Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
A recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is:
a system in which at least some of the water is recycled one or more times back into the system after some form of treatment
also called a closed system (which is the opposite to a flow-through or open system where there is little residence time for the culture water)
where a water exchange (replacement) rate of 5-10% per day is used to assist in maintaining water quality (particularly nitrate control)
where generally some form of water treatment with equipment or structures, particularly aeration or oxygenation and processing of nitrogenous wastes, is undertaken.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
biodiversity and genetically modified organisms
biosecurity, translocation and quarantine
business or workplace operations, policies and practices
environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
food safety/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody, and Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Fish) orders
health and welfare of aquatic animals
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.
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.
Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:
Australian Shellfish Sanitation program
equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance
exporting requirements and AQIS Export Control (Fish) orders
HACCP, food safety program, and other risk minimisation and quality assurance systems
location, construction and servicing of seafood premises
people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements
Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)
product labelling, tracing and recall
receipt, storage and transportation of food, including seafood and aquatic products
requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code and state and territory food regulations
temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.
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, stock health maintenance
improving energy efficiency
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
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 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 water, and maintaining water quality.
PPE may include:
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
protective eyewear, glasses and face mask
protective hair, beard and boot covers
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons).
High technology water treatment components may include:
aeration or oxygenation equipment, such as aerators, aspirators, airlifts and fans
components that regulate environmental and climate control factors, such as temperature, photoperiod and light intensity
degassing systems for removing carbon dioxide and ozone, including the use of specialised air filters
facilities and processes designed for health management such as quarantine area, sterilising using ultraviolet (UV) light and ozone, and pasteurising using heat or steam
mechanical/physical/solid, chemical and biological filtration devices (or a combination of two or more different types):
biological filter:
is part of an RAS where dissolved metabolic by-products are converted to less toxic forms by microbial action from a range of different bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms
the most important function is the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite, and nitrite to nitrate (often called nitrification)
chemical filter:
examples include activated carbon, zeolites and other ion-exchange mediums
is where a variety of chemical substances are used to treat water passing through them
ozone and chemical (e.g. pH and alkalinity) adjustments are also made, sometimes in a separate area to the chemical filter
mechanical/physical/solid filter:
includes swirl separators, hydrocones, protein skimmers or foam fractionators, drum filters, belt filters, bead and other suspended media filters and screen filters
is important to ensure organic loads going into biofilters are as low as possible to prevent the more competitive heterotrophic bacteria from taking over and reducing nitrification capacity
is part of an RAS that removes solid organic matter and other wastes
reduces the biological oxygen demand (BOD) for the system
some degassing or carbon dioxide stripping can also take place
water treatment devices, such as those that maintain pH (acid/alkaline) balance
ventilation systems, fans, blowers and humidifiers/ dehumidifiers.
Work plan or schedule may include information on:
contingencies for responding to partial or full system shutdown, stock stress or mortalities
contingency plan to address staffing and equipment supply problems
costs and budget details
date and time tasks are to be undertaken
designated jobs tasks, directions or designs
environmental impact control measures
expected time required to complete activities
hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control measures
local, state, territory and federal government regulations
location
maintenance schedule for particular items of equipment
manufacturer guidelines or instructions
materials, supplies, tools, equipment or other resources required
monitoring and reporting requirements and procedures, including logs or checklists
non-conformance or incident/fault reporting procedures
OHS procedures, including PPE requirements
order of activities
other members of work team and their roles, responsibilities and skills
person in charge
pre- and post-operational and safety checks
preferred supplier list and resources required by external workers and tradespeople
routine maintenance procedures
specific structures or components
standard for completed activities.
Basic environmental parameters may include:
activity of pests, competitors, diseases and predators
light levels
turbidity
water flow
water level or depth.
Advanced environmental parameters may include:
changes in stocking density, size classes and grades
chemicals and biological agents
diseases or stressful conditions
inappropriate system design
inefficient feeding or poor quality feeds
intense lighting or inappropriate light regimes
loud or intermittent noises
source, quality and/or genetics of seed stock
toxic micro-algae
wastes and contaminants.
Water quality parameters may include:
alkalinity
BOD
chlorine or chloramines
dissolved carbon dioxide
dissolved oxygen
general water hardness
level of nitrogenous wastes (e.g. ammonia, nitrite and nitrate), and contaminants and pollutants
pH (acid/alkaline balance)
phosphates
redox potential
salinity or conductivity
temperature
total dissolved solids.
Cultured or held stock may include:
adults, broodstock (ready to breed), seedstock or stockers, eggs and sperm, fertilised eggs, larvae, post-larvae, seed, spat, hatchlings, yearlings, juveniles, fry, fingerlings, yearlings, smolt, sporophytes, seedlings and tissue cultures
finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic reptiles, amphibians, polychaete and oligochaete worms, plankton, micro-algae, seaweed, aquatic plants, live rock, sponges and other aquatic invertebrates
for human consumption (seafood), stockers for other farms, stockers for conservation or recreational fishing, display or companion animals (ornamentals), and other products, including pearls, skins, shells, eggs, chemicals and pigments
wild caught, hatchery or nursery reared.
Contingency plans to address:
adverse weather conditions and acts of nature, such as flood or fire
breakdown of components
bypass of components
compromised water source
disease outbreaks
emergency procedures
non-standard water quality parameters
risks to cultured or held stock during emergency shutdowns or breakdowns
risks to environment
risks to infrastructure and equipment
risks to product quality and food safety.
Routine pre-operational checks and calibrations may include:
appropriate use of PPE
checking and confirming equipment calibration settings and operating methods for turbo-charged engines
checking for design problems or equipment modifications
checking for wear, corrosion and incorrect use
checking fuel, oils and lubricants, electrolyte levels, wheels, tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting and transmission
identifying and segregating unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement
inspecting safety guards, power take-off (PTO) stubs and shafts, and hitch and towing points
observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation
preparing independently powered tools, which may include cleaning, priming, tightening, and basic repairs and adjustments
pre-start and safety checks, including the service and maintenance of cooling system.
Other aquaculture equipment and infrastructure may include:
alarm and monitoring systems, including loss of pressure, burglar, loss of electricity and critical parameters
counters and microscopes, pipettes and syringes, measuring cylinders and dissecting kits
effluent and waste disposal, such as sewage, septic and compost pits
heating or cooling systems, such as heat exchange equipment, geothermal, gas, hydro, electric and solar (can also include insulated buildings and greenhouses)
husbandry equipment, such as graders, feeders, fish pumps, nets, fish bins and transporters
lighting, such as skylights, fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide and mercury vapour
pipes and reticulation systems, including siphons, both for supply and disposal
pumps:
centrifugal
magnetic drive
pressure
submersible
peristaltic or dosing
airlift
piston
hydraulic ram or helical drive
axial
screw pump
regenerative turbine
venturi
self-priming or non-priming
sludge or surge
powered by:
diesel or petrol
electricity (single or 3-phase)
cable
hydraulics
solar
wind
battery
pneumatic or air driven
water quality test equipment, including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity
washing, disinfecting and sterilising equipment (e.g. autoclaves).
Culture or holding structures or systems may include:
display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes (ornamental industry)
grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries
harvested stock holding structures, tanks, bins and cages
live holding systems
pest, predator and disease control structures
purging or depurating system
tanks, raceways and RAS
water supply and disposal systems for closed and semi-closed systems.
Abnormal or non-standard conditions may include:
critical flow rates down due to obstructions or damage to lines or pipes
critical water quality parameters outside safe operating conditions
moving parts making unusual noises or movement being hampered
plant or equipment failure resulting in leaks or non-operation of system
power not on, water not flowing or aeration off
smoke, fumes or other emissions
sparks or obvious signs of electrical shorts
stock showing signs of stress, such as:
aggression or cannibalism
colour changes
gasping at surface
lesions or other signs of damage to skin
not feeding
no reproduction or courtship
piping, darting, flashing or whirling movement
schooling activity
swimming or moving erratically
water levels too high or low in culture system.
Adjustments to operating components may include:
alkalinity addition
back-flushing or changing of filters
biofilter start-up and maintenance
changes in light and dark regimes
degassing
digital or analog control systems
foam fractionator or protein skimmer
heating or cooling
managing shock-loading
manual or computer controlled
UV or ozone systems
water or air flow changes.
Enterprise requirements may include:
enterprise policies and procedures, including those relevant to waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines
industry standards or codes of practice
MSDS
OHS procedures
operations or maintenance manuals
product labels, manufacturer specifications or guidelines
production schedules
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
supervisor oral or written instructions
work and routine maintenance plans
work notes.
Worn or damaged parts or areas may include:
depth and flow gauges and electronic monitors
fittings (e.g. joints, valves and boards)
flow control devices (e.g. taps, valves, float valves, monks, dykes, weirs and gates)
mechanical components in treatment structures (e.g. sieves, filters and aerators)
mechanical, chemical and biological filters
pipes
pumps and mechanical components
sides or bottoms of earthen, concrete, fibreglass or plastic-lined supply and disposal systems or structures
wood or metal structures.
Work area may include:
depots
hatchery, nursery, grow out and holding facilities
laboratories
post-harvest or processing facilities
staff amenities
stock and quarantine treatment facilities
storage areas
workshops.
Operation, monitoring and maintenance data may include:
checklists, data sheets, inventory and stocktakes
dates, times and progress against timelines of activities or events
details related to culture or holding structures or systems
operation and maintenance details and other outcomes achieved
personnel and subcontractor performance data
problems experienced and strategies to overcome them.
Reports may include:
electronic or hard copy
graphs and charts, including Gantt charts and tables
KPIs.

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 ability to
coordinate work team activities to ensure the operation and maintenance of high technology water treatment components
forward plan for efficiency and contingencies
optimise conditions for stock breeding and growth, or holding environment
report on effectiveness of operation, monitoring and maintenance.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
biological and environmental requirements of the culture or holding species
ESD principles
OHS risks associated with staff, management, contractors and visitors
procedures for data collection, recording, analysis and reporting
standards, guidelines and approaches to the operation of high technology waste treatment components
water quality, optimal and critical limits for various parameters and non-standard conditions.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. It should cover the operation of a RAS typically used in aquaculture, holding or ornamental facilities in the region.

Resources may include:
enterprise requirements for basic and advanced environmental parameters, and water quality parameters for culture or holding stock
RAS with high technology waste treatment components
other equipment as needed to operate the system and maintain water quality
spare parts and repair materials
operational staff to coordinate
templates for recording data
water monitoring equipment
work plan or work instructions for the RAS operation and maintenance.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
case studies, simulation or drills
journal which may include work diary notes, photographs or videos
portfolio of workplace documents, including work procedures, benchmarks, checklists and data sheets showing improved practices in the operation and maintenance of high technology water treatment components
reporting of activities of work group in relation to the operation and maintenance of high technology water treatment components
third-party reports.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.