Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:12 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.

Participate in large whale disentanglement operations

Participate in large whale disentanglement operations

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMAIM307
State Code
ODC17
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
050901 - Land, Parks And Wildlife Management
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in a team to safely assess an entanglement scene and release a large whale from entanglement.The unit applies to individuals trained in incident management response who participate in a response team crew aboard a vessel using appropriate specialist equipment and resources. They work under an approved incident management structure.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety, wildlife, and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.Most government jurisdictions have requirements that allow only appropriately authorised agencies to undertake response operations. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assist with planning whale disentanglement operations
  • 1.1 Identify requirements and procedures of authorising agencies for large whale disentanglement operations
  • 1.2 Identify and adhere to cultural protocols relevant to species and operations
  • 1.3 Respond to report of whale entanglement according to organisational procedures
  • 1.4 Assess available information and risks involved in operation, and contribute to a risk assessment
  • 1.5 Participate in team briefing
  • 1.6 Select and prepare appropriate equipment, resources and required vessels based on incident information
2. Contribute to assessment of whale disentanglement operation and environment
  • 2.1 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment appropriate for activity
  • 2.2 Contribute to efforts to locate whale using supplied information and visual sightings
  • 2.3 Use a systematic approach to identify potential hazards and risks enroute and on approach to the scene
  • 2.4 Assess the whale at the scene to determine type of entanglement, injuries, behaviour and other relevant factors
  • 2.5 Assess sea activity and current and forecast weather conditions
  • 2.6 Report outcomes of assessment to operations officer, providing detailed information according to organisational procedures
  • 2.7 Recommend actions to contribute to disentanglement strategy
3. Assist with implementing disentanglement strategy
  • 3.1 Confirm disentanglement instructions and select appropriate response equipment relevant to job role and responsibility
  • 3.2 Clarify and ensure agreed communication signals and team roles are followed during the operation
  • 3.3 Attach working line, and telemetry buoy where required by jurisdiction response agency, to gear entangled on the whale using appropriate equipment and careful placement to avoid injury to the whale
  • 3.4 Apply load to the line by deploying large floats and move load forward to slow the animal and help keep it close to the surface
  • 3.5 Approach the whale when slowed and close to surface, and cut entangling gear in planned locations and sequence
  • 3.6 Follow organisational procedures for unsuccessful disentanglement
  • 3.7 Maintain situational awareness at all times, assessing whale behaviour and location, team members, equipment and vessels and overall operating environment
4. Conclude operations
  • 4.1 Report outcomes of disentanglement operation and accurately complete records according to organisational procedures
  • 4.2 Recover, clean and service equipment according to manufacturers' guidelines and organisational standards
  • 4.3 Participate in team debriefing activities
  • 4.4 Report signs of critical incident stress in self and others to relevant personnel
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