Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:13 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:13 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.
Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures
Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures
Unit of competency
National Code
SFIAQUA508C
SFIAQUA508C
State Code
D9163
D9163
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/02/2012
Field of Education
050701 - Aquaculture
Original Release Date
27/02/2012
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency involves designing stock culture or holding structures and systems for aquacultural enterprises and facilities. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine appropriate location or orientation
- 1.1. Type of culture or holding structure or system is determined to ensure appropriate environment is provided for cultured or held stock.
- 1.2. Numbers of structures are determined to ensure stock is available in sufficient quantity at harvest.
- 1.3. Water use and culture or holding structure or system are designed, located or orientated to make the best use of water resources.
- 1.4. Mechanisation or automation of process or activity, including the use of specialised contract services, is researched and introduced.
- 1.5. Design calculations and decisions are documented and construction specifications define the work required to make suitable culture or holding structures available.
- 1.6. Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected according to local, state, territory and national legislation and land degradation issues identified.
2. Design culture or holding structures and systems
- 2.1. Individual culture or holding structures are designed to provide optimal conditions for the cultured or held stock and to be combined into reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible systems for the intended operations.
- 2.2. All production inputs and culture or holding activities are considered in the design of the systems.
- 2.3. Construction materials are selected to suit the design specifications and design calculations and decisions are documented.
- 2.4. Relationship between capital and operational costs is optimised, including a comparison of energy sources.
- 2.5. Power supply design specifications are checked with power authorities.
- 2.6. Structures, valves, accessories and performance indicators are selected and integrated into functional systems that can be monitored and maintained.
- 2.7. Construction specifications define work required to achieve the required standards of uniformity and efficiency of culture or holding operations according to industry standards.
3. Determine capital expense budget
- 3.1. Design calculations and decisions are documented and relevant information is communicated clearly through plans, specifications and manuals.
- 3.2. Design output is checked by a competent designer against enterprise objectives.
- 3.3. Materials requirements are determined and documented from plans and specifications.
- 3.4. Labour requirements are estimated, based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules.
- 3.5. External labour and hire equipment contracts are negotiated and confirmed with management.
- 3.6. Costing attributed to each component is based upon quoted information from suppliers or sound analysis of individual elements.
4. Determine operating expense budget
- 4.1. Operating expense budget confirms all expenses are applied to the completed stock culture or holding system.
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
imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)
Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
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
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
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control
product quality assurance:
correct naming and labelling (e.g. 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.
ESD principles may include:
controlling use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
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 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 emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
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).
Culture or holding structure or system may include:
blowers, aerators, paddlewheels and aspirators
cages, pontoons, enclosures and pens, including associated moorings, anchors, floats and markers
dams, ponds and pools
display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes
greenhouses, hothouses and igloos
grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries
harvesting swimways, canals or channels
live holding tanks, bins, cages and pens
longlines, posts, racks and rails, rafts, fences, socks, trays, sticks, baskets, modules, barrels, bags and panels
open, flow-through, closed and semi-closed systems
pest, predator and disease control structures
purging or depurating systems
tanks, raceways and recirculating systems
water supply and disposal or effluent systems, including pumps, pipes, canals, channels, settlement ponds and storage dams.
Production inputs and culture or holding activities may include:
chemicals and treatments
food and nutriments
handling
harvesting
pest, predator and disease control
post-harvest
stocking
transport
water supply and disposal.
Construction materials may include:
brick
concrete
earth
fibreglass
glass
nylon
PVC, polyethylene and other plastics
stainless steel and treated metals
wood.
(Design) decisions may be influenced by:
budget
environmental constraints
owner preferences
product availability
quoting procedures.
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
imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)
Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
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
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
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control
product quality assurance:
correct naming and labelling (e.g. 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.
ESD principles may include:
controlling use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
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 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 emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
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).
Culture or holding structure or system may include:
blowers, aerators, paddlewheels and aspirators
cages, pontoons, enclosures and pens, including associated moorings, anchors, floats and markers
dams, ponds and pools
display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes
greenhouses, hothouses and igloos
grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries
harvesting swimways, canals or channels
live holding tanks, bins, cages and pens
longlines, posts, racks and rails, rafts, fences, socks, trays, sticks, baskets, modules, barrels, bags and panels
open, flow-through, closed and semi-closed systems
pest, predator and disease control structures
purging or depurating systems
tanks, raceways and recirculating systems
water supply and disposal or effluent systems, including pumps, pipes, canals, channels, settlement ponds and storage dams.
Production inputs and culture or holding activities may include:
chemicals and treatments
food and nutriments
handling
harvesting
pest, predator and disease control
post-harvest
stocking
transport
water supply and disposal.
Construction materials may include:
brick
concrete
earth
fibreglass
glass
nylon
PVC, polyethylene and other plastics
stainless steel and treated metals
wood.
(Design) decisions may be influenced by:
budget
environmental constraints
owner preferences
product availability
quoting procedures.
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:
design basic systems
assess impact of designed system on:
cost reduction and efficiency
labour
OHS
stock.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
aquaculture engineering
aquatic organism physiology
functions of stock culture or holding structure components
stock, biological and production cycles.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. It should involve planning and designing one or more culture structures typically used in the region.
Resources may include:
farm or hatchery components.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
case studies
demonstration
practical exercises
project (work or scenario based)
written or oral short-answer questions.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with 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:
design basic systems
assess impact of designed system on:
cost reduction and efficiency
labour
OHS
stock.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
aquaculture engineering
aquatic organism physiology
functions of stock culture or holding structure components
stock, biological and production cycles.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. It should involve planning and designing one or more culture structures typically used in the region.
Resources may include:
farm or hatchery components.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
case studies
demonstration
practical exercises
project (work or scenario based)
written or oral short-answer questions.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4180 | SFIAQUA508B | Plan and design stock culture systems and structures | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS13 | SFIAQU508 | Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W990 | SFI50111 | Diploma of Aquaculture | Qualification |