Recreational Fishing
Introduction
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Australian spend more time fishing than any other recreational sport or pastime. Anglers contribute to retail turnover to the tune of $550 million per annum in NSW alone. |
Natfish delivers a Certificate II and III Fishing Industry, Recreational Services which is aimed at people looking to gain work servicing the recreational fishing industry.
The courses prepare you to work in areas such as tackle shops, fishing equipment wholesale, fishing tours and charter boat operations. You learn basic and advanced fishing techniques, about weather, safety and the regulatory and environmental responsibilites associated with fishing.
For detailed information on the recreational fishing courses delivered at Natfish, simply select a course by clicking a button at the left or continue down this page for more information on how Natfish courses are run.
The Certificate II and III courses are delivered flexibly, which means they involve a combination of external study and practical workshops. Eache course can be completed in one year part time. Students start off in the Certificate II course then move on to the Certificate III once they have completed the Certificate II.
Workshops
The courses require attendance at practical workshop blocks, generally three one week blocks per year. The workshops are based at Maclean campus. This gives close access to great fishing spots around the lower Clarence and surrounding coast. At the workshops you will participate in practical activities, you will go on field trips and complete practical and written assessments. Workshops are timetabled so that you attend a block covering the requirements for several modules to save you travelling too often.
Morning and afternoon tea is provided at the workshop, but you have to provide your own lunch. Facilities available include student kitchen with microwave & fridge. Maclean campus is on the edge of town and students often travel a considerable distance to attend workshops and want to make the most of their time here, we therfore have a tight timetable for workshops. You are encouraged to bring lunch with you rather than leave the campus in the lunch break.
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Module notes
Module notes are sent out to you, four to six weeks before each workshop block, to help you pace your studies. Some modules do not have module notes and are taught entirely at the workshop. There are also support materials for some modules on this website, under the Student Resources button in the left hand menu at the top of this page.
You must read the notes, and complete the activities contained in them, at home prior to attending the workshop as you will be required to sit a module test at most workshops.
Costs
There are two different charges when you enrol in one of the aquaculture course - the TAFE NSW Fee and the Course Related Charge, as well as some optional expenses.
TAFE NSW Fee
There is an annual TAFE NSW Fee for each course you enrol in. The charge is different for each course and is reviewed each year. The current fee is advised under each course using the Course Information button at the top left of this page. You will be asked to pay another TAFE NSW Fee each year when you re-enrol, until you complete the course. You may be eligible for a concession fee if you are receiving any government benefits.
Course Related Charge
You are required to pay a Course Related Charge for each course, which covers the module notes, bait and some terminal tackle for workshops field trips and other resources you require at the workshop. The charge is different for each course and is reviewed each year. Again the current fees are listed under each course, which you can select from the menu at the top left of this page.
The Course Related Charge must be paid at enrolment to ensure you receive your learning materials on time. There is no exemption from this charge.
Student Association Fee
We recommend that all students join the Student Association. The association provides many services to Natfish students, including BBQ lunches and pizza days for members at some workshops, discounts with many retail outlets areound the state and is constantly improving student facilities on the campus providing things like outdoor furniture and much more.
Other Costs
You will need to pay for your own travel to and from workshops, accomodation whilst attending workshops and for your lunches during workshops. This could be your major cost in completing your course.
All certificate level courses are Austudy and Abstudy approved.
