Course Information
Wellboat operations are a critical part of the production chain in Norwegian aquaculture. Every step of the process—from loading and transport to handling and unloading—affects the health and welfare of the fish. Small decisions along the way can have major consequences. This course provides you with a deeper and more practical understanding of how your decisions affect the fish—and how you can reduce the risk of welfare issues.
The course builds on the basic course in fish welfare and is directly tailored to the day-to-day work aboard a wellboat. You will learn how biological factors such as stress, oxygen demand, CO₂ levels, stocking density, and mechanical stress are related to practical operations. The course provides you with the tools to conduct thorough risk assessments, interpret water quality data, identify warning signs, and implement appropriate measures.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Understand how wellboat operations affect fish physiology and welfare
• Identify risk factors in various phases of the operation
• Conduct and document sound assessments before, during, and after transport
• Recognize when an operation must be adjusted or halted
• Actively contribute to ensuring that wellboat operations are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and good professional practice
The goal is to strengthen your professional confidence—so that you can make the right decisions when it matters most.
The following lessons are included in this course
1. Fish Health and Welfare in Wellboat Operations
2. The Wellboat’s Risk Profile in the Production Chain
3. Roles, Responsibilities, and Duty to Stop
4. Risk Assessment Before Handling Fish
5. Crowding of fish
6. Pumping and loading onto wellboats
7. Sea lice treatment and fish welfare
8. Water quality during transport
9. Stocking density and transport time
10. Unloading from the well boat
11. Handling of sick or weakened fish
Who is this course for?
This course is intended for employees who work with or are responsible for wellboat operations in the aquaculture industry. It is particularly relevant for crew members on board, operational personnel, managers, and others who make decisions related to loading, transport, handling, and unloading of fish. The course is suitable for those who wish to strengthen their practical understanding of risk, water quality, and sound judgment throughout the operation.
Developed by HaVet Fiskehelse
The course was developed in collaboration with haVet AS. HaVet Fiskehelse possesses specialized veterinary expertise in fish health, fish welfare, and disease prevention. The company provides services to stakeholders in the smolt, food fish, cleaner fish, and cultured fish sectors, and also contributes its technical expertise to various organizations and stakeholders in the aquaculture industry.