Typically an operation is undertaken on a specific direction from senior personnel or as a routine event based on a fisheries management agency's work plan.

Planning and preparation include ensuring that equipment is available and in working condition, that relevant information is obtained beforehand relating to weather forecasts, tides and seasonal factors, and that appropriate safety precautions are taken.

Persons undertaking local operational work would be expected to use their knowledge of the local area. This might include knowledge of significant geographic and cultural features, flora and fauna species, habitats and historical information about the local community, and fisher and tourist behaviour in the region.

The operation will usually involve some type of observation or monitoring role, skills that are covered by SFICOMP202B Conduct field observations. On return from the operation, a debriefing will be held, equipment and vessels or vehicles will be cleaned and stored and an operations record or report submitted.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan local operation

1.1. A decision to conduct an operation is made based on the agency's work plan or as directed by senior personnel.

1.2. The purpose of the operation is confirmed with the supervising officer.

1.3. Hazards and risks associated with the operation are identified, assessed and appropriate controls are identified for inclusion in the plan.

1.4. Resources required to support the operation are identified and their availability is confirmed.

1.5. Logistics associated with the operation are considered and taken into account when developing the operational plan.

1.6. An operational plan is developed and submitted in accordance with agency procedures.

2. Prepare for the operation

2.1. Communications and other equipment are confirmed as serviceable through maintenance checks and testing.

2.2. Backup systems and contingency plans are confirmed as in place.

2.3. Current information relating to weather conditions and cultural, fishing and marine activities is obtained and its significance to the operation understood.

2.4. Role of self and others involved in the operation is confirmed and understood.

2.5. Activities on the pre-operation checklist are completed in a timely and efficient matter.

3. Undertake the operation

3.1. The operation objectives are re-confirmed with others involved in the operation.

3.2. The schedule of activities in the operational plan is followed.

3.3. Equipment is used safely and effectively throughout the operation according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

3.4. Communications with others involved in the operation are effective and timely.

3.5. Communications with the public are courteous, non-confrontational and culturally respectful.

3.6. On completion of the operation, activities on the post-operation checklist are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

4. Report on the operation

4.1. Operational outcomes, intelligence information and any follow-up actions to be taken are reported to the supervising officer or other designated person as required by the agency.

4.2. Operation plan and actual outcomes are reviewed at a debriefing session and any recommendations for improvement or follow-up are given.

Required skills

analysing and applying workplace information to planning

analysing operational requirements to identify hazards, risks and controls

controlling or minimising occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental risks

preparing operational plans

reporting on patrol operation

selecting, fitting and using of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the operation

verbally communicating with team members.

Literacy skills used for:

developing operation plan

interpreting weather reports and other information relevant to the operation.

Numeracy skills used for:

operating global positioning system (GPS)

speed and distance calculations to estimate fuel usage and time.

Required knowledge

basic operational requirements of general and communications equipment used for local operations

legislation relevant to the operation

local environmental and cultural factors, including:

environmental management strategies

fisher and tourist behaviour in the region

traditional methods of fishing

flora and fauna species

geographical features

habitats

historical information about the local community

Indigenous land rights

sacred and other cultural sites

traditional cultural activities

principles of equipment operation

safety procedures and potential hazards associated with local operations, including the principles of hazard identification, risk analysis and risk minimisation

the effect of external factors on local operations, including:

fishing or marine activity

seasonal factors

tides and currents

weather conditions.

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:

plan and conduct an operation safely and in accordance with agency procedures

communicate effectively with team members and others

review and report on outcomes.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

cultural activities relevant to the operation

effect of weather and seasonal variations on operational outcomes

hazards and risks associated with operational requirements

operation of equipment used for local operations

sites of cultural significance, including sacred sites relevant to the operation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:

directive for operation or work plan

agency policies and procedures relevant to the operation

operational and communications equipment

weather forecasts, maps, charts and sources of information relevant to the development of an operational plan.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

examples of operational plans, reports and job sheets completed by the candidate

observation of practical demonstration

oral short-answer questioning

practical exercise that simulates an operation.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

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.

An operation may include:

data collection

observation of fishers, vessels, marine resources and sacred or other cultural sites

presenting information

search and rescue.

Hazards and risks may include:

availability of emergency support in remote areas

climatic conditions:

temperature extremes

wet weather and flooding

wind, especially associated with cyclones, tornadoes and storms

difficulty in maintaining control or safety of vessels at sea due to:

tsunamis

high or low tides

poor visibility in a fog or storm

sandbars

swells

inaccurate charts

submerged objects

dysfunctional communications and operational equipment due to:

breakdown

damage

operator's insufficient skill

immobilised, damaged or lost vehicles due to:

accident

boggy or rugged terrain

collision

fire

inaccurate maps

insufficient fuel

mechanical breakdown

officers on the operation:

not fully competent in navigation skills

not fully competent in operation of the vehicle or vessel.

Controls may include:

agency/organisation policies and procedures for operations, including those in remote areas

appropriately trained officers

regular maintenance of vessels, vehicles and equipment

weather forecasts.

Resources may include:

communications equipment

equipment for making observations and recording locations, including:

still cameras

video cameras

GPS

intelligence

maps or charts

trained officers

vessels and or vehicles.

Logistics may include:

planning timelines

scheduling the operation, including day and month.

The operational plan may include:

briefing and debriefing sessions

contingency plan that includes rescue and medi-vac considerations

hazard identification, risk assessment and controls in place

personnel involved and their roles

post-operation checklist

pre-operation checklist

purpose or objectives

relevant agency policies and procedures

resources

schedule of activities

travel routes.

Unit sector

Fisheries compliance

This unit contains employability skills.