This unit has application to the work undertaken by observers who are placed on board designated fishing vessels by the Australian Maritime Fisheries Authority, to monitor and record fishing operations for research purposes. An observer generally works alone although they work and live in a cooperative arrangement with the vessel crew during the cruise.

All enterprise or workplace procedures and activities are carried out according to relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements, including occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines and ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles.

Equipment operation, maintenance, repairs and calibrations are undertaken in a safe manner that conforms to manufacturer instructions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, checked, used and maintained.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan onboard work activities

1.1. Work activities are broken down into achievable components and efficient sequences.

1.2. Timing of activities is planned to suit fishing operations, conditions and crew routines.

1.3. Tasks and priorities are modified to suit changed circumstances or requests from the cruise master and crew.

1.4. Completion of activities is logged to confirm outputs.

1.5. Cooperation and engagement of vessel crew are sought by explaining the purpose of, and procedures for, information collection.

2. Conduct onboard observations of fishing operations

2.1. Vessel compliance with conditions of fishing permits and agreements is verified.

2.2. Accuracy and validity of vessel logbook records are checked.

2.3. Observation protocols and plans are followed under a range of work conditions.

2.4. Judgement is exercised to detect unusual or irregular events on board the vessel and when suggesting possible causes and effects.

2.5. All onboard safety procedures are followed.

2.6. Cooperative relationships are maintained with cruise master and crew to enhance the value of information obtained.

3. Record and report observations

3.1. Observations are recorded in the required format.

3.2. Regular radio or telephone communication is maintained with shore personnel according to requirements.

3.3. Onshore reporting and post-cruise debriefing sessions are conducted, as required.

Required skills

demonstrating capacity and judgement to identify unusual or irregular events and to suggest possible causes and effects that may have implications for fisheries research and management

engaging vessel crew in cooperating with the collection and interpretation of information

estimating, measuring and sampling fishing operations and production

identifying a range of species, seafood/aquatic products, equipment and resources relevant to the industry, sector or geographic area

recording, reporting and debriefing on fishing activity, catch, effort and other relevant information according to set protocols and plans.

Literacy skills used for:

recording information related to fishing activity.

Numeracy skills used for:

estimating catch and effort

measuring biological features of species and environmental conditions

sampling of catch and other relevant variables.

Required knowledge

basic environmental management legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the specific sector within the seafood industry

ESD principles and practices

commercial fisheries and unique aspects relevant to the fishery, sector or geographic area

data collection, measurement and sampling methodologies

fisheries management methodologies and associated data requirements

fisheries research methodologies and the application of scientific data

radio and telephone communication systems at sea

relationship of observation activities to fisheries management processes

species, product, work regime and typical equipment used.

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 complete a range of onboard observations, measurements and sampling tasks over time, according to set protocols and plans and under difficult and arduous work conditions.

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

employ quality information collection processes that produce data that is valid and comparable to data from other sources

follow the observation, data collection and sampling routines outlined in cruise plans

identify relevant information and findings likely to be of interest for scientific and resource/environmental management purposes

engage vessel crew in cooperating with the collection and interpretation of information

cope with disruptions and changed circumstances by modifying work plans in consultation with relevant personnel

recognise non-standard events, data and samples and suggest possible causes and effects

record and report observations in appropriate formats and within the required timeframe.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

the Australian fishing industry, including fishing methods, equipment and major species

fisheries research methodologies and the importance of accurate, complete and comprehensive scientific data

fisheries and environmental management strategies

measurement and biological sampling techniques and other data collection methodologies designed to capture information of use to scientific research and fisheries management.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Resources may include:

relevant documentation, such as:

observation procedures and protocols

data collection plans and recording forms.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

examples of records, reports and other documentation completed by the candidate

observation of the candidate while conducting onboard observations

practical exercises involving the design and conduct of measurement and sampling processes

third-party reports, including reports from shore-based supervisors and cruise crew members

written or oral short-answer questions to assess underpinning knowledge

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units in the Observer Skill Set:

SFIOBSV302B Collect reliable scientific data and samples

SFIOBSV303B Collect routine fishery management data

SFIOBSV304B Analyse and report onboard observations.

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.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

biodiversity and genetically modified organisms

biosecurity, translocation and quarantine

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and other import requirements

business or workplace operations, policies and practices

correct marketing names and labelling

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits and licences

health and welfare of aquatic animals

Indigenous land rights and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods

maritime and occupational diving operations, safety at sea and pollution control

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

ESD principles may include:

applying animal welfare ethics and procedures

controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

maintaining biodiversity by sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection

reducing energy use

improving energy efficiency

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing use of non-renewable resources

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

PPE may include:

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering

insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

protective hair, beard and boot covers

protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions

respirator or face mask

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)

waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear).

Observers may be placed on board:

Australian registered vessels

foreign fishing vessels

operations on the high seas

operations within Australian fishing zones

squid jiggers

trawl vessels

tuna long lines.

Compliance with conditions may include:

compliance with permits and agreements

conduct of fishing operations in approved areas

maintenance of approved levels of fishing effort

use of fishing equipment and gear approved for the fishery.

Range of work conditions may include:

difficult work and sleeping conditions

embarkation at any Australian port

isolation

long, irregular hours on deck, typically working up to ten hours a day, seven days a week

short notice to travel

transference between vessels at sea

unfamiliar customs and language

unfamiliar food

varying durations of cruises, typically two weeks to two months.

Unusual or irregular events may include:

by-catch

catch of sea birds and marine mammals

catch of unexpected species

inefficient fishing techniques (as an explanation of catch rates)

law breaking or breach of permit conditions

unusual biological features of catch, including size, weight and age

unusual environmental conditions.

Safety procedures may include:

avoiding interference with fishing operations

communicating regularly with shore-based supervisors

following all onboard safety procedures

keeping crew informed of activities

locating a safe work area free from hazards

minimising risks

wearing PPE.

Observations may include:

long line:

baits at surface

environmental conditions

hook sizes

presence of seabirds

quantities of bait

snood lengths

tangles in setting bins

time of set

other commercial fishing operations

trawl:

by-catch

gilled fish

percentage of bin

quantity

time at hand

weight.

Unit sector

Observer operations

This unit contains employability skills.