SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Operate a shiploader

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
15017	Operate a shiploader
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services			Transport, Operations and Logistics
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 3	NQF Level 03	10
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		2018-07-01	2023-06-30	SAQA 06120/18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30		2029-06-30

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard is for operators who are responsible for using Shiploaders to load bulk products into ships at bulk-product handling plants or for learners who wish to be employed in this capacity.

Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to:

efficiently, productively and safely operate various classes of shiploaders in support of the goals of a bulk-product handling facility;

appreciate the importance of their role in terms of its impact on productivity, safety and the activities of other workers and departments of the employer-organisation;

understand the specific characteristics of the operating environment and of the bulk products they will handle with a shiploader;

plan and anticipate to ensure optimal continuity and minimal inactivity.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:

Mathematics/numeracy skills equivalent to NQF 2

Language/communication skills equivalent to NQF 2

Freight Handling Unit Standard - "Maintaining occupational health, safety and general housekeeping standards"

Freight Handling Unit Standard - "Operating Computer Systems"

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

The level assigned to this standard is appropriate because applied competence must be displayed:

across all types of shiploaders utilised at the employer organization

for all grades of bulk product handled

at all possible locations of the site adjoining the wharf

for all ship types

by day or night

in a variety of environmental conditions

by liaison and co-ordination with internal staff (e.g.: Supervisors, Controllers) and external agencies (e.g.: Stevedores)

in co-operation with other machinery used at the bulk-product handling facility, such as silo`s, conveyors and tipplers

in such a way as to illustrate that the learner has significant responsibility for efficient practice (including safety and productivity) where limited discretion and judgement are required.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Conduct shiploader inspections and operating checks.

OUTCOME NOTES

Conduct shiploader inspections and operating checks in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Identify all shiploader types in operation at the employer organisation, together with their respective functionalities, components, locations and safety equipment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Identify each separate shiploader at the employer organisation, together with it's associated wharves, conveyor routes, silo's and product grades handled.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Carry out a typical pre-motion shiploader inspection, with accurate completion of checklists.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Use a shiploader to load bulk products into ships.

OUTCOME NOTES

Use a shiploader to load bulk products into ships with due regard to:

product characteristics (e.g. grade, moisture content, source stockpiles, product temperature)

machine characteristics and manufacturer's regulations

receiving vessel's characteristics, requirements and layout

Stevedore's instructions and guidance

site instructions, and

environmental regulations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Demonstrate correct start-up procedure for a shiploader, according to manufacturer's specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Demonstrate an ability to competently operate the shiploader from both the local control station and the Operator's cabin.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Operate all different shiploader machine types at the employer organisation with equal proficiency.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. Demonstrate correct shiploading activities and techniques.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

For example:

compliance with loading rotation requirements

vigilance control acknowledged every two minutes

maximum shiploading rates attained through skilled operations

minimum hatch-change time required through good planning, co-ordination and skilled operations (e.g.: can start conveyor supply feed before reaching next hatch to minimize delays)

unnecessary stoppages avoided through skilled operations

all unavoidable stoppages accounted for

no damage to infrastructure, ships, vehicles or shiploader (there are no limit switches for shiploading)

no spillages

no contaminations

no overfilling

even spreading methods used

no pollution (e.g.: dust control methods and procedures correctly used)

power usage within set limits

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. Explain the various hand signals used in the shiploading operation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

6. Demonstrate how to shut down the shiploader according to manufacturer's specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

7. Complete work assignments in accordance with the agreed plan and outcomes.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8

8. Explain and demonstrate how to optimise productivity in respect of utilisation of shiploaders, having consulted sources of relevant operational information (e.g.: operating manuals; training manuals; Supervisors; etc.).

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9

9. Demonstrate consistency of performance, determined in relation to local conditions and other variable factors.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10

10. Monitor machine systems and alarms, and act upon or report these in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11

11. Comply with applicable site Standard Operating Procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

For example:

Shift Change-Over

Maintenance Handover Procedures

Shiploader Operation

Evacuation of Shiploaders

Handling of Fires on Shiploaders

High-Wind Conditions - Shiploaders

Shiploader Remote Control

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Identify appropriate solutions to problems that may occur.

OUTCOME NOTES

Identify appropriate solutions to problems that may occur, and timeously carry out proactive steps in response to extraordinary situations, to the benefit of the organisation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Describe several typical problem situations and demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily resolve these.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

For instance:

uneven spreading of bulk product inside hatches

non-conformance with loading rates required by ship characteristics

short-notice changes to plan as an outcome of draught survey results.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Consistently meet or exceed the minimum safety, health and environmental requirements applicable.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Conform with the employer organisation's safety, health and environment policies and procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Including, inter-alia:

protective clothing and equipment

compliance With OHS Act

safety, health and environmental induction

environmental management.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Demonstrate the various safety responses required to be known by shiploader operators.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Including:

location and use of fire extinguishers

evacuation of the machine in emergencies

bad weather procedure.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Deal with emergency situations, including weather and fire.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Compile and process all documentation specified in terms of employer organisation's requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Plan and prepare for shiploader operations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Including:

obtaining and correctly interpreting work requirements

conducting an effective shift handover

clarifying, interpreting, confirming and applying work orders.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6

Interact effectively with colleagues.

OUTCOME NOTES

Interact effectively with colleagues, giving and receiving information and co-operation in support of the employer organisation's operational targets.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Communicate effectively with Control Room, Supervisor and/or Stevedore (where applicable), receiving instructions and relaying relevant information.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Convey all relevant information that could impact on operating performance to colleagues at all times.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Demonstrate co-operation and effective communications with both immediate team members and the wider network of colleagues at the employer organisation.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
2. The Freight Handling Chamber at the TETA and/or relevant ETQA must accredit any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard.
3. Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.

Accreditation Mechanisms

1. An individual wishing to be assessed against this standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.
2. The learner will be assessed by an assessor who has been certified as competent against the National Certificate in Freight Handling, which must include this unit standard.
3. Any assessor and training provider must ensure that the relevant company-specific procedures/rules are used as reference material when designing facilitator and assessor guides, assessment and/or when selecting pre-designed assessments.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate`s performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

Learners can understand and explain/apply:

1. The relevant standards, codes and legislation pertaining to the employer organisation`s shiploading operations. For example:

all applicable Standard Operating Procedures

all applicable Safe-Work Procedures

ISO 14001

ISO 9000

the OSH Act

NOSA requirements.

2. The employer organisation`s Engineering Maintenance support system, and how to obtain advance information about scheduled maintenance.

3. Bulk-product handling characteristics and the associated safety, health and environmental hazards (e.g. hot coal, iron-ore dust, non-contamination of food products, etc.), together with the precautions required (e.g. protective clothing).

4. Technological developments in respect of bulk-product handling equipment and processes (e.g. shiploading best-practice techniques, use of computerized instrument feedback (display windows) to enhance operator and machine performance).

5. Bulk-product handling processes and workflow and the implications of individuals` actions for the overall operation, and co-ordination of operational functions.

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME

N/A

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES

N/A

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decision using critical and creative thinking have been made:
Identify, in advance, potential operational problems, hazards and opportunities, and address these effectively through proactive, timeous, appropriate action.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Work effectively with others:
Share and receive ideas and information using appropriate communication systems (e.g. personal contacts; two-way radios).

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

Critically evaluate:
Anticipate and plan ahead for at least a full 24-hour shift cycle, scheduling activities and notifying team members, where applicable, with information that could promote enhanced productivity.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology:
Take advantage of learning opportunities to progress knowledge, skills and understanding regarding advancements on science and technology, in order to improve operational performance or processes.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
Show an appreciation for the complete work-flow of the employer organisation`s business, with understanding of the inter-dependency of the various operations (e.g.: how shiploading operations can contribute to enhanced performance and achievement of the organisation`s operating targets; how optimising loading rates can save costs).

UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING

Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
i reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
ii participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
iii being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
iv exploring education and career opportunities;
v developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

Through the operator training programmes and emphasis on teamwork, the learner will acquire an appreciation for the bigger picture of the bulk-product handling facility`s operations, as well as the dynamics of group interaction. Many skills and insights acquired will be transferable to the learner`s home and future employment environments. The learner will realize the importance of grasping learning opportunities in order to develop skills and enhance personal and career prospects and rewards.

UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

Notes to Assessors:

Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:

Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.

Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.

Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.

The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be assessed through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.

The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible

All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent

Methods of Assessment:

The following methods of assessment have been identified as the preferred measurement and assessment of learner competence in the above-mentioned Performance Assessment Criteria:

1. written tests/case studies/projects
2. workplace (on-the-job) assessment
3. third-party reports
4. oral assessment methods (e.g. discussions, question-and-answer sessions)

These methods must be carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, the written method could be used to assess knowledge or on-job demonstration for practical competence).

The assessment must integrate a number of different methods (no less than three of those detailed above) in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.

Assessment must be integrated in nature, including summative and formative assessment.

Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience may also serve to supplement the assessment of applied competence. The portfolio should include, inter alia:

written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner

previous training records

previous assessment records

relevant certificates or awards

Operator Logbook/Journal

accident/incident records

Operations Department performance targets

Supplementary Information

This unit standard is aimed at operator-level employees responsible for loading bulk-products into ships in the most sensible, safe, productive and efficient manner possible, for the benefit of the organisation.

An accredited assessor should either him/herself be, or should be accompanied by, an expert who is familiar with the operations of shiploaders, so that applied competence may be accurately assessed.

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Elective	64829	National Certificate: Lifting Machine Operations	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	TETA

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

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.

1.	RICHARDS BAY COAL TEMINAL COMPANY LIMITED (Legacy)
2.	Transnet Maritime School of Excellence