Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:20 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:20 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.
Work with crocodiles
Work with crocodiles
Unit of competency
National Code
SFIAQUA212C
SFIAQUA212C
State Code
D9127
D9127
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/02/2014
Field of Education
050701 - Aquaculture
Original Release Date
25/02/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency involves working with crocodiles, including the culture for meat, skins and other products, and holding for display purposes. It involves capturing (from the wild or an enclosure), restraining, transporting, releasing, handling and grading. Collection, transport, processing and incubation of eggs and care of hatchlings are covered in other units, as are feeding, health arrangements, culture structures and water quality maintenance. Work is likely to be under routine supervision with intermittent checking and often carried out as part of a team effort. Responsibility for observing and reporting non-standard conditions is expected at this level. It covers the interpreting of instructions and appropriate use of equipment. 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. Prepare for working with crocodiles
- 1.1. Dangers in working with crocodiles are understood and verbally confirmed with supervisor and other handlers.
- 1.2. Behaviour of crocodiles in the wild and in captivity is understood and verbally confirmed with supervisor and other handlers.
- 1.3. All activities with crocodiles are undertaken according to industry codes, government requirements and enterprise procedures to reduce stress and injury to the animal, other crocodiles, handlers and the environment.
- 1.4. Instructions associated with the task are obtained from supervisor, harvest schedule or production schedule.
2. Capture crocodiles from wild or enclosures
- 2.1. Capture, holding and transport equipment appropriate for the task, location and enclosure is collected, checked and repaired, as required.
- 2.2. Crocodiles to be captured are confirmed with supervisor.
- 2.3. Assistance is provided in administering of sedatives to immobilise crocodile, if required.
- 2.4. Capture is undertaken according to preparations and work instructions.
3. Crocodiles are restrained and transported
- 3.1. Crocodiles are restrained and prepared for transport to post- harvest facilities or relocation sites.
- 3.2. Crocodiles are placed in transport container appropriate to the size of crocodile, mode of transport and length of journey.
- 3.3. Condition of crocodiles is monitored regularly and any abnormal behaviour or conditions reported to supervisor.
- 3.4. Transport environment is maintained to best suit the crocodile.
- 3.5. Crocodile is released into holding or culture structure.
4. Crocodiles are housed and maintained
- 4.1. Holding or culture environment is maintained to best suit crocodiles.
- 4.2. Crocodiles are fed according to enterprise feeding schedule and procedures.
- 4.3. Abnormal behaviour or other indications of health problems are observed and reported to supervisor.
- 4.4. Sick or unhealthy crocodiles are treated, under supervision.
- 4.5. Dead crocodiles are removed as soon as detected and disposed of.
5. Complete post-task activities
- 5.1. Clean up of work area, including repairs and storage of equipment, is supervised, and condition report prepared.
- 5.2. Relevant handling data, observations or information are recorded legibly and accurately, and any out of range or unusual records are checked.
- 5.3. Compliance and other required reports are prepared and conveyed to senior personnel advising of the effectiveness of the handling, and recommendations made for improvements.
- 5.4. Feedback on own work performance is sought from supervisor and opportunities to improve identified.
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:
biodiversity and genetically modified organisms
biosecurity, translocation and quarantine
AQIS Export Control (Fish) orders and other import requirements
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
correct marketing names and labelling
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits and licences
health and welfare of aquatic animals
Indigenous land rights and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
OHS requirements may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
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 technique, 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:
applying animal welfare ethics and procedures
control of effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
control of weeds, pests, predators and diseases, and stock health maintenance
improving energy efficiency
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
maintaining biodiversity by sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
preventing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing energy use
reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas
reducing use of non-renewable resources
undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material
using and recycling of water, and maintaining water quality.
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
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
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).
Crocodiles may include:
American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
estuarine or saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
freshwater or Johnstone's crocodile (C. Johnstoni)
other species, including caymans and alligators.
Industry codes may include:
Code of Practice on the Humane Treatment of Captive and Wild Australian Crocodiles.
Harvest schedule may include:
crocodiles to be harvested
destination of harvested stock
equipment required for harvest operations
quantities and specific quality parameters:
body condition (e.g. fat content and meat yield)
physical appearance
sex or maturation condition
shape or colour
size or weight
type and extent of external damage
time and period over which harvest is to be carried out:
hours/days/weeks
time of day.
Capture, holding and transport equipment may include:
capture equipment or method (based on length of crocodile):
hand capture (<1.0 m)
hand noose (1.0-1.5 m)
nets (0.5-6.0 m)
ropes (>1.5 m)
skin harpoon (2.0-6.0 m)
trap (2.0-6.0 m)
holding and transport containers and associated equipment:
capped PVC pipes
carry boards
cooling water
covers and tarpaulins
ropes and ties
straw
ventilated containers (e.g. prawn crates, wooden boxes and hessian bags)
immobilising agents
transport vehicle:
trailer, vessel, vehicle, helicopter (charter) and airplane (charter).
Location may include:
farm, including hatcheries and nurseries
wild, natural environment
zoos and public aquaria.
Enclosure may include:
cages, enclosures, fences and pens
dams, ponds and pools
tanks.
Restrained may include use of:
immobilising agents (e.g. sedatives)
jaw ties (e.g. rubber bands, tape or cord according to size of crocodile)
leg ties (e.g. rope, cord or tape)
wet sack to cover eyes.
Post-harvest facilities may include:
holding, depuration or purging
on-farm
off-farm
packing
processing (e.g. cleaning, icing or temperature manipulation)
sorting or grading.
Transport environment may include:
cover or shade
humidity
protection from mechanical shock or jolting
protection from other crocodiles
protection from sunlight, particularly eyes
restraints which do not restrict blood circulation or injury in any other way
stocking density
temperature.
Holding or culture environment may include:
adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus (for skeletal growth) and vitamins, if not provided in food
clean, fresh drinking water
cover or shade
high animal protein food (e.g. red meat)
humidity
light
pond of clean (filtered) water for swimming or complete submergence
protection from other crocodiles
protection from physical abuse, such as hitting with sticks and rocks
protection from visual disturbances, noises and predators (hatchlings)
regular grading of hatchlings and small (raising stock) animals
stocking density or size of other crocodiles
substrates that are not unduly abrasive (ideally should be smooth, such as concrete, fibreglass or grass)
temperature.
Abnormal behaviour or other indications of health problems may include:
death
external appearance (e.g. wounds and fungal lesions)
inactivity
isolation from other crocodiles
loss of appetite
loss of coordination
loss of weight.
Treatment may include:
dietary
euthanasia (by drug or shooting)
isolation
veterinary.
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:
biodiversity and genetically modified organisms
biosecurity, translocation and quarantine
AQIS Export Control (Fish) orders and other import requirements
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
correct marketing names and labelling
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits and licences
health and welfare of aquatic animals
Indigenous land rights and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
OHS requirements may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
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 technique, 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:
applying animal welfare ethics and procedures
control of effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
control of weeds, pests, predators and diseases, and stock health maintenance
improving energy efficiency
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
maintaining biodiversity by sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
preventing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing energy use
reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas
reducing use of non-renewable resources
undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material
using and recycling of water, and maintaining water quality.
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
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
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).
Crocodiles may include:
American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
estuarine or saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
freshwater or Johnstone's crocodile (C. Johnstoni)
other species, including caymans and alligators.
Industry codes may include:
Code of Practice on the Humane Treatment of Captive and Wild Australian Crocodiles.
Harvest schedule may include:
crocodiles to be harvested
destination of harvested stock
equipment required for harvest operations
quantities and specific quality parameters:
body condition (e.g. fat content and meat yield)
physical appearance
sex or maturation condition
shape or colour
size or weight
type and extent of external damage
time and period over which harvest is to be carried out:
hours/days/weeks
time of day.
Capture, holding and transport equipment may include:
capture equipment or method (based on length of crocodile):
hand capture (<1.0 m)
hand noose (1.0-1.5 m)
nets (0.5-6.0 m)
ropes (>1.5 m)
skin harpoon (2.0-6.0 m)
trap (2.0-6.0 m)
holding and transport containers and associated equipment:
capped PVC pipes
carry boards
cooling water
covers and tarpaulins
ropes and ties
straw
ventilated containers (e.g. prawn crates, wooden boxes and hessian bags)
immobilising agents
transport vehicle:
trailer, vessel, vehicle, helicopter (charter) and airplane (charter).
Location may include:
farm, including hatcheries and nurseries
wild, natural environment
zoos and public aquaria.
Enclosure may include:
cages, enclosures, fences and pens
dams, ponds and pools
tanks.
Restrained may include use of:
immobilising agents (e.g. sedatives)
jaw ties (e.g. rubber bands, tape or cord according to size of crocodile)
leg ties (e.g. rope, cord or tape)
wet sack to cover eyes.
Post-harvest facilities may include:
holding, depuration or purging
on-farm
off-farm
packing
processing (e.g. cleaning, icing or temperature manipulation)
sorting or grading.
Transport environment may include:
cover or shade
humidity
protection from mechanical shock or jolting
protection from other crocodiles
protection from sunlight, particularly eyes
restraints which do not restrict blood circulation or injury in any other way
stocking density
temperature.
Holding or culture environment may include:
adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus (for skeletal growth) and vitamins, if not provided in food
clean, fresh drinking water
cover or shade
high animal protein food (e.g. red meat)
humidity
light
pond of clean (filtered) water for swimming or complete submergence
protection from other crocodiles
protection from physical abuse, such as hitting with sticks and rocks
protection from visual disturbances, noises and predators (hatchlings)
regular grading of hatchlings and small (raising stock) animals
stocking density or size of other crocodiles
substrates that are not unduly abrasive (ideally should be smooth, such as concrete, fibreglass or grass)
temperature.
Abnormal behaviour or other indications of health problems may include:
death
external appearance (e.g. wounds and fungal lesions)
inactivity
isolation from other crocodiles
loss of appetite
loss of coordination
loss of weight.
Treatment may include:
dietary
euthanasia (by drug or shooting)
isolation
veterinary.
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:
handle crocodiles according to production schedule and supervisor's instructions to ensure stock suffer minimal stress and damage
share information with supervisor and other handlers
observe and report abnormal behaviour of crocodiles
work safely with crocodiles.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
equipment operation consistent with enterprise and manufacturer guidelines
industry codes of practice.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace. Competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and involve crocodiles of a range of sizes. Where there is a range of methods and options, assessment of competency should cover those commonly used in the region.
Resources may include:
crocodiles, caymans or alligators
culture or holding structures with water exhibiting a range of quality parameters
harvest schedule
harvesting equipment and enterprise procedures
holding and transporting equipment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
demonstration
written or oral short-answer testing.
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:
handle crocodiles according to production schedule and supervisor's instructions to ensure stock suffer minimal stress and damage
share information with supervisor and other handlers
observe and report abnormal behaviour of crocodiles
work safely with crocodiles.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
equipment operation consistent with enterprise and manufacturer guidelines
industry codes of practice.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace. Competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and involve crocodiles of a range of sizes. Where there is a range of methods and options, assessment of competency should cover those commonly used in the region.
Resources may include:
crocodiles, caymans or alligators
culture or holding structures with water exhibiting a range of quality parameters
harvest schedule
harvesting equipment and enterprise procedures
holding and transporting equipment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
demonstration
written or oral short-answer testing.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4150 | SFIAQUA212B | Work with crocodiles | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS41 | SFIAQU216 | Work with crocodiles | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W984 | SFI20111 | Certificate II in Aquaculture | Qualification |