Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to validate logbook data on fishing operations and collect other scientific information for research and resource management purposes. It requires the ability to plan work around commercial fishing activities, record observations and conduct on-shore reporting.
This unit applies to observers who are placed on-board designated fishing vessels by an authority, to monitor and record fishing operations for research purposes.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, food 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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan on-board work activities | 1.1 Identify purpose of information collection and divide work activities into achievable components and efficient sequences 1.2 Plan timing of activities to suit fishing operations, conditions and crew routines 1.3 Modify tasks and priorities to suit changed circumstances or requests from skipper and crew 1.4 Log completion of activities to confirm outputs 1.5 Seek cooperation and engagement of vessel crew by explaining purpose and procedures for information collection |
2. Conduct on-board observations of fishing operations | 2.1 Assist vessel compliance with conditions of fishing permits and agreements 2.2 Follow observation protocols and plans under a range of work conditions 2.3 Estimate, measure and sample catches 2.4 Exercise judgement to detect unusual or irregular events on-board the vessel and when suggesting possible causes and effects 2.5 Follow all on-board safety procedures during observations 2.6 Maintain cooperative relationships with skipper and crew to enhance value of information obtained |
3. Record and report observations | 3.1 Record observations in the required format 3.2 Maintain regular communication with shore personnel according to requirements 3.3 Conduct onshore reporting and post-fishing debriefing sessions as required |
Foundation Skills
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.
Skill | Description |
Numeracy | Estimates catch and effort Measures biological features of species and environmental conditions Samples catch and other relevant variables |
Reading | Checks logbooks, permits and related documentation |
Writing | Records information related to fishing operations and production |
Navigate the world of work | Interprets and follows regulatory requirements, and seeks clarification or other assistance when required |
Interact with others | Uses appropriate vocabulary, conventions and protocols, including technical language relevant to maintaining effective communication with vessel master and crew |
Get the work done | Makes and reviews critical and non-critical decisions regarding observations |
Sectors
Fisheries Observer (OBS)