FISHCARE VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

June 2004

Our Vision

“Fish For The Future”

Our Mission

“To raise the community’s awareness and appreciation of the need to protect and preserve fisheries resources and their habitats for future generations”

PREFACE

Volunteering allows people to participate actively in all facets of society in a way that contributes to the spirit of democratic involvement. In living their lives to the full, many people have the desire to give voluntarily of their time.

The harnessing of people’s time, interests and skills can provide benefits to the person volunteering, the project, the organisation and the community at large. The South Australian Government recognises that certain services provided can be enhanced by the involvement of volunteers.

These guidelines are designed to provide clear direction and guidance for the Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) FISHCARE Volunteer Program and for any volunteers who join that program. Specifically they are provided so that the role of a FISHCARE Volunteer is clear and is not misinterpreted but at the same time ensure that the program provides a fair and supportive volunteering environment.

More detailed information about the day to day operations of the program can be obtained from the “FISHCARE Volunteer Procedures Manual”.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of these guidelines is to provide a written document outlining the expected role of the South Australian FISHCARE volunteers. This document is to be utilised by both volunteers and PIRSA Fishwatch staff as a reference when undertaking any activity within the program.

Volunteers have the same obligations as paid staff for working within agency guidelines. As with paid staff, volunteers need to be aware of their responsibility to act according to instructions from appropriate individuals and adhere to the reporting mechanisms put in place.

The intent of this document is to outline the policies, procedures and protocols involved in the program. It provides a sound base and ensures that all staff and volunteers are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the program.

In addition, PIRSA Fishwatch has an obligation to ensure that all program tasks are clearly defined and that volunteers have a clear understanding of the objectives, role and function of the agency.

FISHCARE VOLUNTEER

The term “volunteer” may have a different meaning for different persons. To ensure that there is no misunderstanding about what a volunteer is, PSMAD 27 defines the role of a volunteer within a Government agency.

“Volunteering involves people undertaking defined activities: -

♦ of their own free will;

♦ without payment (other that out-of-pocket expenses); and

♦ which will be of benefit to the community and the agency concerned”.

Therefore, as a FISHCARE volunteer, you perform duties of your own free will and without payment (other than out-of-pocket expenses) and with no expectation that paid work may come as a result. The benefits to the community are increased awareness, enhanced fish stocks and improved fish habitat. The benefit to the agency (PIRSA) is enhanced public relations and greater community awareness of the rules and regulations used to achieve the objectives of the Fisheries Act 1982.

THE ROLE OF A FISHCARE VOLUNTEER

The FISHCARE Volunteer Program relies on a high level of public professionalism. For this reason, there cannot be any misunderstanding about the role of a FISHCARE volunteer. If you have concerns about the role of a  FISHCARE volunteer, you should consider re-evaluating your commitment to the program and contact the State Volunteer Coordinator immediately.

FISHCARE volunteers only act in an educational capacity. The volunteer program is based entirely on the distribution of information to the fishing public.

The role of a FISHCARE volunteer is:

♦ To advise and educate the public of the rules and regulations associated with fishing in SA waters;

♦ To help protect the environment and aquatic life for present and future generations;

♦ To help inform the public of the need to conserve fisheries resources for present and future generations;

♦ To provide a link between PIRSA Fishwatch and the recreational fishing communities of SA;

♦ To help promote the role of PIRSA Fishwatch in fisheries management in SA;

♦ To advise the public of PIRSA Fishwatch management initiatives, including FISHWATCH, and all other education and extension programs;

♦ To assist PIRSA Fishwatch in collecting data and information from the fishing public. A FISHCARE Volunteers’ role does NOT involve:

♦ Compliance / enforcement duties

♦ The promotion of personal views. For example religious beliefs or political views should not be discussed whilst working as a volunteer;

♦ The promotion of personal financial gain. This includes promoting or endorsing of private businesses or products.

Any FISHCARE volunteer becoming involved in fisheries compliance activities, or found acting outside of the defined roles of the FISHCARE volunteer program without permission from PIRSA Fishwatch, may result in the volunteer being dismissed from the program.

ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM

Upon completion of the application form, the next stage is the interview process. It is at the interview, where potential applicants are assessed for their suitability to the program. PIRSA Fishwatch has the right to accept or decline potential applicants into the program. A Police and Fisheries clearance is required before applicants can be accepted into the program.

POLICE AND FISHERIES CLEARANCE

PIRSA Fishwatch has a duty of care to ensure the safety and well being of the public. Prospective volunteers will be required to gain a police record clearance prior to their acceptance as a volunteer. Individuals who refuse to comply with the request, may be declined as a volunteer.

Prospective volunteers are provided with a SAPOL Personal History check form at the time of their initial interview and are asked to complete it. The State Volunteer Coordinator ensures that the forms are sent to SAPOL. Results of the SAPOL check are used only for the purposes of the FISHCARE Volunteer Program and are treated as confidential.

CONVICTIONS

♦ No person with prior fisheries related convictions in South Australia will be admitted to the program. However consideration may be given to persons with prior fisheries convictions in excess of ten years, prior to program entry.

♦ Any FISHCARE volunteer found to be knowingly involved with any fisheries related offence (regardless of whether a court conviction arises or not) will be asked to withdraw from the program.

The existence of a police record does not mean that you will be automatically assessed as being unsuitable to join the FISHCARE Volunteer Program. Some offences are more serious than others, and people will be accepted depending on the nature of the offence. Each case will be assessed on its merits, and the final decision will remain with the Manager, Community Awareness, PIRSA Fishwatch.

If a volunteers circumstances regarding any pending convictions change during their time as a volunteer, they are required to immediately advise the State Volunteer Coordinator. Failure to do so may result in the volunteer being dismissed from the program.

APPEAL MECHANISM

In cases where persons have been declined from entering the program, they may apply in writing to the General Manager, Fisheries Services, PO BOX 282, PORT ADELAIDE, SA 5015, outlining their reasons for due consideration

PIRSA FISHWATCH PRIVACY POLICY

PIRSA Fishwatch is committed to ensuring the continued integrity and security of the personal information you entrust to us and our aim is to comply at all times with the State Privacy Principle Instructions

CODE OF CONDUCT

The appearance and behaviour of FISHCARE volunteers whilst in uniform or performing volunteer duties should be professional at all times. This includes:

♦ Alcohol or non-prescription (other than normal pain relief type) drugs are not to be consumed before or whilst on duty;

♦ FISHCARE volunteers can only promote the interests of PIRSA Fishwatch and are required to maintain professional neutrality on non FISHCARE related issues such as politics and religion;

♦ FISHCARE volunteers cannot endorse products other than those promoted by PIRSA Fishwatch;

♦ FISHCARE volunteers have no authorisation to perform duties as fisheries officers; FISHCARE volunteers cannot insist on viewing fish catches, cannot seize fish, cannot direct any person to return fish to water, and cannot apprehend or interview any person found to be fishing illegally;

♦ Uniforms and identification are to be worn at all times whilst on duty;

♦ Uniforms and identification are not to be worn whilst not on duty (other than for travel to and from duty);

♦ Uniforms must be maintained in a clean, neat and tidy manner, and no alterations may be made to the uniform without the consent of PIRSA Fishwatch;

♦ Uniforms (including name badges and identification (ID) badges), will remain the property of PIRSA Fishwatch, and must be returned to PIRSA Fishwatch when asked to do so, or when a volunteer ceases to be  actively involved in the FISHCARE volunteer program;

♦ Uniforms and ID badges cannot be lent to any other person not actively involved in the FISHCARE program; Any loss of uniform or ID must be notified to PIRSA Fishwatch immediately

♦ FISHCARE volunteers must advise the State FISHCARE Volunteer Coordinator (through their appropriate team captain/vice captain) of any intended patrol activity, including factors such as where, when, who, times, expected route taken etc, before any patrol activity is undertaken;

♦ When operating in a boat of any description, there must be at least two persons on board with at least one person with a boat operators licence, and all safety precautions taken to endure a safe patrol;

♦ FISHCARE volunteers are not to operate during hours of darkness thus operating only between sunrise and sunset;

♦ FISHCARE volunteers are not to work individually unless specific permission is given by appropriate personnel within PIRSA Fishwatch;

♦ FISHCARE Volunteers should attempt to utilise PIRSA Fishwatch’s resources wisely and economically.

RENEWAL OF COMMITTMENT CONTRACT

PIRSA Fishwatch’s aim is to ensure the continuation of a highly regarded FISHCARE Volunteer program. It is necessary for all volunteers to renew their commitment to the aims of the program every two years by signing a Renewal of Commitment Contract. This contract will be valid for the following two years.

This will also require all volunteers to undergo another SAPOL clearance. Any volunteer having been found to be involved in a criminal activity whilst in the program, may be asked to withdraw from the program.

The volunteer must, at this time, also provide a copy of their current drivers licence.

REIMBURSEMENT

Volunteers are entitled to seek reimbursement for defined out-of-pocket expenses (such as meals, accommodation, vehicle mileage, vessel fuel etc). Reimbursement of any expenses can only occur if PIRSA Fishwatch has given PRIOR APPROVAL for the expenditure and has been informed that a claim will be generated. This approval can be obtained either from the State FISHCARE Volunteer Coordinator or Manager Community Awareness.

Reimbursement rates vary over time, but are detailed in PSMAD 8.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Vehicle/Vessel Claims

There will be very few occasions when a FISHCARE volunteer is asked to use their own vehicle/vessel for FISHCARE duties. Before claims for vehicle mileage and/or vessel fuel reimbursement can be approved, volunteers must provide written proof that the vehicle/vessel is covered either by comprehensive or third party property insurance, and that this policy clearly shows there is cover for the volunteer and the government when the vehicle is used in the business of the employer (i.e. the government), as detailed in Section 3 of PSMAD 8.

USE OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLES / VESSELS / TRAILERS

Permission has been obtained from the Executive Director, PIRSA for FISHCARE volunteers to be able to drive and travel in departmental vehicles and vessels and to tow trailers. Stringent controls have been placed on those persons using government vehicles, including:

♦ The vehicle can only be used for official business and cannot deviate away from that official business to partake in personal business;

♦ A current drivers licence must be held by each volunteer driver. Drivers holding a provisional licence are required to display appropriate notification ie. P plates when driving a government vehicle. A copy of their current drivers licence is required to be presented to PIRSA Fishwatch before the volunteer is permitted to use the vehicle;

♦ Prior to driving a government vehicle, the nominated volunteer must attend an accredited driver training course which is paid for by the agency unless prior permission is provided by the State Coordinator or the Manager Community Awareness.

♦ Each volunteer granted permission to drive a government vehicle must acknowledge and sign a declaration that they are fully aware of their responsibilities associated with driving a government vehicle.

♦ Permission must be obtained from the State FISHCARE Volunteer Coordinator (as PIRSA representative) for each trip in which FISHCARE volunteers use Government vehicles/vessels/trailers;

♦ If a volunteer has their licence suspended or disqualified, they should advise the State FISHCARE Volunteer Coordinator immediately.  Failure may result in the Volunteer being dismissed from the program.

♦ Zero alcohol blood level;

♦ Any speeding, parking or other fines received will be the responsibility of the FISHCARE volunteer (driver) who was allocated the vehicle at the time of the offence; Accurate records must be kept, detailing driver, kilometres travelled, times and location of travel.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

The Government has insurance to cover activities undertaken by volunteers, who are deemed to be employees under the Occupational, Health Safety and Welfare Act 1986. Insurance, however, is only in the form of an “out-of-pocket” reimbursement basis, when all the volunteers entitlements and own insurances are exhausted by the claimant. If you wish to make a claim, you will need to provide the Manager, Community Awareness, PIRSA Fishwatch with a letter, fully detailing what you are claiming for. This letter will then be forwarded for reimbursement consideration.

Hours of Duty

For the purpose of providing adequate insurance coverage for FISHCARE volunteers, it has been determined that PIRSA Fishwatch will recognise hours of duty as being:

• When operating for a single day:

From the time the volunteer leaves their home until the time the volunteer arrives home, provided a direct route is taken between the residence and area of duty. Where a volunteer does not proceed directly between residence and area of duty, the hours of duty will be recognised as the time at which the volunteer reached or departed the area of duty. In other words, if a volunteer proceeds to a friends house after their patrol has finished, the recognised time shall be from the time the volunteer departed the work area.

• When operating overnight and away from home:

When operating overnight and away from their normal residence, hours of duty will only be recognised for actual hours worked, and for the travel time between their residence and area of duty. In other words, PIRSA Fishwatch will only recognise  actual hours of service for insurance purposes. This has implications whenever volunteers camp overnight, or attend social functions between actual work. Insurance claims by any volunteers can only be accepted if the volunteer has adhered to the reporting procedures. If any volunteer has not been logged on as being on duty, claims may not be honoured.

Log On and Log Off

It is essential that FISHCARE Volunteers follow reporting procedures because:

♦ It is necessary for your safety to be registered during your activities;

♦ It is necessary for the agency to be aware of Volunteers activities for insurance and compensation purposes. FISHCARE Volunteers are required to log on and off with Police Securities (VL5FY) when carrying out field activities.

Please state

1. your name and call sign

2. who you are working with

3. patrol area

4. time of next call

.When you have finished FISHCARE duties you must log off using the same details as outlined above. Ensure that you inform the operator that this is a final call.

RECORD KEEPING

A very important aspect of FISHCARE volunteer duties is the keeping of accurate records of daily activities. The keeping of records allows PIRSA Fishwatch to determine the amount of work undertaken by volunteers, which in turn may assist with funding applications. Records required to be kept may vary over time, but include factors such as number of persons spoken to, amount of gear given away, actual hours worked, kilometres travelled etc

All volunteers are expected to keep records of their activities, which will assist with any reimbursement claim arising. Records are also to be kept by all volunteers who use government vehicles/vessels and trailers. Log books will be made available for this purpose.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

FISHCARE Volunteers are to contribute to a safe, healthy and discrimination free workplace by maintaining an awareness and adherence to PIRSA’s policies in relation to:

♦ Occupational health, safety and welfare;

♦ Discrimination;

♦ Sexual harassment

More information on these policies is available from the State FISHCARE Coordinator and is contained in the “FISHCARE Volunteer Procedures Manual”.

All Volunteers are responsible for developing sound working relationships and creating an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination.

♦ PIRSA’s policy aims to achieve a culture that promotes good work performance and conduct, and protects privacy and the rights of individual volunteers.

FURTHER ASSISTANCE

If you require further explanation of anything outlined in this document please contact:

The State FISHCARE Volunteer Coordinator,

PIRSA Fishwatch

PO Box 282

Port Adelaide SA 5015

Phone: 83476100

FISHCARE VOLUNTEERS –fish for the future