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 analyse data from onboard observations and to draw reasonable conclusions about the impact of fishing on the resource, the ecosystem and the wider environment.

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

apply basic statistical analyses to raw data

follow relevant plans, procedures and protocols

perform relevant calculations and analyses of data and samples collected

present results in formats suitable for scientific and management purposes

recognise non-standard samples and observations and assess possible causes and effects

report findings that identify and provide possible explanations for unusual observations.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

analytical techniques

basic statistical analyses

biological sampling techniques and other data collection methodologies

fisheries and environmental management strategies

fisheries research methodologies and the use of scientific data

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

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:

data collection and sampling plans

observation procedures and protocols

recording and reporting forms.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

examples of records and reports prepared by the candidate to illustrate analytical and reasoning capability

practical exercises involving the analysis of sets of data and samples to identify trends and likely impacts on resources

third-party reports, including reports from cruise crew members, fisheries managers and scientists

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:

SFIOBSV301B Monitor and record fishing operations

SFIOBSV302B Collect reliable scientific data and samples

SFIOBSV303B Collect routine fishery management data.

Required skills

analysing, recording and reporting scientific data and samples to enhance research and fisheries and environmental management

critical thinking to identify and analyse trends and other non-standard findings from data collection and to draw logical conclusions as to likely causes and effects

presenting and recording data and findings in formats appropriate for scientific and management uses

reporting the results of observations during cruises to interested stakeholders.

Literacy skills used for:

preparing reports and presentations.

Numeracy skills used for:

conducting measurements, estimations and analyses of data and samples collected during onboard observations.

Required knowledge

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

statistical analyses

ESD principles and practices

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

fisheries management methodologies and associated data requirements

fisheries research methodologies and the application of scientific data

inductive and deductive reasoning processes

work regime and typical equipment used to collect data on target species, product and likely by-catch.

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 are followed including:

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 personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE).

ESD principles may include:

applying animal welfare ethics and procedures

control of 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.

Scientific quantities may include:

conversion factors of species

mean, median and mode

measurements to support specific research projects

ratios

total counts, fractions, decimals, percentages and proportions

trends.

Methods of analyses may include:

comparative

deductive

inductive

root cause

statistical.

Possible cause and effect issues may include:

changed fishing practices, such as into wind, across wind and depth

equipment faults and calibration errors

environmental and ecological influences

equipment reading errors and faulty measuring and sampling techniques

fishing equipment and techniques

fishing pressure and effort

interaction with seals, turtles and dolphins and other protected species

sea bird abundance.

Appropriate formats may include:

charts

databases

graphs

journals

logbooks

spreadsheets

tables

work sheets

written reports and memos.

Communication channels may include:

email

journals and logs

radio

routine oral and written briefings

satellite telephone

special written reports on unusual occurrences

SMS and ext

website, blogs, Twitter and other web-based media

written reports and memos.