This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to apply conduct and maintain derrick operations in drilling.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that may apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of derrick operations and maintenance including:

complying with work instructions

using correct techniques for handling tubulars and equipment

performing conversion between imperial and metric measurements

demonstrates a range of written and verbal communications skills, including use of:

2-way radio

intercom

telephone

written instruction

oral instruction

hand signals

telephone

public address system

prepare and complete clear and legibly written reports

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the conduct and maintenance of derrick operations that meets all of the required outcomes including:

coordinating activities with others

reading and passing on handover notes and details

communicating clearly and concisely to and with the driller

assisting the driller in Blowout Prevention (BOP) testing

communicate clearly and concisely with fluid engineer and operator’s representative and inform driller of problems if they arise

demonstrates completion of the conduction and maintenance of derrick operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

handling tubular and equipment including making and breaking connections

inspecting all lines, equipment and attachments to the derrick

preparing fluids, checking fluid, aligning fluid, monitoring and recording fluid additives

correctly preparing for drilling

participating in pressure testing

assisting in running and cementing casings

assisting with rig shutdown and rig down

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following in conduct and maintain derrick operations:

company and statutory safety guidelines, procedures and practices

safe operating procedures when operating equipment

equipment malfunction or failure and appropriate procedures

supervision and training of subordinates to provided standards

work directed by driller in timely and efficient manner

routine maintenance of derrick

preparation for drilling operations

preparation for the tripping of tubulars

process for assisting in running and cementing of casing

key tasks in assisting driller in handling and nipple up of Blowout Prevention (BOP) stack

key tasks in acting as assistant to driller on drill floor

process for keeping circulation system clean and operating well

equipment maintenance and disposing of waste properly

awareness of position of crew members on floor during handling of drill stem

safe operating procedures when operating equipment

conversion between metric and imperial measurements

rig maintenance

normal drilling operations

non-routine drilling operations

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors; and industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,

this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,

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

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this unit of competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an industry subject matter expert. The industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or industry sector as follows:

*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 frequent site assessments across various locations.

**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.

Drilling