OATA has joined forces with OFI to offer our highly respected aquatic training worldwide for the first time. These courses have been offered in the UK since 1997 and are recognised across industry. The Foundation Training Course is aimed at beginner or new staff while the Advanced Training Course is aimed at more experienced staff. Delivered in English, the courses are studied at home at a timetable that suits the student. Our international training is available to anyone outside of the UK. The training is all completed online.
What do the courses cover?
Both these high quality courses cover the following four subjects:
Water Quality
Provides you with an understanding on the physical characteristics of water such as temperature, density and salinity, and water chemistry e.g. the pH scale, water hardness, dissolved gases, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and how water types can be modified by processes such as reverse osmosis, distillation and ion exchange media. On completion you will have a comprehensive understanding as to the importance to fish welfare of maintaining good water quality, define the factors which determine water quality and how to achieve good water quality in the aquarium/pond via the modification of water types.
Filtration
Provides you with an understanding of filtration and its integral role in water quality management, the difference between filter types, their use and design and the role of devices such as UV and ozone in sterilisation. On completion you will have an understanding as to what is meant by filtration and the key differences in the various types of filter e.g. mechanical, chemical and biological. The learner will also develop an understanding as to why devices such as UV and ozone are used in sterilisation and filter design.
Fish Biology
Provides you with an understanding on how to identify fish and why scientific names are used, the external and internal anatomy of fish, their physiology, feeding and reproductive mechanisms. In addition, this module will also cover hazardous aquatic animals and the risks and dangers of injury. On completion you will have an understanding of the methods used to identify fish both physically and by scientific names. The learner will also have an understanding of both the internal and external anatomy of fish e.g. how fish regulate gas exchange, fish physiology e.g. circulatory system, metabolism, osmoregulation and the different reproductive strategies used by fish. In relation to hazardous aquatic animals, the learner will be able to define venomous and poisonous species and the specific risks posed by different species e.g. fish, molluscs, corals etc.
Fish Health
Provides you with an understanding on the nature of disease and the balance between health and disease, the causes of disease, infectious diseases, the various stages in diagnosis and treatment, the impacts of stress on fish, zoonoses and the importance of biosecurity in mitigating against disease. On completion you will be able to understand how the balance between health and disease is affected, the various causes of disease, the different agents causing infectious diseases, the stages of disease diagnosis and treatment, main zoonotic diseases affecting aquarists and how to prevent them and the requirements and design of effective biosecurity measures.
We are also offering the following discounts on both the Foundation and Advanced course costs for the following developing countries:
- Sri Lanka – 10%
- Thailand – 10%
- Indonesia – 15%
- India – 20%
- Philippines – 20%
- Malawi – 50%
