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.

Basic aquaculture activities:
· feeding stock:
finfish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles, crustaceans, molluscs, miscellaneous aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants, seaweed and micro-algae
adults, larvae, juveniles, seeds, spat, hatchlings, broodstock, fry, fingerlings, sporophytes and seedlings
· stock handling and harvesting:
collecting
moving
sorting and grading
· manual activities:
moving (e.g. materials and equipment)
packing live and dead stock
painting and stripping
weeding, mowing and digging
· minor plant and equipment maintenance and operations:
rope tying
deck and equipment cleaning
· cleaning, drying out, untangling or carrying out minor construction on culture structures and farm structures such as:
enclosures and nets: holding, predator protection and handling and harvesting (e.g. dip, brails, traps and seines)
mollusc on-growing (some crustaceans and plants): long lines, rafts, racks, fences, socks, trays, baskets, tags, barrels, cages, panels and self-feeding cages
floating structures: cages, pontoons, pens, long lines, rafts and moorings
ponds, tanks, dams and raceways
harvested stock holding structures: tanks, bins and cages
buildings
greenhouses, hothouses and igloos
fences and gates
jetties
moorings
ramps
waste holding and disposal structures
water supply and effluent systems, pipes and channels
tank, pump and blower stands
tracks, roads and pathways
soil conservation works
equipment storage
shelters and shade cloth
security systems
surrounding grounds and gardens.

Work objectives:
· work outcome
· standards expected (such as minimal stress and risk of injury to stock)
· timeframe for completing the activity.

Work procedures:
· activity steps
· tools, materials and PPE required for the activity
· supervisor and supervisor's role
· SOPs.

OHS considerations:
· manual handling
· hazardous plant and equipment
· exposure to heat and sunlight
· chemical hazards
· employer and employee responsibilities
· vehicle movement
· working on vessels and near water
· dangerous aquatic organisms.

PPE:
· safety footwear
· eye protection
· ear protection
· hard hat (if applicable)
· sun protection
· personal buoyancy vest.

Tools:
· hand-held
· basic repair materials such as glue and plumbers tape.

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:
· personal safety requirements
· basic requirements for survival and growth of aquatic organisms
· SOPs for basic activities
· purpose of and principles for the operation of basic tools.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· using basic tools and repair materials
· following instructions
· clarifying instructions when not clearly understood
· reporting to the supervisor.

Literacy skills used for:
· reading instructions and guidelines, work procedures and SOPs
· reading schedules relating to feeding, grading or harvesting.

Numeracy skills used for:
· estimating duration of tasks and organising personal schedules
· recording and reporting data.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· follow supervisor's instructions in carrying out basic activities in an aquaculture enterprise.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· personal safety requirements in relation to a range of basic activities typically performed.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
No recommendations.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Assessee is expected to be able to follow instructions in carrying out a range of basic activities that are typical of aquaculture enterprises in the region.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· practical exercises
· observation of practical demonstration.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· supervisor
· equipment, material and PPE required to undertake activities.