Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Prepare for fishing activity

1.1. Conduct pre-activity research  to determine relevant information  on various species of fish .

1.2. Apply information to identify an appropriate fishing location according to activity objectives, relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Identify and apply minimal impact practices  to reduce negative impact on the fishing environment according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Access relevant sources  to interpret weather and environmental information  and determine its potential impact on the activity.

1.5. Determine the range of fishing tackle  required to catch fish within a particular habitat .

1.6. Identify and use rigs  and berley for different fish species within a particular habitat.

1.7. Determine different types of bait, and their use for different fish species within a particular habitat.

2. Apply methods to catch fish

2.1. Identify different methods used to catch fish using rod and reel, handlines and nets.

2.2. Perform safe casting technique  according to the species of fish, their habitat and organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Perform methods of trolling , appropriate to the species of fish and their habitat.

2.4. Apply fishing etiquette and ethical behaviour throughout fishing process.

3. Handle fish

3.1. Identify and handle dangerous species of fish in a manner that reduces risk to self and others, according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Demonstrate landing  and de-hooking techniques appropriate to the species of fish and dispatch the catch in a humane manner.

3.3. Implement strategies to keep catch in pristine condition.

3.4. Handle and return undersized and unwanted fish to the water without damage according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.5. Apply techniques for gutting, gilling, filleting, skinning and boning different species of fish.

4. Evaluate fishing activity

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the fishing activity.

4.2. Identify improvements for future fishing activities.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• problem-solving skills to:

• identify and select tackle suitable to different species of fish and habitats
• handle dangerous fish appropriately
• fight and land a fish quickly with minimum stress
• determine whether to return fish to water or keep according to size

• planning and organising skills to identify and source relevant fishing tackle and apply fishing methods according to the species, location and habitat
• literacy skills to:

• conduct research on different fish species
• interpret weather and environmental information, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

• numeracy skills to measure fish to determine if they are undersized
• self management skills to review and reflect on own performance and set goals to improve fishing techniques
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe and legal conduct of all activities
• minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the fishing environment
• fishing tackle and equipment types, characteristics and technology used for different types of fishing and the advantages and disadvantages of the range of fishing equipment
• methods and techniques to catch and handle species of fish relevant to the current or intended work environment
• fish species available within a specific aquatic habitat and factors affecting what types of fish live in various bodies of water
• fish migration, breeding, spawning and seasonal feeding habits
• impact of poaching, pollution, over harvesting and loss of habitat on fish population
• fishing etiquette and ethical behaviour with respect to recreational fishing
• basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity
• emergency and first aid procedures relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others.

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 and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• prepares for fishing activities by researching fish species available in specific habitats and accessing tackle and equipment to suit the targeted species
• applies suitable methods to catch fish from specific habitats using appropriate tackle and equipment, while maintaining minimal environmental impact
• handles fish using humane techniques that reduce risk to self and others and returns undersized and unwanted fish to the water
• evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple fishing activities that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information regarding species of fish and habitats to prepare for the activity
• suitable fishing locations that allow participants to demonstrate fishing skills
• a range of oceanic, offshore, estuarine and freshwater fishing tackle and equipment, including, rods, reels, handlines, nets, bait, berley, rigs and lures.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of safe participation and demonstration of fishing skills, including catching and handling fish
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all fishing activities
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISOFSH202A Select, catch and use bait.

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.

Research  may include:

• electronic
• paper based
• discussion.

Relevant information  may include:

• variety of fish living in particular aquatic habitats
• popular species of fish for catching and eating within a particular season and location
• fish migration, movements and seasonal feeding habits
• methods and techniques to catch and handle various species of fish
• factors affecting what types of fish live in certain bodies of water
• impact and consequences of poaching, pollution, over harvesting and loss of habitat on fish population
• breeding and spawning patterns of fish.

Fish  may include:

• pelagic species
• demersal species
• native species
• translocated species.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• safety and emergency procedures
• use, maintenance and storage of fishing equipment
• procedures for handling dangerous fish
• procedures for returning undersized and unwanted fish to water
• manufacturer's design specifications and recommendations for equipment use
• risk management procedures
• communication protocols
• code of ethics.

Minimal impact practices  may include:

• avoidance of sensitive areas
• removal of rubbish
• appropriate sanitation practices
• use of low impact equipment
• appropriate washing procedures
• respect and protection of heritage and cultural sites.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• coastal patrol or coastguard
• volunteer marine rescue
• local knowledge

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• weather warnings
• event warnings
• river levels
• synoptic charts
• high and low tide predictions.

Tackle  may include:

• oceanic
• offshore
• estuarine
• craft borne
• freshwater.

Habitat  may include:

• saltwater
• freshwater
• brackish.

Rigs  may include:

• oceanic
• estuarine
• freshwater.

Casting techniques  may include:

• threadline
• overhead
• sidecast
• centrepin
• fly.

Trolling  may include:

• live baits
• lures
• bibbed lures
• down riggers.

Landing  may include:

• landing net
• gaffing
• lifting.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.