SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Fuel Pipeline Controller

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
102560	Occupational Certificate: Fuel Pipeline Controller
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 11 - Services		Transport, Operations and Logistics
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	268	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-05-30	2025-12-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30		2029-12-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Fuel Pipeline Controller.

A Fuel Pipeline Controller operates monitors and controls pipeline operations for the bulk transport of petroleum, in, through and out of pipeline depots.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Conduct pipeline operations, monitor and control flow and pressure in a high pressure pipeline.

Perform product metering on start-up and tank gauging before and after tank movements.

Perform product quality testing.

Rationale:
This qualification reflects the need for bulk materials handling pipeline operations for personnel with knowledge, skills, and understanding as a Fuel Pipeline Controller for the bulk transport of liquids (typically petroleum products) in, through and out a pipeline depot. This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of pipeline operators working in the pipeline operations industry that is expressed by employers and employees, both now and in the future.

The qualification will provide a means to set standards in the Pipeline Operations industry and would serve to foster professionalism in the Southern African Transport industry to provide a mechanism for regulating the services provided by a quality and professional point of view.

The qualification is the first in the pipeline operations industry but will allow learners to progress to other qualifications within the pipeline operations - and transport industry, chemical industries and within the water sector.

The qualification focuses on the skills, knowledge, work experience, values, and attitudes required to ensure further progression. The objective is to:

Promote the development of knowledge, skills, work experience, and values that are required in the Pipeline Industry.

Release the potential of people.

Provide opportunities for people to move up the value chain.

Allow access to a National Qualifications Register.

Ensure that the quality of education and training is enhanced and be of a world class standard.

It will provide the broad knowledge, skills, work experience, and values needed in the Pipeline industry and will facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within education and training and to progress along a learning path for learners who:

Have worked in the Pipeline Operations Industry for many years, but have no formal qualification.

Wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of the industry so that they can become competent workers in the Pipeline Operations Industry.

The Transport sector and people operating within the pipeline operations industry will benefit from this qualification and its competence standards, which are instrumental to the development and recognition of the foundational, practical and reflective competence (applied competence) needed to render effective and efficient pipeline transport services.

These services are essential in and to the following domains:

Enabling the rendering of a pipeline transport service.

Enabling the rendering of a transport service.

Contributing to economic growth.

Central to the qualification is the development of a culture of a safe and efficient pipeline transport service to meet the needs of clients and consumers.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:

Level 2 with Mathematics and Communication.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules.

Knowledge Modules:

718906001-KM-01, Occupational health and safety practices within the workplace, Level 2, 6 Credits.

718906001-KM-02, Pipeline Industry and Equipment, Level 3, 17 Credits.

718906001-KM-03, Perform Product Quality Control Tests, Level 4, 5 Credits.

718906001-KM-04, Perform Product Metering, Level 4, 6 Credits.

718906001-KM-05, Volume of Product in a Tank, Level 4, 3 Credits.

718906001-KM-06, Launch and Receive Pigs and Spheres, Level 4, 5 Credits.

718906001-KM-07, Movement of Transmixture and/or Intermixture, Level 4, 5 Credits.

718906001-KM-08, Implement Risk Control, Level 3, 6 Credits.

718906001-KM-09, Perform Minor Maintenance, Level 3, 5 Credits.

718906001-KM-10, Movement of Product into, through and out of pipeline Depots via Pipeline Routes, Level 4, 33 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 91.

Practical Skill Modules:

718906001-PM-01, Perform basic occupational health and safety checks, Level 2, 6 Credits.

718906001-PM-02, Identify pipeline Equipment, Level 3, 17 Credits.

718906001-PM-03, Prepare, perform and shutdown a movement of product, into, through and out of pipeline depots using pipeline routes, Level 3, 33 Credits.

718906001-PM-04, Launch and receive pigs and spheres, Level 3, 5 Credits.

718906001-PM-05, Perform Minor Maintenance, Level 3, 5 Credits.

718906001-PM-06, Implement Risk Control, Level 3, 6 Credits.

718906001-PM-07, Perform Product Metering, Level 3, 6 Credits.

718906001-PM-08, Determine the volume of Product in a Tank, Level 3, 3 Credits.

718906001-PM-09, Monitor the movement of Transmixture and/or Intermixture, Level 3, 5 Credits.

718906001-PM-10, Perform Product Quality Control Tests, Level 3, 5 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 91.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
Work Experience Modules:

718906001-WM-01, Process and procedures for start-up, of product movement and shutdown of pipeline operations, Level 4, 64 Credits.

718906001-WM-02, Process and procedures for reading, interpreting volumes and responding to operations notice for correct product intake, movement, and delivery to fuel industry clients, Level 4, 12 Credits.

718906001-WM-03, Processes and procedures for sample testing of product, Level 4, 10 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 86.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conduct pipeline operations by transporting and delivering refined petroleum products and crude oil in a high pressure pipeline network.
2. Monitor the movement of transmixture and maintain the quality of petroleum products.
3. Meter product accurately and determine the volume of product in a tank.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Outcome 1:

Occupational health and safety requirements are adhered to according to regulations and company standard operating procedures.

Pipeline equipment is identified as a pipeline manifold is prepared for a product start-up in accordance with the product movement schedule.

Product movement is started up in a pipeline in accordance with the operations notice.

Movement of product is shut down in a pipeline in accordance with the operations notice.

Pigs and spheres are launched in accordance with the operations notice instructions.

Minor maintenance is performed on pipeline and office equipment as per monthly maintenance schedule and defect notification.

Pipeline work permits are issued in accordance with standard operating procedure and legislative requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Product is metered accurately in accordance with company standard operating procedures.

The volume of a product is determined in a tank at 20°Celcius in accordance with company standard operating procedure.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Transmixture is monitored in accordance with company standard operating procedures.

The quality of product is tested in accordance with company standard operating procedures.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The contents of the qualification were the focus of international and national comparison, which was on-going throughout the project through an open communication process, consultation and external input.

New Zealand
Employees in New Zealand fulfil a multi-functional role, they are responsible for operational as well as the maintenance aspects (mechanical, electrical) of the pipeline environment. In South Africa, however, these functions are divided into two main streams. Employees perform either the operations function or the maintenance function.

The maintenance function in South Africa is sub-divided into various sub-fields: Mechanical, Electrical, Metering, and Instrumentation and Information Technology. Employees in the pipeline industry specialise in the various sub-fields.

The operations function is focused on the operation of the pipeline. The main responsibility is the transportation of bulk petroleum products from one point to another. In South Africa there are three different gradings in the operations environment. Each grading is responsible for a different aspect of the pipeline operations.

Other utility groups such as the supply of electricity and telecommunications also support the South African pipeline transport industry.

In New Zealand pigs are mainly used for cleaning of the pipeline and product batch protection. In South Africa pigs are used for cleaning or batching. However, spheres are mainly used for batching of product in the pipeline.

The New Zealand standards were generated around refinery processes. In South Africa the pipeline industry competency needs have focused on the transportation of petrochemical products.

In both countries, statutory regulations impact on the safe operation of the pipelines although different regulations apply, e.g., Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety, and National Key Point Acts.

Canada (Alberta)
Alberta is mainly involved in extraction and storage of oil and gas that is distributed to refineries by means of the pipeline.

Employees can advance to different occupations in the industry, e.g., Utility Workers, Gaugers, and Tank Farm Operators. These employees are skilled according to the specific occupational requirements of the various companies in the industry and enter into employment with a specific high school education as well as a driver`s licence. They do in-house training for progression to higher gradings.

Some of the competencies of the Tank Farm Operators and Gaugers relate to that of the South African qualification, for example, both are responsible for the following:

Routine checks of the pumping station or remote stations.

Take readings and make necessary adjustments.

Keep detailed records of product flow, temperature, density and pressure in the pipeline.

Take samples of the product to evaluate quality.

Take readings from meters.

Send and receive pigs.

Calculations for receipts and deliveries of products.

Routing of products.

Perform a quality test of the product.

Monitoring the metering system.

The operators in Alberta are multi-skilled and are responsible for the maintenance aspects of the pipeline equipment, which is not the case in the South Africa.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the qualifications available in the rest of the world seem to cover mainly aspects of product types and maintenance. Similarities exist in the health and safety requirements, statutory legislation and maintenance on transportation equipment. Differences include pressures, synthetics, and transportation requirements. This qualification, however, compares favourably with the training programme offered in the compared countries as areas regarding curriculum content. The health and safety considerations are similar and are managed within and in accordance with internationally agreed standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
Horizontal Articulation:

FETC: Road Transport Management in the Public Sector NQF Level 4.

This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:

Vertical Articulation:

National Diploma: Freight Handling Logistics NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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