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.

Crew:
· deckhands
· mates
· engineers.

Communication:
· verbal
· hand signals
· sound signals:
· for shooting gear
· hauling gear
· lifting of load unsighted.

Fishing operation:
Common commercial fishing methods used in Australia.

Abnormal situations:
· fouling of gear
· coming fast
· abnormal loads
· severe weather
· lost gear
· emergency retrieval of gear.

Safety:
· within safe, navigable waters
· within the range of prevailing and anticipated weather conditions appropriate to the vessel
· within the limits of the vessel's size, power and condition
· within the limits of crew competence.

Stability:
Crew is given procedures to follow to:
· lift and distribute heavy weights
· dock a vessel
· free water from decks
· control water tight integrity
· control free surface
· reserve freeboard.

Relevant regulations:
· industry codes of practice
· fisheries regulations
· Occupational Health and Safety standards
· employment regulations.

Advice:
Is offered by:
· training crew members
· discussing issues with industry or government delegates
· completing surveys
· attending port or commodity group meetings
· attending state or national policy development meetings.

Industry policy, regulations and procedures:
· resource management policy
· management enforcement policy and regulations
· skills and qualifications development
· industry codes of practice
· enterprise procedures.

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 underpinning knowledge identified for this unit goes to more depth due to its likely inclusion in a group of units that may be used as the basis for the issue of licences by regulatory bodies.

The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· crew numbers required for safe operation
· communication systems, including hand signals
· requirements for safe working
· effects of loading on stability
· effects of vessel orientation on vessel movement and stability
· vessel speed requirements for fishing operations and safety
· techniques and procedures for dealing with abnormal operating conditions
· usual locations of gear identification features
· dimensions and likely movement of other fishing operations encountered.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· organising personnel into an efficient operation
· conducting a safe and efficient operation
· consulting and incorporating appropriate regulations into work practices
· providing oral and written instructions for routine and emergency situations by day, night and in varying weather conditions
· controlling the vessel and crew in any particular fishing operation
· identifying fishing operations by vessel recognition and gear identification features.

Literacy skills used for:
· providing written instructions
· consulting regulations.

Numeracy skills used for:
· reading gear identification numbers
· reading vessel identification numbers.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· ensure compliance with relevant regulations and manage the crew and vessel during fishing operations
· conduct a safe and efficient fishing operation under varying conditions and situations
· deal with abnormal situations
· coexist with other fishing operations.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· relevant regulations
· the operating principle of the gear common to the operational area.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed with:
· SFIFISH401B - Locate fishing grounds and stocks of fish.

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:
· written or oral short answer testing
· practical exercises
· project work
· observation of practical demonstration.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· fully operational fishing vessel confronting a wide range of situations.