Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:23 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:23 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Locate fishing grounds and stocks of fish
Locate fishing grounds and stocks of fish
Unit of competency
National Code
SFIFISH401C
SFIFISH401C
State Code
D9231
D9231
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/02/2012
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
29/02/2012
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency involves locating the fishing environment and concentrations of fish and positioning the fishing operation. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Position operation to optimise fishing opportunity
- 1.1. Position of vessel is accurately determined within the limitations of equipment and methods available.
- 1.2. Vessel is positioned at decided location at correct time for fishing operations.
- 1.3. Vessel position is maintained within areas of safe operation.
- 1.4. Vessel is positioned to take account of all relevant environmental factors.
- 1.5. All sources of relevant information are obtained to aid decision making.
- 1.6. Area of operation is altered in response to available information to optimise fishing opportunity.
- 1.7. Vessel position complies with all relevant state, territory and federal regulations.
2. Detect and identify fish concentrations and suitable fishing environments
- 2.1. Electronic aids are operated to optimise available information.
- 2.2. Available indications are interpreted to extract all available relevant information.
- 2.3. Size, density, position and movement of fish concentrations are accurately determined within the limitations of available information.
- 2.4. Relevant environmental factors are accurately determined within the limitations of available information.
- 2.5. Fishing environment selected is appropriate to target species and fishing gear.
RANGE STATEMENT
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:
business or workplace operations, policies and practices:
commercial law, including fair trading and trade practices
consumer law
corporate law, including registration, licensing and financial reporting
disability policies and practices
equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment
industrial relations and awards, individual employment contracts and share of catch agreements
jurisdictional variations
superannuation
taxation
trade practices
warnings and dismissals
worker's compensation
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions, and other compliance requirements, including:
Australian Exclusive Economic Zone
international treaties and agreements
food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody
Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)
land, buildings and vehicles:
buildings and structures design and appearance, constructions and additions
poaching, trespass and theft
road laws for use of motor vehicles, bikes, trucks and other transport equipment
soil and water management
use of chemicals and biological agents
use of firearms and powerheads
use of utilities, including water, natural gas, electricity and sewage
water or land lease, tenure or ownership and use
maritime and occupational diving operations:
foreign and Australian legislation applying to quarantine and customs
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978)
Marine Emergency Response Search and Rescue (MERSAR)
National Standards for Commercial Vessels
pollution prevention - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)
Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code
use of vessels, right of way and other marine orders, bunkering and refuelling
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control
product quality assurance:
correct naming and labelling (country of origin, Australian Fish Names Standard and eco-labelling)
correct quantities, sizes and other customer requirements
third-party certification (e.g. Australian Grown and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems).
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace
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
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
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
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:
Australian Shellfish Sanitation program
display, packaging and sale of food, including seafood and aquatic products
equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance
exporting requirements, including AQIS Export Control (Fish) orders
handling and disposal of condemned or recalled seafood products
HACCP, food safety program, and other risk minimisation and quality assurance systems
location, construction and servicing of seafood premises
people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements
Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)
processing, further processing and preparation of food, including seafood and aquatic products
product labelling, tracing and recall
receipt, storage and transportation of food, including seafood and aquatic products
requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code and state and territory food regulations
temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.
ESD principles may include:
controlling the use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity
managing environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
managing imported products quarantine and inspection, facility biosecurity, translocation of livestock and genetic material, and health certification
managing stock health and welfare, especially for handling, holding, transport and slaughter
managing sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection requirements, such as size limits, quotas, season restrictions, population dynamics, fishing impacts, reducing by-catch, fisheries management strategies and maintaining biodiversity
managing, controlling and treating effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
planning environmental and resource efficiency improvements
preventing genetically modified organisms and live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
protecting native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas, adhering to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, World Heritage and other international treaties for which Australia is a signatory
reducing disturbances to soils, erosion and surface water flows from machinery use and other activities
reducing energy use and introducing alternative energy sources.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
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 eyewear, glasses and face mask
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 and waders).
Position fixing methods may include:
electronic
visual.
Safe operations may include:
within the range and level of exposure to prevailing and anticipated weather conditions appropriate to the vessel:
condition
crew
power
size.
Environmental factors may include:
bottom type
current
light levels
lunar phase
physical obstacles (e.g. other vessels and mooring lines)
tide
time of day, month and year
water depth
water temperature, salinity, colour and clarity
weather
wind speed and direction.
Sources of relevant information may include:
own vessel's performance records, including crew experience
other vessel's performance records
research data:
industry information
research papers.
Electronic aids may include:
echo sounder
position determining devices
sonar
temperature sensors and information.
Available indications may include:
electronic
visual.
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:
business or workplace operations, policies and practices:
commercial law, including fair trading and trade practices
consumer law
corporate law, including registration, licensing and financial reporting
disability policies and practices
equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment
industrial relations and awards, individual employment contracts and share of catch agreements
jurisdictional variations
superannuation
taxation
trade practices
warnings and dismissals
worker's compensation
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions, and other compliance requirements, including:
Australian Exclusive Economic Zone
international treaties and agreements
food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody
Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)
land, buildings and vehicles:
buildings and structures design and appearance, constructions and additions
poaching, trespass and theft
road laws for use of motor vehicles, bikes, trucks and other transport equipment
soil and water management
use of chemicals and biological agents
use of firearms and powerheads
use of utilities, including water, natural gas, electricity and sewage
water or land lease, tenure or ownership and use
maritime and occupational diving operations:
foreign and Australian legislation applying to quarantine and customs
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978)
Marine Emergency Response Search and Rescue (MERSAR)
National Standards for Commercial Vessels
pollution prevention - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)
Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code
use of vessels, right of way and other marine orders, bunkering and refuelling
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control
product quality assurance:
correct naming and labelling (country of origin, Australian Fish Names Standard and eco-labelling)
correct quantities, sizes and other customer requirements
third-party certification (e.g. Australian Grown and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems).
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace
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
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
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
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:
Australian Shellfish Sanitation program
display, packaging and sale of food, including seafood and aquatic products
equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance
exporting requirements, including AQIS Export Control (Fish) orders
handling and disposal of condemned or recalled seafood products
HACCP, food safety program, and other risk minimisation and quality assurance systems
location, construction and servicing of seafood premises
people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements
Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)
processing, further processing and preparation of food, including seafood and aquatic products
product labelling, tracing and recall
receipt, storage and transportation of food, including seafood and aquatic products
requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code and state and territory food regulations
temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.
ESD principles may include:
controlling the use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity
managing environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
managing imported products quarantine and inspection, facility biosecurity, translocation of livestock and genetic material, and health certification
managing stock health and welfare, especially for handling, holding, transport and slaughter
managing sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection requirements, such as size limits, quotas, season restrictions, population dynamics, fishing impacts, reducing by-catch, fisheries management strategies and maintaining biodiversity
managing, controlling and treating effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
planning environmental and resource efficiency improvements
preventing genetically modified organisms and live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
protecting native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas, adhering to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, World Heritage and other international treaties for which Australia is a signatory
reducing disturbances to soils, erosion and surface water flows from machinery use and other activities
reducing energy use and introducing alternative energy sources.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
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 eyewear, glasses and face mask
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 and waders).
Position fixing methods may include:
electronic
visual.
Safe operations may include:
within the range and level of exposure to prevailing and anticipated weather conditions appropriate to the vessel:
condition
crew
power
size.
Environmental factors may include:
bottom type
current
light levels
lunar phase
physical obstacles (e.g. other vessels and mooring lines)
tide
time of day, month and year
water depth
water temperature, salinity, colour and clarity
weather
wind speed and direction.
Sources of relevant information may include:
own vessel's performance records, including crew experience
other vessel's performance records
research data:
industry information
research papers.
Electronic aids may include:
echo sounder
position determining devices
sonar
temperature sensors and information.
Available indications may include:
electronic
visual.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
locate fishing grounds and concentrations of target species of fish and to position the fishing operation or vessel
obtain, correct and plot position lines and positions on navigational and fishing charts
use accepted methodologies to detect fish concentrations
match the configuration of fishing gear to the target environment and species.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
requirements, regulations, recommendations and fisheries information for best potential fishing outcome
all relevant environmental considerations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
electronic aids for locating fish
navigational and fishing charts
real or realistically simulated fishing operation.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
logs of fishing operations
notated charts explaining where fish stocks were located
presentation (written or verbal) explaining how fishing grounds and fish stocks were located
catch records from a number of fishing operations.
Supplementary evidence can be gathered from:
third-party reports
interviews.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with SFIFISH402C Manage and control fishing operations, and other units within a qualification.
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:
locate fishing grounds and concentrations of target species of fish and to position the fishing operation or vessel
obtain, correct and plot position lines and positions on navigational and fishing charts
use accepted methodologies to detect fish concentrations
match the configuration of fishing gear to the target environment and species.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
requirements, regulations, recommendations and fisheries information for best potential fishing outcome
all relevant environmental considerations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
electronic aids for locating fish
navigational and fishing charts
real or realistically simulated fishing operation.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
logs of fishing operations
notated charts explaining where fish stocks were located
presentation (written or verbal) explaining how fishing grounds and fish stocks were located
catch records from a number of fishing operations.
Supplementary evidence can be gathered from:
third-party reports
interviews.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with SFIFISH402C Manage and control fishing operations, and other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4240 | SFIFISH401B | Locate fishing grounds and stocks of fish | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAR54 | SFIFSH305 | Locate fishing grounds and stocks of fish | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB610 | SFISS00002 | Extended Fishing Charter Operator Skill Set | Skill set |
| W989 | SFI40211 | Certificate IV in Fishing Operations | Qualification |
| D629 | SFI50211 | Diploma of Fishing Operations | Qualification |
| W987 | SFI30211 | Certificate III in Fishing Operations | Qualification |
| AC467 | SFISS00004 | Fishing Operator Skill Set | Skill set |
| AB699 | SFISS00008 | Limited Fishing Charter Operator Skill Set | Skill set |