This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect a drilling site, select an appropriate drilling method, manage costs, quotes and permits, design and organise a drilling program and prepare a work health and safety (WHS) plan for site.

It applies to those working in management or consultancy roles. They generally perform tasks involving a high level of autonomy that require the application of significant judgement in planning and determining the selection of equipment, roles and techniques for themselves and others. They are required to demonstrate the application of a broad range of technical, managerial, coordination and planning skills.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

plan drilling on at least two occasions, including:

determining required method of drilling and down hole tools in consultation with other personnel

identifying, assessing and selecting plan components

identifying required information and scope of work

consulting and negotiating with stakeholders

researching site for accessibility, services, hazards, legal and environmental problems, and exploring viable options to determine issues

evaluating ground conditions for selected site

preparing cost estimates and documenting and presenting quote/tender

identifying and arranging permits and licences

assessing site hazards and risks and preparing Work Health Safety plan.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply required legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

implement the procedures and techniques for the planning of drilling programs, including:

identifying, addressing and reporting potential hazards and risks

implementing emergency response plan and procedures

identifying, addressing and reporting environmental issues

checking all contractor-supplied equipment

applying negotiation skills with clients and other parties

preparing costing, estimations and tenders

using project management tools and programs

work with others to complete the planning of drilling programs, including:

preparing for and organising work activities to meet all task requirements

communicating with others to receive and clarify work instructions

using a range of communication techniques and aids to advise others of work activity and exclusion zones

using written and verbal communications to convey all activities and outcomes for rig operations to others.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key policies, procedures and established requirements for planning drilling, including those for:

risk assessment and management

workplace health and safety

environmental management

workplace communication

quality management

contract management

plant, equipment and tools maintenance

materials deliveries

developing and implementing communication systems, processes and procedures

accessing, interpreting and applying identifying plant and equipment capabilities and limitations

inspection/research techniques for collecting data, including:

linear measurement

angular measurement

by manual/electronic means

communication documents including maps, geological and topographical data, diagrams, graphical representation (including maps and diagrams and their uses for interpretation and prediction)

special requirements for different methods of drilling

environmental requirements for drill sites.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

personal protective equipment

equipment required to plan drilling

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the RII Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Drilling