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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Certificate: Fisheries Observation: Deep Sea 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
35925  Certificate: Fisheries Observation: Deep Sea 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  127  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
This qualification is designed to equip scientific observers who have some experience in working at coastal sites and aboard inshore fishing vessels with the scientific and life skills needed to function effectively aboard fishing vessels that remain at sea for periods of weeks or more and venture long distances from their home ports.

A learner assessed as competent against this qualification will be able to work as a scientific observer on fishing vessels operating within the Exclusive Economic Zone of a coastal nation. The learner will have the skills necessary to sample catches to a high level of scientific complexity and accuracy and will be able to report on catches, fishing practices and other matters of importance to sustainable fisheries management and the underpinning scientific research. In this way the learner will contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries resources and contribute to the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.

This competence will contribute to the sustainability of fisheries resources while providing the learner with a basis for further learning in higher education. This qualification is a progression from the level 4 National Certificate in Fisheries Observation

The qualification has been developed to assist with professionalisation across the conservation industry.

Rationale of the Qualification:

Fisheries managers and fisheries scientists around the world are relying to an ever greater extent on information gathered aboard fishing vessels while they are at sea. Scientifically trained observers can collect data from catches as they are made, and can provide information with regard to fishing methods, by-catch and discards. This information leads to improved management of marine resources as well as a better understanding of the dynamics of fishing and the interaction between fish and fishers.

Observers are stationed aboard fishing vessels, often those of foreign countries, to observe the fishing practices on board and to collect scientific samples and data on an ongoing basis. The presence of observers aboard these vessles is often required by international agreements or as a condition of a fishing licence. Although observers, by definition do not have law enforcement powers, it has been shown that their presence aboard a vessel reduces infringements. Observers work in isolation, as they are living in a vessel, but are not part of the crew. Because of their work they are often seen as outsiders. Training in human relations and conflict recognition and resolution is a vital part of their personal survival skills, especially in the case where fishing trips last up to six months.

This qualification is designed to provide the learner with the scientific knowledge and skills required to carry out the work effectively, as well as the life skills necessary to survive in the somewhat strange environment that he/she will encounter as an observer aboard a fishing vessel. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learner entering a programme leading to this qualification has achieved an Observer Certificate at NQF 4 or the equivalent and has several years' relevant industry experience. The learner will have appropriate levels of written Communication, English proficiency, Numeracy and occupational competence equivalent to grade 12 (NQF4) standards.

Recognition of prior learning

Any learner wishing to be directly assessed may arrange to do so, without attending further training or education. The assessor and learner will decide together on the most appropriate assessment route to be taken. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
N/A 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
On achieving this qualification the learner will be able to:

1. Carry out scientific sampling on board fishing vessels operating within the EEZ of a coastal nation.
2. Evaluate observer practices in order to monitor progress and performance against planned goals.
3. Undertake operational functions while continuously monitoring and adapting own performance as required.
4. Develop a set of values and ethics regarding conservation and environmental issues.
5. Safely function on a fishing vessel.
6. Report pollution.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the history of fishing in and how it influences current practices.
8. Communicate effectively with the public to further conservation awareness. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
In particular assessors should check for:

Practical Competence:
The learner must demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about:

1. Sampling strategies and sample selection.

Foundational Competence:
The learner must demonstrate an understanding of:

1. Advanced sampling techniques.
2. Biological sampling of fish and other marine species.
3. Identification of marine species.
4. The components / elements that require management actions in a fishery.
5. The contextual knowledge that underpins the competent management of a fishery.

Reflexive Competence:
The learner must demonstrate the ability to:

1. Critically evaluate decisions taken on the basis of available information.
2. Justify decisions made with respect to his/her actions on board the vessel in relation to the duties of an observer.
3. Reflect on the soundness of decisions made and on any adjustments that are made.

Integrated assessment

Integrated assessment at the level of qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, but also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will be of a more practical nature while others will be of a more theoretical nature. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the type and level of qualification.

A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. 

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
This qualification has been developed to be in line with accepted international standards for scientific observers. The qualification meets the requirements of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic marine Living Resources and the European Union as well as the Southern African Development Community.

The qualifications have been compared with those offered in Namibia by NAMFI, the requirements for observers laid down by CCAMLR, and the training given to observers in Australia, Alaska, California and Massachusetts. It should be noted that, with the exception of the course offered in Namibia, observers are required to be in possession of a science degree or equivalent and receive only top up training. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
This qualification has been developed for fisheries observers across the marine fisheries and marine science industry and it is intended to professionalise and uplift the standards of Observers in South Africa.

The industry can use this qualification for developing learners and enhancing their scientific knowledge base at advanced levels of observation. This qualification will provide articulation with a range of qualifications in conservation and fisheries resource management. 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
Anyone assessing a learner against these unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of these unit standards or will assess these unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against these unit standards may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of two years practical, relevant occupational experience and relevant qualification at NQF Level 6.
  • Meet all the requirements of the NQF Level 5 Assessor unit standard.
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained by the applicant must be provided (Portfolio of evidence).
  • Meet any other stipulated requirements by the relevant ETQA 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  110006  Apply a working knowledge of fisheries law and conventions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  110014  Apply observer protocols and observation techniques  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  12399  Demonstrate a basic knowledge of fisheries resource management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  12400  Demonstrate a working knowledge of marine organisms  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  110017  Demonstrate knowledge of practical offshore navigation and chartwork  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  12402  Utilise knowledge of fishing techniques to ensure legal compliance  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  8591  Analyse and understand social issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  8662  Analyse and communicate workplace data  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  8647  Apply workplace communication skills  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  8648  Demonstrate an understanding of professional values and ethics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  8663  Plan and conduct a research project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  8561  Function in a Team  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  8559  Plan and conduct research  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  110004  Report on fish catches  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  10192  Work with Marine Ecosystems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 


    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.
     
    1. Le2lwazi Consulting (Pty) Ltd 



    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.