Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:24 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.

Respond to marine wildlife stranding

Respond to marine wildlife stranding

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMAIM308
State Code
ODC75
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
050901 - Land, Parks And Wildlife Management
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in a team to safely assess a stranding scene and respond to a single or multiple stranding of marine animals, typically whales, dolphins and dugongs.The unit applies to individuals who work in a team to assess, stabilise and release stranded live marine wildlife, and assist with the handling of deceased marine wildlife. They take responsibility for activities and work within an organisational incident management structure.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety, wildlife, and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.Most government jurisdictions have requirements that allow only appropriately authorised agencies to undertake response operations. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Contribute to assessment of marine wildlife stranding scene
  • 1.1 Participate in team briefing and confirm role and duties in stranding operation
  • 1.2 Use a systematic approach to identify hazards and control risks at the scene within limit of role and responsibility
  • 1.3 Identify stranded animals accurately and report information regarding stranding scene to relevant personnel and authorities
  • 1.4 Identify and adhere to cultural protocols relevant to species and operations
  • 1.5 Assist with controlling the site according to organisational procedures and relevant state/territory regulatory requirements
  • 1.6 Select equipment and gear required to assist at stranding event
2. Assess and assist individual animals
  • 2.1 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment appropriate for activity
  • 2.2 Assist with triage assessment of stranded animal, evaluate their status, level of activity and body condition
  • 2.3 Identify or tag animal according to health category and triage assessment
  • 2.4 Stabilise, reposition and/or apply basic first aid to animal in immediate need or distress according to safe work procedures and species requirements
  • 2.5 Deter free swimming animal from stranding according to organisational procedures and available resources
3. Assist with release and refloating of stranded live animal/s
  • 3.1 Treat animal/s humanely and keep the animal calm and comfortable using species-specific techniques
  • 3.2 Apply knowledge of species danger zones to ensure personal safety
  • 3.3 Assist with the immediate release of animal/s in shallow waters according to organisational procedures and available resources
  • 3.4 Assist in moving beached animals to response mats or pontoons for release and refloatation
  • 3.5 Use species-specific approaches to assist animal with refloatation and return to water
  • 3.6 Relocate animal to assist with stabilisation or release according to organisational procedures
  • 3.7 Mark animals prior to release for identification purposes where required by response agency
4. Undertake palliative care and assist with euthanasia
  • 4.1 Secure and cordon off stranded and/or deceased animal/s
  • 4.2 Implement palliative care for animals based on veterinarian assessment or instructions
  • 4.3 Assist with determining appropriate euthanasia method for species, size of animal and location
  • 4.4 Provide support to personnel undertaking approved euthanasia of animal/s
5. Carry out carcass management
  • 5.1 Complete basic data collection, scientific sampling and/or necropsy of carcass according to instructions and within limit of role and responsibility
  • 5.2 Determine carcass disposal options based on site value, location and cause of death
  • 5.3 Consider options to undertake venting of carcass for relevant species
  • 5.4 Engage with traditional owners on options for deceased animals according to local cultural protocols where required
  • 5.5 Dispose of carcasses and waste according to local, state/territory and other relevant jurisdictional requirements
6. Conclude operations
  • 6.1 Report outcomes of stranding operation and accurately complete records according to organisational procedures
  • 6.2 Recover, clean and service equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and organisational standards
  • 6.3 Participate in team debriefing activities
  • 6.4 Report signs of critical incident stress in self and others to relevant personnel
No information
No information
No information