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.

Field observations:
· surveillance of:
· suspected illegal activities
· vessel or vehicle movements
· monitoring of:
· marine resources
· sacred and other cultural sites.

Nature and type of information:
· measurements may include details such as:
· quantity
· size: length, breadth, depth and diameter
· rate
· frequency
· timing may include details such as:
· time
· day of week and month of year
· season
· environmental factors may include details such as:
· weather conditions
· swell
· phase of moon
· tides and currents
· observable features may include details of:
· vessel colour and shape
· crew behaviour and dress
· nationality
· fish or marine fauna species
· types of vessels and vehicles
· equipment
· signage
· catch.

Equipment and technology:
· video camera
· still camera
· audio recording device
· radio
· GPS
· binoculars and telescope
· maps and charts
· satellite phone
· night-vision gear.

Serviceability:
· equipment start-up or operational checklists
· maintenance logs
· calibration or standardisation
· test run
· currency.

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:
· marine and fisheries management legislation relevant to the field observation task
· culturally sensitive areas impacting on the field observation:
· sacred and other culturally significant sites
· cultural activity including the attitude, beliefs and values of local communities
· environmental and community issues relating to natural resource management
· basic operational requirements of equipment used for observation and recording
· safety procedures and hazards associated with field observations
· recording and reporting requirements.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
interpreting work plans
· following agency/organisational work procedures
· checking equipment and observation requirements to identify hazards, risks and controls
· selecting, fitting and using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment for the observation
· using observation and recording equipment
· communicating effectively with team members, the supervisor and the local community
· recording observations in logbooks or in other appropriate formats
· filing and securing recorded observations
· preparing reports.

Language and literacy skills used for:
· reading maps, charts and signage
· recording observations
· developing and presenting reports.

Numeracy skills used for:
· making observations such as counting, measuring and estimating.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· make accurate and relevant field observations
· recognise evidence of non-compliance
· use a range of observation and recording equipment and techniques.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· marine and fisheries management legislation relevant to the field observation task.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· SFICOMP201A - Undertake a local operation.

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

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· observation of practical demonstration
· oral and written short answer testing
· practical exercise that simulates a field observation.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· relevant procedures
· relevant sources of information
· recording forms
· observation and recording equipment.