What is RAS Training?

Many people are interested in training related to aquaculture. Pond fish farming training is common. Biofloc Technology training is also widely available. But people often ask whether there is any training for Recirculating Aquaculture System or RAS.

Many people approach me asking for RAS training. I explain to them why RAS training is not like pond fish farming or biofloc training.

RAS training is generally provided only for people who are operating or managing an actual project.

Why is training required for a RAS project?

Because a RAS project is an industrial system. It requires training not only in fish farming but also in project management, operation, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Is the training the same for every RAS project?

No, the training can never be the same for every project.

Each RAS project has a different design, different layout, different equipment, different automation systems, and different operating procedures. Therefore, each project requires its own specific training program.

Can someone take training first and then build a RAS project later?

In my experience, there are very few institutions anywhere in the world that can train someone to independently design and build a complete RAS project from scratch.

Even if you find such a trainer, you should first ask yourself whether you are qualified for that level of training. Do you have an engineering background? Do you understand pumps, valves, filtration systems, automation, water treatment, oxygen systems, and project management?

RAS is not only about growing fish. It is a combination of engineering, biology, water chemistry, mechanical systems, and daily operations.

What topics are covered in a RAS training program?

Companies or engineers who build RAS projects usually provide training on the following topics:

• What each valve does and when it should be opened or closed
• How to maintain the correct water level in the tanks
• How to operate the system in automatic or manual mode
• How to bypass a failed component during an emergency
• Daily, monthly, and yearly maintenance routines
• When and how to test water quality
• What to do if pH, ammonia, or nitrate levels increase
• How to stock fish properly
• What to do if disease occurs
• How to control and maintain the biofilter
• How to calculate and provide feed correctly
• What to do during a power failure
• How to keep daily data sheets and operation records
• Which medicines or chemicals can damage the biofilter
• How to inspect equipment such as oxygen generators, drum filters, blowers, pumps, and UV systems

There can be many more training topics depending on the specific project and equipment.

Why project-specific training is important

Now think about it—if you do not have an actual project, what will you do with such training?

Even if someone teaches you everything, when you go to a different project site, you may find a completely different design, different machines, different control systems, and different procedures.

Will the previous training still be fully useful?

This is why it is usually more practical to receive training based on the specific system where you will actually work.

Do not rush into random training programs just because someone advertises them.

In the future, many large-scale RAS projects are expected to be developed in Bangladesh. At that time, those companies will likely recruit people and provide proper project-based training.

The main point is this: training without an actual project has very limited value.

RAS is not simply about feeding fish in a pond or tank. It is an industrial system that requires engineering knowledge, operational discipline, and project-specific experience.

— James Martin Adhikary