Electrofishing: Theory, Safety And Application Certification

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Overview | Agenda | Schedule | Registration | Course Objectives | Certification and Evaluation | Prerequisites | Personal Equipment requirements | Course fees | Credit Options | Re-certification |

Overview:

This 2-day certification course is an introduction to electrofishing theory, safety and practices. The program meets current Worker's Compensation Board (WCB) requirements for certification.  Emphasis is on safety but the theory and practice of backpack electrofishing is also reviewed.

Class vs Field:

Class: 1.0 days; Field: 0.5 days

Agenda:

Day One is a classroom lecture-based session, while Day Two is a field-based practicum in which participants are provided with an opportunity to operate the backpack electrofisher and apply skills and knowledge gained during the classroom time.

Note: High course enrolment (e.g., >18) may warrant additional field practicum sessions.

Course Schedule:

Course schedule information is available here.

Registration:

Registration information is available here.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this two-day course, the participant will be able to:

• Define the practice of "electrofishing".
• Define the electrical (operational) theory of an electrofishing unit.
• Identify and operate all components of an electrofisher.
• Adjust electrofisher settings to capture fish effectively.
• Manage an electrical field in an electrofishing operation.
• Operate an electrofisher unit to reduce potential injuries to fish and other animals.
• Describe and practice safe wading procedures.
• Respond appropriately to a potentially dangerous electrofishing incident.
• Conduct a safe and efficient electrofishing session.

Certification and Evaluation:

This training course offers two levels of certification for Backpack Electrofishing Only.  The two levels of certification are:

• Crew Member and
• Crew Supervisor.

Crew Member and Crew Supervisor levels of certification are determined by:

• Course grade obtained on the Knowledge Evaluation,
• Participant's level of competency in the field. 

Summary of Necessary Requirements
1. Crew Supervisor	Score 95% or more on Knowledge Evaluation (written exam only) Be competent in the field, as evaluated by instructor (See note below)
2. Crew Member	Score between 80% and 95%, on Knowledge Evaluation (written or oral) Be competent in the field, as evaluated by instructor
No Certification	Score less than 80% on Knowledge Evaluation and/or not be competent in the field, as evaluated by instructor 'Incomplete' status on any part of the course

 

Prerequisites:

Mandatory first aid training courses for all persons involved in electrofishing operations in BC are an appropriate first aid course having a CPR component.

First Aid training is mandatory (must be current and valid) to the certification associated with this course, and must be successfully completed prior to engaging in (actual) field work (employment). Although recommended to be in-place prior to this course, First Aid training may be completed following completion of this Electrofishing course. This requirement may change per province, and all course participants are advised to contact their provincial Workers' Compensation Board office for further details.

Personal Equipment Requirements:

Participants are responsible for providing their own personal safety equipment and classroom supplies (pen or pencil and paper, course manual is provided). Each of the items listed below are mandatory equipment items that are required for electrofishing operations (during actual field work/employment). Please note that you are only required to supply leak-free chest waders during this training course.

Personal field equipment:

• "leak-free" chest waders (recommended type is neoprene or high-quality nylon);
• non-slip footwear (felt wading shoe or boot, as well as stream wading cleat);
• wading belt,? (nylon or rubber acceptable, worn on outside of waders);
• polarized sunglasses (side shields or ‘wrap around’ style is/are recommended)
• hat with a visor (e.g., baseball cap style).

Vancouver Island University staff will provide all field and classroom-related supplies and equipment, including; course manuals, electrofisher unit(s) and accessories, dipnets, linesman gloves, and associated field equipment.

Course Fees:

Course fees will vary by location. Please also refer to the course schedule, or phone 250-740-6377 or email us nrep@viu.ca for further information.

Credit Options:

Successful completion of the Electrofishing Certification course will serve as credit towards completion of a number of NREP Certificate programs.

Re-certification:

Recertification is not officially required, although it is strongly recommended. Worksafe authorities place the responsibility of due diligence with the employer, and require that employers ensure that employees maintain 'operator competence'. Part of the recommended due diligence plan includes current and valid Electrofishing certification.

For further information, please contact the NREP Manager.

Arranging a Delivery in Your Community:

Groups and/or individuals wishing to set-up a delivery of this course in their community can do so by contacting:

Darren Hebert, NREP Manager

Phone: 250-740-6377
Email: Darren.Hebert@viu.ca