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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Fishing Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58433  National Certificate: Fishing Operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Maritime Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
TETA - Transport Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0695/12  2012-07-01  2015-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

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 
Purpose:

This qualification is aimed at people who work or intend to work on board ship or fishing vessel as Deck Officer (Fishing under 24 metre) or Marine Motorman Grade 2 (on deck or in the engine room respectively), and those who seek recognition for essential skills in Fishing Operations. In particular, this qualification will be useful for the following people:
  • Officers in charge of a navigational watch on fishing vessels under 24 metres.
  • Chief engineer officer of a fishing vessel of less than 350kW propulsion power.
  • Second engineer officer of a fishing vessel of less than 750kW propulsion power.
  • Officer in charge of an engineering watch on a fishing vessel of less than 2000kW propulsion power.

    This qualification is designed to equip qualifying learners with the knowledge and skills to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe vessel operations, including fishing.

    The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Contribute to safety and emergency related matters when working on a fishing vessel.
  • Perform pollution prevention and pollution response duties and activities on a fishing vessel.
  • Work effectively with other seamen and senior members on board a vessel.

    Rationale:

    The fishing industry is a priority area within the South African context and is supported by legislation, national policies and strategies. In order to meet the requirements of the workplace it is important to be able to identify and recognise competent seamen at various levels. There is a critical need in the industry to identify and give recognition to people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe onboard operations in at least one of the Navigation and Engineering functions under fishing, coastal or port operations.

    This Qualification is the first in the learning pathway and will give learners working in the maritime industry generally, and the fishing industry specifically the opportunity to build on experience or qualifications they already have, and complement their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in the fishing and maritime industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible through the assessment of individual Unit Standards. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the Qualification:

    This qualification is open to anyone with access to learning opportunities and work experience in the areas reflected in the exit level outcomes and unit standards. It is advisable that learners should be competent in the learning assumed to be in place before embarking on learning towards this qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification is made up of Unit Standards classified as Fundamental, Core and Elective.

    Fundamental: 36 credits.
    Core: 25 credits.
    Elective: 59 credits Minimum.
    Total: 120 credits Minimum.

    Fundamental Components:
  • All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Components:
  • All Unit Standards in the Core Component are compulsory.

    Elective Components:
  • The Electives Unit Standards in this Qualification cover three main specialist areas namely, Deck, Engineering and Fishing. Learners are to choose either the deck or the engineering speciality and complete all the unit standards listed for the speciality. Learners are then to choose additional unit standards from the fishing electives to give an elective total of at least 59 credits. The Fishing electives should be chosen according to the type of fishing done on the vessel on which the learner works or which he/she has access.

    Deck:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of vessel construction and stability.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Marine Safety Information.
  • Explain and operate echo sounders, speed logs, global navigational satellite systems and electronic plotters.
  • Operate radar equipment.
  • Demonstrate competence to plan and conduct a safe coastal passage.
  • Explain and apply safety measures related to fishing operations, fishing gear and fish handling.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Merchant Shipping Collision Regulations and amendments.

    Engineering:
  • Explain machinery spaces, construction and operation of equipment and propelling machinery on seagoing vessels.
  • Select, use and care for engineering hand tools.
  • Select, use and care for engineering power tools.
  • Operate a centrifugal separator in the seagoing maritime industry.
  • Operate and carry out basic routine servicing of marine extra low and low voltage electrical systems.
  • Carry out basic service checks on small vessel marine propulsion system.
  • Operate refrigeration equipment on board a vessel.
  • Perform watch keeping procedures in the engine room of a seagoing vessel.

    Fishing:
  • Adjust and position crayfish traps.
  • Catch fish using a pole and gaff.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of commercial fishing methods.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of net mending and mend a net.
  • Describe safe deck practices on a commercial fishing vessel.
  • Identify current legislative and company procedures applicable to the fishing industry.
  • Jig for squid.
  • Maintain the equipment and vessel to pole fish.
  • Maintain, prepare, deploy & retrieve crayfish traps to land catch.
  • Maintain, prepare, deploy & retrieve fishing net to land catch.
  • Monitor and control the implementation of safe working practices on a fishing vessel.
  • Sort and handle raw seafood manually.
  • Work on a deep sea commercial fishing vessel.

    Learners may also choose other Elective Unit Standards that are applicable to their particular circumstances and career path. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Contribute to safety and emergency related matters when working on a fishing vessel.

    2. Perform pollution prevention and pollution response duties and activities.

    3. Work effectively with other seamen and senior members on board a vessel. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • First aid functions are carried out on board a vessel in accordance with regulated requirements.
  • Fire fighting and fire prevention procedures are carried out to ensure the safety of self and others onboard a vessel.
  • Life-raft activities are carried out in emergencies in accordance with regulated requirements.
  • Emergency legislation, procedures and practices are applied on board a vessel.
  • Implement safe working practices while performing tasks on board a vessel.

    2.
  • Environmental policy is described and implemented in accordance with maritime legislation and shipboard practices.
  • Normal duties are performed to prevent pollution.
  • Pollution situations are dealt with according to maritime legislation and shipboard practices.

    3.
  • Instructions are interpreted and followed according to shipboard requirements and maritime legislation.
  • Teamwork activities are practised to ensure the effective running of activities on board the vessel.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work at more than one unit standard at a time.

    The achievement of applied competence of this qualification will be demonstrated if the learner is able to apply operational knowledge and skills to operate on board a sea going vessel in a safe manner.

    Evidence is required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification. Integration of skills will be demonstrated through the achievement of the core operational standards.

    Assessors should note that evidence of integration could well be presented by candidates when being assessed against the individual unit standards. Thus, there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further assessment for integration. Well designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Fishing profession is an area with globally recognised best practices, standards and Qualifications. This Qualification and set of Unit Standards utilises these international and locally recognised best practice and standards for comparison.

    The International Convention for Standards for Training and Certification & Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) was adopted in July 1995 by a diplomatic conference convened under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    South Africa is a member of the IMO Council and is expected to support this initiative and this Qualification complies with these principles and practices.

    The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) introduced in domestic law the principles and standards embodied in the convention. This qualification is an example of that and the majority of unit standards were drawn up with reference to the related maritime legislation, amendments and codes.

    The following qualifications, courses and modules were used as part of the international comparability exercise as the countries in which they are offered are all party to the International Convention for Standards for Training and Certification & Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F).

    Papua New Guinea National Fisheries College:

    Certificate in Fishing Operations 1 (CFO1):
  • A course for deckhand qualifications for fishing boat crews:

    > Basic skills required for employment as qualified deckhands on fishing boats.
    > Safe working practices, safety at seas, radio operations, deck skills, fish quality and handling.
    > Teamwork, discipline and understanding the chain of command at sea.

    Certificate in Small Fishing Operations 1 & 2:
  • Boat Safety.
  • Basic Navigation.
  • Mechanical maintenance and repair.
  • Fishing Gear Design.
  • Fishing Operations.
  • Seafood Handling.
  • Small Business Management.
  • Fisheries Resources Management.

    The above Qualifications compare well with the South African Unit Standards.

    United Kingdom Maritime Training (Plymouth):

    Efficient Deck Hand (Ref. MCA-MGN 10):
  • Meaning of common nautical terms.
  • Name and function of various parts and equipment of the ship.
  • Use and care of ropes and wires, splicing of ropes.
  • Use of different types of blacks and shackles, bottle screws, bull-dog grips, thimbles, monkey plates.
  • Rigging and attendance of pilot ladders and hoists.
  • Rigging and bosun's chair and slinging an over side stager.
  • Precautions to be taken while working over side.
  • Identification of commonly used single letter flags.
  • Maintain an efficient lookout.
  • Operation of windlass, mooring winch, back spring, skip wire, rope stopper, chain stopper.
  • Opening and closing hatches, rigging up derrick.
  • Knots, bends and hitches in common use.
  • Securing in anticipation of rough sea.

    Deck Officer Certificates of Competence Ancillary Courses:

    STCW'95 Basic Safety Training:
  • Basic principles of First Aid.
  • Fire Fighting, Survival at Sea.
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.

    Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting:
  • Principles of Fire Fighting.
  • Breathing Apparatus.
  • Command and Control of Fire Fighting Teams.

    Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulation:
  • Navigation principles.
  • Electronic navigation aids.
  • Radar Principles and Operation.
  • Collision prevention.
  • Automatic Radar Plotting Aids.

    Small Ships Navigation and Radar:
  • Chartwork.
  • Navigational aids.
  • Bridge watchkeeping.
  • Prevention of collision.
  • Radar principles.

    The courses and Qualifications offered by the United Kingdom are also well aligned with ours. However these are specifically aimed at people working on the deck of a vessel and exclude the Engineering and Fishing specific Elective components of the South African Qualification.

    Australia, Australian Maritime College School of Maritime Industry Operations (SMIO):

    Deck Hand Course:
  • First Aid.
  • Fire-fighting.
  • Survival at Sea.
  • Occupational Health and Safety.
  • Seamanship Skills.

    The above course only offers the learners skills which will allow them to become licensed to be able to work on board a vessel. It does not prepare them in any way for the other disciples required to be a competent Deck Hand or Engineer aboard a vessel.

    United States: Fort Lauderdale Maritime Professional Training Masters, Mates & Engineers Inc:

    Courses:

    Lifeboatman/Proficiency in survival Craft and Rescue Boats:
  • Survival methods.
  • Inflatable liferafts.
  • Lifeboats.
  • Survival equipment.
  • Launching and recovery of life boats.
  • Shipboard Davit Systems.
  • Oar commands.

    Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA):
  • Review of Radar Plotting Techniques.
  • ARPA Theory.
  • ARPA Errors and limitations.
  • Setting up and maintaining ARPA displays.
  • Use of ARPA information to avoid close quarters situations.
  • Navigation aided by ARPA.

    Advanced Fire Fighting:
  • Pre-fire planning.
  • Rapid response team concept.
  • Incident command team.
  • Stability considerations during fire fighting operations.
  • Fire party organisation.
  • Training of the fire party.
  • Hazardous materials storage and organisation.
  • Inspection and service of fire detection and extinguishing systems and equipment.
  • Port fire investigation.
  • Combating shipboard fire.

    The Courses offered by the United States, as with the Australian ones also only cover certain aspects of working on board a vessel. They do however place a huge emphasis on the safety aspect of working on board a vessel. It also covers an in-depth knowledge of navigation, which is offered at a higher level in South Africa.

    Mumbai, India International Maritime Training Centre:

    Practical Deck Skills Workshop:
  • Practical training in knots, bends, hitches and splices with synthetic and natural fibre rope.
  • Practical training in splices with wire rope.
  • Surface maintenance theory and procedures.
  • General maintenance of deck equipment.

    This course does not compare well to this South African qualification as it only focuses on working with ropes and the general maintenance on board a vessel.

    New Zealand, New Zealand Qualifications Authority:

    National Certificate in Seafood Vessel Operations (Fishing Technology) Level 3, 76 credits.

    The first noticeable difference between the South African Qualification and the New Zealand one is the number of credits available for the Qualification. The South African Qualification together with its associated Unit Standards is far more comprehensive. The other difference is that it is pitched at a higher level, which is equivalent to Level 3 on the South African NQF.

    The contents of the above international qualifications, courses and modules are reflected clearly in this Qualification's Exit Level Outcomes, in the related Associated Assessment Criteria and in the Unit Standards. It is evident that the international qualifications and the South African qualification have very similar, if not the same, contents. The South African Qualification however offers a more comprehensive range of competencies than any of its international counterparts. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • ID 23273: National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering Fitting, NQF Level 2.
  • ID 23254: National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering Fitting and Machining, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical progression is possible with:
  • ID 48535: National Certificate: Maritime Operations, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 23274: National Certificate: Mechanical Fitting, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Relevant qualification at NQF level 3 or higher.
  • Minimum of 2 years' experience.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • The requisite South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) licence or equivalent. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114002  Contribute to effective human relationships on board a vessel  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  244006  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of safety techniques aboard ship  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  243986  Describe and apply fire prevention and fire fighting aboard ship  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  243987  Handle a liferaft during an emergency  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  120496  Provide risk-based primary emergency care/first aid in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  243999  Explain pollution control and safe working practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  243989  Respond to distress signals and emergencies at sea and in port  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  119463  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119460  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  243998  Adjust and position crayfish traps  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  114007  Carry out basic service checks on small vessel marine propulsion system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  243990  Catch fish using a pole and gaff  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  114929  Demonstrate a basic knowledge of commercial fishing methods  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  243993  Demonstrate an understanding of marine safety information  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  244024  Demonstrate knowledge of net mending and mend a net  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  244002  Explain and operate echo sounders, speed logs, global navigation satellite systems and electronic plotters  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  115072  Identify current legislative and company procedures applicable to the Fishing Industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  243997  Jig for squid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  243994  Maintain the equipment and vessel to pole fish  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  244007  Operate a centrifugal separator in the seagoing maritime industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  244009  Operate and carry out basic routine servicing of marine extra low and low voltage electrical systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  243991  Operate radar equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  244289  Perform watchkeeping procedures in the engine room of a seagoing vessel  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  119744  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  8942  Sort and handle raw seafood manually  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  244008  Work on a deep sea commercial fishing vessel  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  244001  Demonstrate an understanding of the Merchant Shipping Collision Regulations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  244010  Demonstrate knowledge of vessel construction and stability  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  243996  Explain and apply safety measures related to fishing operations, fishing gear and fish handling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  243988  Explain machinery spaces, construction and operation of equipment and propelling machinery on seagoing vessels  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  114006  Follow safe deck practices on a commercial vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  113993  Maintain, prepare, deploy and retrieve crayfish traps to land catch  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  114005  Maintain, prepare, deploy and retrieve fishing nets to land catch  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  243992  Monitor and control the implementation of safe working practices on a fishing vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  244000  Operate refrigeration equipment on board a vessel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  243995  Plan and conduct a safe coastal passage  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 


    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. Limadi Industrial Projects 


    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.