SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Aquaculture Farmer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104912  Occupational Certificate: Aquaculture Farmer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - AgriSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  176  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-12-07  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as an Aquaculture Farmer. An Aquaculture Farmer promotes productivity through overseeing activities performed by team members within the aquaculture industry to ensure the attainment of aquaculture production objectives, and economic and environmental sustainability.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform basic duties related to the production of farmed aquatic organisms.
  • Perform duties related to the production of farmed aquatic organisms.
  • Oversee the execution of planned activities to ensure the attainment of production targets.
  • Monitor and assess or evaluate activities/outcomes according to standard operating procedures within the aquaculture industry.
  • Manage resources to achieve organisational goals.

    Rationale:
    The South African government has recognised that aquaculture is a focus area in the Industrial Policy Action Plan, in line with the National Development Plan and the current Operation Phakisa. In comparison with other industries, aquaculture is a new and fast growing industry. As a result, this created a skills demand. Aquaculture contributes to sustainable food production and food security.

    The Occupational Certificate: Aquaculture Farmer will provide a foundation in aquaculture practices that will allow persons to enter into a formal career in the aquaculture industry. This qualification is intended to improve areas related to career opportunities and possibilities for potential learners.

    This qualification is for new entrants, individuals, and employees who are currently employed within the aquaculture industry. The part-qualification forms the basis for learners to extend their learning into more specialised areas in the aquaculture industry, including farm workers in the aquaculture industry, and farm owners in farming operations.

    Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to perform functions related to the production of farmed aquatic organisms, oversee the execution of planned activities to ensure the attainment of production targets, monitor and assess activities/outcomes accordingly and manage resources to achieve organisational goals. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 1 qualification.
    Or
  • Adults Education and Training (AET) Level 4 with 3 years' experience within the aquaculture industry. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Aquaculture Industry, Level 1, 6 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-02, Aquatic animals farmed in South Africa, Level 1, 5 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-03, Aquatic animal biology, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-04, Production systems, Level 1, 3 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-05, Basic water quality principles, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-06, Water quality management, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-07, Breeding and juvenile rearing, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-08, Aquaculture nutrition and feeding, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-09, Health management, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-10, Aquaculture farm equipment management, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-11, Stock control, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-12, Harvesting and handling, Level 1, 3 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-13, Human Resources Management in Aquaculture, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-14, Budgeting and procurement principles, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-15, Elementary operational planning, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-16, Management of operational resources, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-KM-17, Environmental resources relevant to Aquaculture, Level 4, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 70.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 622101-000-00-00-PM-01, Conduct basic husbandry process according to industry standards, Level 1, 15 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-PM-02, Execute husbandry processes according to industry standards, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-PM-03, Manage quantity and quality of resources (resources include but are not limited to water supply system and holding facilities, feed, air, consumables, equipment; equipment and facilities include but are not limited to: screens, nets, baskets, tanks, pipe work, plumbing, etc.), Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-PM-04, Manage health and welfare of aquatic organisms, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-PM-05, Optimise resources, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 55.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 622101-000-00-00-WM-01, Basic husbandry processes, Level 1, 6 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-WM-02, Execution of husbandry processes according to industry standards, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-WM-03, Resource quality and quantity management processes, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-WM-04, Monitoring functions related to health and welfare status of aquatic organisms, etc., Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 622101-000-00-00-WM-05, Management of resources, Level 4, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 51. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform basic duties relevant to animal husbandry practices according to the standard operating procedures.
    2. Facilitate the implementation of planned activities to ensure that standard operating procedures are implemented and production targets are met.
    3. Facilitate the implementation and compliance of health and welfare practices and bio-security protocols.
    4. Perform animal husbandry activities according to the standard operating procedures. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Perform cleaning activities on culture facilities where appropriate.
  • Sort animals according to standard operating procedures.
  • Harvest animals according to standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain and clean equipment according to standard operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Schedule planned activities according to the production plan (production plan includes but is not limited to sorting, harvesting, culture facilities, feeding, maintenance, hatchery activities).
  • Monitor the implementation of the production plan with regard to the sorting and stocking of aquatic animals.
  • Monitor the implementation of the production plan with regard to animal feeding activities.
  • Explain and/or monitor the implementation of the production plan with regard to animal breeding activities.
  • Monitor the implementation of the production plan with regard to animal harvesting activities.
  • Record and interpret water quality parameters.
  • Monitor and manage the quality and quantity of aquatic resources.
  • Monitor and manage the quality and quantity of aquatic resources (resources include but are not limited to water supply system and holding facilities, feed, air, consumables, equipment; equipment and facilities include but are not limited to: screens, nets, baskets, tanks, pipe work, plumbing, etc.).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Coordinate cleaning activities for culture facilities (culture facilities include but are not limited to tanks, baskets, ponds, cages).
  • Conduct health checks and examine the physiology of aquatic animals.
  • Measure the growth and weight of aquatic animals.
  • Implement access control (bio-security plan is related, but not limited, to disinfection).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Perform feeding and nutritional activities.
  • Conduct breeding and juvenile rearing activities.
  • Explain water quality parameters.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Coordinate human resources according to standard operating procedures.
  • Guide and support team members in relation to aquaculture production activities.
  • Monitor and report the execution of production activities against production goals.
  • Coordinate operational resources to ensure optimal usage.
  • Implement recommended procurement practices.
  • Manage the section budget to ensure economic sustainability.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The Skills Development Provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. External assessment will be conducted through written assessment and observations at accredited assessment centres or aquaculture sites by registered assessors over a period of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study was conducted in New Zealand and Australia.

    New Zealand offers four qualifications that were found to compare with the South African qualification. These are:
  • National Certificate in Aquaculture (Level 4).
  • National Certificate in Aquaculture (Freshwater Fish Farming) (Level 3), 60 Credits.
  • National Certificate in Aquaculture (Introductory Fish Farming) (Level 3), 60 Credits.
  • National Certificate in Aquaculture (Level 2), 40 Credits.

    The comparison was made in terms of targeted population, which include hatchery workers, supervisors, and farm workers; competencies covered in core and elective learning; and farming operations.

    Upon completion of these qualifications, learners are able to:
  • Perform feeding activities for both salmon and farmed fin-fish.
  • Conduct assessment of the biomass of farmed fish.
  • Monitor and maintain the rearing process of freshwater fish species.
  • Test water quality in an aquaculture facility.
  • Provide the description of the biology of fish.
  • Manage the aquaculture environment and resources.

    Australia:
    Two qualifications, namely the Diploma of Aquaculture, Level 4 course code SFI50111, and Certificate 11, in Aquaculture course code SFI20111, registered with Technical and Further Education (TAFE) in South Australia on the Australian Qualifications Framework, were compared in terms of topics covered.

    Certificate 11, in Aquaculture course code SFI20111, comprises four core units and elective units of learning. Both core and elective units of learning are compulsory.

    The units of learning comprise: apply chemicals under supervision, feed stock, handle stock, harvest cultured or held stock, implement a maintenance programme for hydroponic systems, install hydroponic systems, apply sampling procedures, maintain stock culture and other farm structures, manipulate stock culture environment, monitor stock and environmental conditions and produce algal or live-feed cultures.

    Upon completion of the qualification, the learner can operate as:
  • Farm Hand.
  • General Hand.
  • Shop Hand.
  • Feeder.
  • Pond Worker.
  • Farm Labourer.
  • Hatchery or Nursery Assistant.

    The Diploma of Aquaculture, Level 4 course code SFI50111, comprises the core unit of learning as well as an elective unit of learning. Learners are required to demonstrate competence in the four core and 17 elective unit standards. The elective unit of learning includes, amongst others: collection and management of data, coordination and sustainability of aqua-cultural practices, development of stock nutritional programme, development and implementation of a business plan, development and implementation of an aquaculture breeding strategy, development of a stock production plan, establishment of an aqua-cultural enterprise, management of budgets and financial plans, management of knowledge and information, management of risk, plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures, plan and design water supply and disposal systems, plan environmentally sustainable aqua-cultural practices, plan stock health management, preparation of reports and supervision of harvest and post-harvest activities.

    Conclusion:
    The findings of the international comparability exercise indicated that the South African occupational qualification compares with qualifications offered internationally in terms of the core competencies covered, career opportunities available for learners and the environments within which they operate. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Animal Production, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • National Diploma: Agricultural Extension, Level 5.
  • National Higher Certificate, Level 5.
  • National Diploma: Animal Production, Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Aquaculture Farmer: 622101-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD):
  • This qualification is not a trade.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA).

    Derived Qualifications Registered as Part-Qualifications:
  • 622101-000-00-01, Occupational Certificate: Aquaculture Farm Worker, Level 2, 71 Credits. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.