to coordinate feed activities and use data and observations to optimise the uptake of feed.

The unit applies to individuals who are responsible for feed activities within an aquaculture workplace, working under broad direction and having limited responsibility for the work of others.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, biosecurity and environmental regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has monitored feed activities for aquatic stock on at least one occasion, including:

communicating with supervisor on feeding requirements and activities

using appropriate feeding equipment and/or technology

fitting personal protective equipment when it's required

preparing the correct feed type and quantity to meet feeding requirements

altering feeding plan to compensate for factors or conditions influencing feed uptake

maintaining a clean work area and functional equipment during and after feeding

checking and maintaining the quality of feed

maintaining accurate records on feeding activities.

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

feeding requirements of aquatic stock, stock types and age groups

characteristics of main feed types

stock behaviour and dietary requirements in varying conditions

factors and conditions that inhibit or limit feed uptake

effects of food wastage on environment

feed handling and preparation and storage requirements

feeding equipment operations and maintenance

safety considerations and hazards associated with feeding equipment and activities.

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

skills must be demonstrated in an aquaculture workplace or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

feeding equipment

stock feed

stock to be fed

specifications:

feeding schedule

workplace procedures for feeding stock, including advice on health and safety and hygiene requirements

relationships:

evidence of interactions with supervisor and team members.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Aquaculture (AQU)