Observations could be for the purposes of surveillance, research or monitoring of cultural or natural resources.

An observer would typically make use of observation and recording equipment, such as maps, charts, video cameras, still cameras and global positioning system (GPS). For surveillance, an observer would require expertise in collecting relevant information of the type, quality and quantity necessary for presentation as admissible evidence in a court of law, if required. Knowledge of legislation relevant to the surveillance is also required.

Where observations are being undertaken for the purposes of research and monitoring, the observer will require sufficient knowledge of the subject to ensure meaningful and accurate observations.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select appropriate equipment and technology for observation and recording purposes

1.1. The purpose of the field observations is identified and confirmed with the supervisor or team leader.

1.2. Nature and type of information to be collected is confirmed with the supervisor or team leader.

1.3. Any agency protocols or requirements for the recording of observations are identified and confirmed.

1.4. Equipment and technology appropriate for the field observation task are selected and checked for serviceability.

2. Conduct field observations

2.1. Equipment is used in a manner that facilitates observations being recorded that are accurate and effective for the intended purpose.

2.2. Sufficient and relevant information is collected from observations.

2.3. Observations are recorded according to agency procedures.

2.4. Equipment is used in a manner that ensures the safety of self and others.

2.5. Security of equipment is ensured at all times.

3. Report on field observations

3.1. Report is prepared and collated, identifying any evidence of non-compliance, and presented according to agency procedures.

3.2. Recorded observations are labelled and filed securely according to agency procedures.

3.3. Queries arising from the report are answered in a timely manner.

Required skills

communicating to respond to queries and confirm instructions

conducting equipment serviceability checks

filing and file security

identifying hazards, and conducting risk assessments and risk controls

interpreting work plans

operating observation and recording equipment

selecting, fitting and using of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Literacy skills used for:

developing reports

reading maps, charts and signs

recording observations.

Numeracy skills used for:

making observations, such as counting, measuring and estimating.

Required knowledge

basic operational requirements of observation and recording equipment

culturally sensitive areas impacting on the field observation:

sacred and other culturally significant sites

cultural activity, including the attitude, beliefs and values of local communities

environmental and community issues relating to natural resource management, such as:

fishing by traditional methods

Indigenous land rights

marine and fisheries management legislation and surveillance legislation relevant to the field observation

recording and reporting requirements

safety procedures and hazards associated with field observations.

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:

make accurate and relevant field observations

recognise evidence of non-compliance

use a range of observation and recording equipment and techniques.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

marine and fisheries management legislation relevant to the field observation task.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted in the field and workplace, or in a simulated field and work environment.

Resources may include:

directive and details explaining the observation task

relevant procedures

relevant sources of information

recording forms

observation and recording equipment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of practical demonstration

oral and written short-answer testing

practical exercise that simulates a field observation.

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.

Field observations may include:

monitoring of:

marine resources

sacred and other cultural sites

surveillance of:

suspected illegal activities

vessel or vehicle movements.

Nature and type of information may include:

environmental factors, such as:

phase of moon

swell

tides and currents

weather conditions

measurements, such as:

frequency

quantity

rate

size (e.g. length, breadth, depth and diameter)

observable features of:

catch

crew behaviour and dress

equipment

fish or marine fauna species

nationality

signage

types of vessels and vehicles

vessel colour and shape

timing, such as:

day of week and month of year

season

time.

Equipment and technology may include:

audio recording device

binoculars and telescope

GPS

maps and charts

night-vision gear

radio

satellite phone

still camera

video camera.

Serviceability may include:

calibration or standardisation

currency

equipment start-up or operational checklists

maintenance logs

test run.

Unit sector

Fisheries compliance

This unit contains employability skills.