Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Acts and regulations governing legal requirements:
· soil and water management
· water or land ownership and use
· building structures
· trespass and theft
· water or land tenure
· use of motor vehicles and equipment on public roads or records in public waters
· leasing
· control of weeds, pests and diseases
· use of chemicals
· product quality assurance
· trade practices
· Occupational Health and Safety.

Work site:
· hatchery, nursery
· depots
· workshops
· growing facilities
· storage areas
· post harvest or processing facilities.

Works plans take into account:
· seasonal variations or production cycle
· marketing requirements
· climatic conditions and charges
· production amounts
· staff and contractor availability.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· market, species, technology, site and size of operation selection
· management and employment of contractors and consultants
· contract laws and regulations
· project and budget management
· site plans, specifications and working drawings.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standard includes an ability to:
· define site requirements
· choose a work site
· develop a site plan
· co-ordinate construction.

Literacy skills used for:
· reading and writing business plans, work site plan
· reading and interpreting work plans, specifications and drawings
· reading and interpreting contracts
· research and analysis of information and data
· interpreting aquaculture engineering publications.

Numeracy skills used for:
· interpreting work and site plan specifications
· negotiations with contractors and consultants.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· plan for the development of an aquaculture enterprise and the implement the plan.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· regulations impacting on an aquaculture enterprise
· culture technology
· site selection
· species selection
· business planning.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· No recommendations.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. The enterprise may be a new business, or a new enterprise within an existing business.