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SFI30119 Certificate III in Aquaculture

National ID
SFI30119
WA Course Code
BEI5
CRICOS code
0100603
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Two People holding and observing a fish
Five students stand together, facing the camera with big smiles. In the background is a body of water and a scenic view of the Perth skyline

Why choose this course?

Further your knowledge in aquaculture and sustainable food sources with this qualification. This course will build your knowledge in fish farming by giving you the skills to be able to plan, install and construct structures to house fish and other species. During your studies you will acquire the skills to create a balanced environment for stock by ensuring the water temperature and flow are all of good quality, which is vital for healthy fish stock. Your newly gained knowledge will also give you the opportunity to identify and treat diseases and dispose of effluent wastes when required.

Part of this course involves harvesting stock, carrying out postharvest operations and arranging stock transport. It will be your responsibility to operate high technology water treatment components and implement emergency procedures and occupational health and safety guidelines if they arise.

This qualification is very practical and hands on with extensive salt and freshwater facilities located at the campuses.

If you want to further expand your aquaculture skills then consider studying the SFI50119 Diploma of Aquaculture for a further 12 months. 

Career opportunities

  • Aquaculture Farm Attendant
  • Pond Worker

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 10.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Your study options

Semester 2, 2025

Duration | 1 semester
When | Semester 2, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus and simulated work environment, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $6,402
  • Resources fee: $500
  • Materials fee: $500

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however students are required to work in the student hatchery outside of scheduled class times during 1st term.

Year 10/11/12
SFI30119 Certificate III in Aquaculture - BEI5
1 semester
SFI50119 Diploma of Aquaculture - BEJ2
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 16 units. These 16 are comprised of 3 core units and 13 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • SFIBIO301 Identify and report signs of aquatic disease or pests
  • SFIWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
  • SFIXSI201 Work effectively in the seafood industry
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • AHCNAR302 Collect and preserve biological samples
  • FBPOPR2066 Apply sampling procedures
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
  • MARF027 Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
  • MARF028 Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
  • MARF029 Meet work health and safety requirements
  • MARF030 Survive at sea using survival craft
  • SFIAQU303 Monitor stock handling activities
  • SFIAQU304 Maintain water quality and environmental monitoring
  • SFIAQU306 Monitor production and maintain algal or live-feed cultures
  • SFIAQU308 Support hatchery operations
  • SFIAQU312 Monitor feed activities
  • SFIAQU315 Apply control measures for diseases

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course written questioning assessments to show the student’s knowledge, practical demonstration of skills including role plays to demonstrate aquaculture facility activities, and communications skills – both written and verbal.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to support materials and learning resources, copy of the assessment tools used for this program, access to equipment and industry standard facilities.

Facilities and equipment may include access to a simulated workplace consisting of aquaculture facilities such as hatcheries, fresh and salt water systems, fresh and salt water fish and crustacean species, molluscs, fully equipped classrooms, vessels and a commercial kitchen.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process page for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on June 28, 2024