Training
Overview
The FRC regularly runs training courses for students and practitioners informally and formally through field sessions, workshops and individual mentoring. Training in bioassessment using aquatic macroinvertebrates has been undertaken in various southern African regions. Collaboration with the Okavango Research Institute has enabled several researchers and technical staff to be trained in methods for the measuring of aquatic health.
SASS Training
SASS (South African Scoring System) is a bioassessment tool based on aquatic macroinvertebrates that is widely used in South Africa for evaluating river health. It forms the backbone of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) national biomonitoring programme in South Africa. We offer training courses on a rapid method of water quality assessment, based on the SASS5 biomonitoring method. Helen Dallas has been running SASS training courses for practitioners in the Western Cape since 2009.
SASS course leaders
Helen Dallas and Dean Ollis
The next course dates to be announced.
Please email sass@frcsa.org.za for more information.
SASS Accreditation
The SASS5 training course does not include the accreditation. Once the training course has been completed it is advised to first practice your skills for a few months and when you are confident book your accreditation day with your nearest SASS auditor.
The SASS auditor for the Western Cape is Thembela Bushula. Please email TBushula@bocma.co.za to book your accreditation day.