This is technical certificate-level program designed to up-grade the skills of existing mussel farm workers and to train new employees for entry into the mussel aquaculture industry.

Applicants should possess the equivalent of Grade 9 education or be eligible for entry under mature student status.

The method of instruction and course delivery will be a combination of practical and theory utilizing classrooms for community- based instruction (i.e. near mussel farming regions) and access to local farm sites for some practical components.

CORE COURSES

• 5 Mandatory Courses and 1 Work Experience. Composed of:
  • 2 Basic Safety courses
  • 3 Mussel Sector courses
  • 1 Work Experience (minimum of 25 days; work time credited after completion of 3 Mussel Sector core courses)

ELECTIVE COURSES

7 Elective Courses in total

• 1 from ELECTIVES (Safety)
• 6 from ELECTIVES (Mussel and Other Sector)

Total Courses Required to Complete Technical Certificate ― Aquaculture (Mussel)

• 12 Courses
• 1 Work Experience

Total Program Duration: Minimum 56 days (11-12 weeks)

CORE COURSES:

SFTY 1125 (Small Vessel Operator Proficiency)

This course is designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge to act as the operator of commercial vessels up to 5 gross tonnage, other than tugs, and fishing vessels, and for fishing vessels up to 15 gross tonnage or 12 meters overall length engaged on a near coastal, class 2 or a sheltered waters voyage. This course has been developed in accordance with the Transport Canada Marine Safety TP 14692 E.

SFTY 1102 (Marine Basic First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)

As delivered by the approved training provider.

500534 (Mussel Spat Collection and General Biology)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants an overview of factors that impact spat/seed quality and production strategies. This will include biological, environmental and technological issues as they relate to seed and grow-out production logistics.

500535 (Mussel Farm Stocking Capacity)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants of an understanding of the biological and environmental parameters that influence farm stocking and carrying capacities, particularly as they relate to farm set-ups, seasonal stress factors, socking and grading strategies, and farming technology.

500536 (Mussel Harvesting, Handling and Processing)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants an understanding of the impacts of harvesting, handling and processing (primary and secondary) procedures at the farm site and during processing on the final market product quality. It will discuss biological stress factors on the mussels and measures to reduce these impacts.

500539 (Aquaculture Work Experience)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants an opportunity to learn, develop and practice high standards of professional behaviour and performance while in the work environment.

ELECTIVES (Safety):

SFTY 1136 (Small Non-pleasure Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS))

This is a marine emergency duties course designed for crew members of non-pleasure vessels of not more than 150GT which operate not more than 25 miles from shore. This course out line meets the
requirements under TP 4957 - Marine Emergency Training Courses for the applicable section.

NASC 2107 (Restricted Operator’s Certificate – Maritime Commercial)

This course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills to effectively operate and communicate using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, as outlined in the International Maritime Organization’s Resolution A 769 (18).

AQUA 0014 (500540) (Basic Farm Safety)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants an understanding of the importance of basic farm safety practices and procedures. It includes Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), accident incident reporting, and hazards related to various farm systems and activities (e.g. boating, loading and harvesting systems, storage).

SFTY 0002 (202310) (Oil Spill Response Awareness)

This will be an awareness-level course that will provide participants with basic knowledge in oil spill response.

ELECTIVES (Mussel and Other Sector):

500537 (Mussel Site Maintenance)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants an understanding of the importance of their farm management strategies in relation to both the site maintenance and mussel product quality. This will include consideration of the physical site parameters for a sustainable environment, farm worker safety issues, mussel quality as relates to certification and traceability for the products, and general farm equipment maintenance.

500538 (Mussel Marketing and Management)

This course will be designed to give participants an understanding of the impacts of their farming procedures and practices on the final mussel product for the marketplace. It will include consumer trends for certification, traceability, environmental sustainability and considerations for live/fresh and organic products. It will also discuss the practices and scheduling of the different farming activities to optimize product quality and the economic impacts.

500548 (Basic Mathematics for Aquaculture Workers)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants knowledge of basic mathematical calculations related to stocking densities, feeding protocols, health and sanitation treatments, harvesting, transporting, record keeping, and other fish farm practices.

500523 (Outboard Motor Maintenance)

This course is designed to give workers/participants a basic level of knowledge and the necessary skills to maintain a variety of outboard motors (two and four stroke).

500542 (Marine Hydraulics)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants a working knowledge of marine hydraulic systems, along with the knowledge to maintain and troubleshoot hydraulic systems.

500543 (Small Diesel Repair and Maintenance)

This will be an introductory course to the repair and maintenance of small diesel engines. It will provide students with an understanding of small diesel technology, repair and service. The student will also learn the correct use of hand tools, special tools, and testing equipment associated with the small diesel.

FITE 0005 (500547) (Ropework)

This course will be designed to develop the participant’s ability to understand the design and construction of various types of ropes, maintenance and inspection of ropes, and regulations governing rope usage. It will include rope safety, use and maintenance for small vessels, moorings and anchoring, and other aquaculture systems. It will be a prerequisite for Salmonid Cage Maintenance course.

SFTY 0001 (500545) (Basic Boat Skills)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants with an increased awareness and knowledge of the small boat safety and skills related to aquaculture activities. It will include theory and practical skills components for inexperienced workers to orient them to basic navigation, proper handling, docking, loading and other fundamental boat skills. This will also include the ‘Cold Water’ Boot Camp survival.

500544 (Vessel Maintenance)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants a working knowledge of small vessel preventative maintenance and repairs.

500541 (Farm-Based Quality Certification)

This course will be developed to provide the participants with an overview of quality assurance and certification processes that may impact a farm’s operational procedures and ultimately the marketing of its products.

SFTY 1136 (Small Non-pleasure Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS))

This is a marine emergency duties course designed for crew members of non-pleasure vessels of not more than 150GT which operate not more than 25 miles from shore. This course out line meets the requirements under TP 4957 - Marine Emergency Training Courses for the applicable section.

NASC 2107 (Restricted Operator’s Certificate – Maritime Commercial)

This course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills to effectively operate and communicate using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, as outlined in the International Maritime Organization’s Resolution A 769 (18).

AQUA 0014 (500540) (Basic Farm Safety)

This course will be designed to give workers/participants an understanding of the importance of basic farm safety practices and procedures. It includes Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), accident incident reporting, and hazards related to various farm systems and activities (e.g. boating, loading and harvesting systems, storage).

SFTY 0002 (202310) (Oil Spill Response Awareness)

This is an awareness-level course that will provide participants with basic knowledge in oil spill response.