Course Structure

All Boatyard Operations course modules available online have a study guide and short knowledge-based test, upon successful completion of each module the student will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

The Boatyard Operations course syllabus...

Module 1. Boatyard Operations 101

This course module takes participants new to the industry or considering a career in the industry through the entry-level basics of Boatyard Operations. The course participants will review boatyard operations including the advantages & disadvantages of the various types of boatyard equipment used to haul out & store boats ashore.

Module 2. Boatyard Operations Health & Safety

The objective of this course module is to ensure participants gain an understanding of Health & Safety as it applies to Boatyard Operations.

Module 3. Mobile Plant & Equipment Operations (training on specific equipment)

During this course module, participants will review the correct operation & maintenance of the specific mobile plant and equipment in use at their facility. Includes Mobile Boat Hoists, Dry Stack Forklifts, Transporters and Trailers.

*Please specify the machine type, model and serial number when requesting this module.

Module 4. Boat Hoist Sling & Rigging Safety

This course module examines one of the most critical components of a mobile boat hoist. Boatyard Operator's safety relies on well-maintained equipment & components fit for purpose. Course participants will review Industry Best Practice on the inspection & care of Mobile Boat Hoist Slings & Rigging Components.

Module 5. Boat Hoist Wire Rope Safety

This course module examines one of the most critical components on a mobile boat hoist. Boatyard Operators safety relies on well-maintained equipment & components fit for purpose. Course participants will review Industry Best Practice on maintaining Boat Hoist Wire Rope Safety.

Module 6. Standard Operating Procedures

During this course module participants will consider modern Boatyard Operations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) & review Industry Best Practice

Module 7. Principles of Storing Ashore

This course module examines the fundamental concepts and techniques used in a Boatyard to safely dock, stand, support and store boats ashore.

Boatyard Operations Practical Assessment

Participants that have completed the mandatory Boatyard Modules and the minimum 25 Lifts on the nominated mobile plant and equipment under the supervision of the Boatyard Manager are eligible to complete the Boatyard Operators Practical Assessment using our 100-point assessment checklist.

Upon the successful completion of the Assessment, the candidate will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Boatyard Operations. The Certificate is valid for a period of 3 years after which a refresher course and practical assessment is due.

Boatyard Operations Refresher Course

Participants that have successfully completed the Boatyard Operations Course and currently hold a valid Boatyard Operations Certificate will require a refresher training course every 3 years from certification.

The refresher course entails completing an online course module which will review sections of all previous modules undertaken with a short quiz to test the candidates retained knowledge of industry best practice.

To ensure verification of competency the candidate will also be required to complete a further Practical Assessment with the facilities Boatyard Manager following the Practical Assessment Checklist. Upon successful completion, the candidate will receive a new Certificate in Boatyard Operations valid for a further period of 3 years.

On the Job Training - how it all works...

Boatyard Operations training modules are available as soon as the employee starts work on the Boatyard. Any new employee should be "buddied up" with an experienced operator until the employee understands fundamental site-specific standard operating procedures and safe systems of work.

As the employee works through the training modules, these competencies can be tested to ensure the employee progresses to become a valuable skilled member of the team.

A training logbook will be issued at the time Module #3 is requested, with the purpose to record 25 lifts under the direct supervision of the experienced boatyard supervisor calculating and recording lift plans for each vessel.

The logbook must be used by the trainee and supervisor to record the informal training and operational experience obtained in the workplace irrespective of whether the training is going to be provided by suitably experienced workplace trainers or externally sourced industry trainers.

Workplace experience in the operation of mobile boat hoists should be treated as informal learning for a trainee, the trainee must have already received formal training by completing the e-Learning Course Modules in Boatyard Operations and specifically the safe use and operation of mobile boat hoists.

Guide to Trainee Supervision

Following the successful completion of the Boatyard Operations Training Course Modules, the trainee should have the knowledge to be able to demonstrate and apply these learning’s in the workplace under the direct supervision of an experienced boatyard operator.

The supervisor's role is to mentor and offer guidance to the trainee allowing the student to gain experience as a Boatyard Assistant and spotter before driving heavy plant and equipment such as the mobile boat hoist.

When the supervisor believes the student is sufficiently experienced in assisting the boat hoist operator the supervisor should work with the student to develop boat hoist operational skills. Please refer to the boat hoist Operations and Maintenance Manual and your own site-specific training manual for further guidance.

Use of the Logbook

The logbook records the first twenty-five (25) lifts whereby the trainee plans and executes the lift under the direct supervision of an experienced operator. The supervisor should allow the student enough leeway to make their own assessment and judgement, the supervisor only stepping in when safety is potentially compromised or damage may result. Guidance should be offered and an explanation of the reasoning behind the operational standard safe operational procedures given to the student.

Practical Assessment Guidance

As part of this learning, the Boatyard Supervisor or Manager must complete the student's Practical Assessment using the prescribed form. The Practical Assessment is undertaken by the Boatyard Supervisor or Manager using the comprehensive 100-point practical assessment guide to assess the competency of the employee and ensure they demonstrate safe operation using the checklist from pre-start checklists to haulout, to storing boats ashore as prescribed.

Certification

Upon the successful completion of the relevant Boatyard Operations Course modules, 25 recorded lifts and the Practical Assessment the employee will be awarded a Certificate in Boatyard Operations* valid for a period of 3 years after which a refresher course module and practical assessment must be undertaken as verification of competency.

* The Practical Assessment and Certification relate to the maximum rated capacity of the boatyard equipment used in the practical assessment. Should the operator wish to operate equipment of a higher-rated lifting capacity, the relevant equipment's course module must be completed and a further practical assessment will be required.