Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:22 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:22 AM 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.
Conduct field observations
Conduct field observations
Unit of competency
National Code
SFICOMP202B
SFICOMP202B
State Code
D9184
D9184
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/03/2012
Field of Education
050799 - Fisheries Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
13/03/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency involves making observations in the field following the agency's policies and procedures. 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. Select appropriate equipment and technology for observation and recording purposes
- 1.1. The purpose of the field observations is identified and confirmed with the supervisor or team leader.
- 1.2. Nature and type of information to be collected is confirmed with the supervisor or team leader.
- 1.3. Any agency protocols or requirements for the recording of observations are identified and confirmed.
- 1.4. Equipment and technology appropriate for the field observation task are selected and checked for serviceability.
2. Conduct field observations
- 2.1. Equipment is used in a manner that facilitates observations being recorded that are accurate and effective for the intended purpose.
- 2.2. Sufficient and relevant information is collected from observations.
- 2.3. Observations are recorded according to agency procedures.
- 2.4. Equipment is used in a manner that ensures the safety of self and others.
- 2.5. Security of equipment is ensured at all times.
3. Report on field observations
- 3.1. Report is prepared and collated, identifying any evidence of non-compliance, and presented according to agency procedures.
- 3.2. Recorded observations are labelled and filed securely according to agency procedures.
- 3.3. Queries arising from the report are answered in a timely manner.
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.
Field observations may include:
monitoring of:
marine resources
sacred and other cultural sites
surveillance of:
suspected illegal activities
vessel or vehicle movements.
Nature and type of information may include:
environmental factors, such as:
phase of moon
swell
tides and currents
weather conditions
measurements, such as:
frequency
quantity
rate
size (e.g. length, breadth, depth and diameter)
observable features of:
catch
crew behaviour and dress
equipment
fish or marine fauna species
nationality
signage
types of vessels and vehicles
vessel colour and shape
timing, such as:
day of week and month of year
season
time.
Equipment and technology may include:
audio recording device
binoculars and telescope
GPS
maps and charts
night-vision gear
radio
satellite phone
still camera
video camera.
Serviceability may include:
calibration or standardisation
currency
equipment start-up or operational checklists
maintenance logs
test run.
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.
Field observations may include:
monitoring of:
marine resources
sacred and other cultural sites
surveillance of:
suspected illegal activities
vessel or vehicle movements.
Nature and type of information may include:
environmental factors, such as:
phase of moon
swell
tides and currents
weather conditions
measurements, such as:
frequency
quantity
rate
size (e.g. length, breadth, depth and diameter)
observable features of:
catch
crew behaviour and dress
equipment
fish or marine fauna species
nationality
signage
types of vessels and vehicles
vessel colour and shape
timing, such as:
day of week and month of year
season
time.
Equipment and technology may include:
audio recording device
binoculars and telescope
GPS
maps and charts
night-vision gear
radio
satellite phone
still camera
video camera.
Serviceability may include:
calibration or standardisation
currency
equipment start-up or operational checklists
maintenance logs
test run.
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:
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.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted in the field and workplace, or in a simulated field and work environment.
Resources may include:
directive and details explaining the observation task
relevant procedures
relevant sources of information
recording forms
observation and recording equipment.
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.
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:
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.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted in the field and workplace, or in a simulated field and work environment.
Resources may include:
directive and details explaining the observation task
relevant procedures
relevant sources of information
recording forms
observation and recording equipment.
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.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4195 | SFICOMP202A | Conduct field observations | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS03 | SFICPL202 | Conduct field observations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D618 | SFI20411 | Certificate II in Fisheries Compliance Support | Qualification |