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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Certificate: Rail Operations (Train Control)

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
24498	National Certificate: Rail Operations (Train Control)
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was TETA until Last Date for Achievement			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 11 - Services		Transport, Operations and Logistics
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	126	Level 4	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0160/05	2006-09-05	2009-06-17
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-17		2013-06-17

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
66669	Further Education and Training Certificate: Rail Operations (Train Control)	Level 4	NQF Level 04	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

A learner qualifying in this qualification will be able to manage and plan train control for the safe and timeous movement of rail-bound vehicles from one point to another under planned and controlled conditions.

A learner who has achieved this qualification will have extensive theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of all systems of train control as required. This qualification will also form the platform to proceed to Transport Management and Transport Logistics Management.

Rationale for the Qualification

This qualification will allow persons currently in, or aspiring to enter the rail operations environment (Yard Personnel and Train Control) and others to obtain an integrated practical and theoretical grounding in the control of train movements on open lines, which includes utilising and administering all train control methods/systems, responsible for managing, planning and controlling of train movements.

Furthermore, the principles for safe movement on rail will:

Enhance the quality of service to clients and lead to transformation in economic growth and social development;

Give guidance to train personnel and shunting personnel about the understanding of various train working rules;

Enable objective decision-making by evaluating various situations on a day-to-day basis for better planning of the train service;

Facilitate quick decisions for solutions to normalise the train service during disruptions;

Implement alternative planning during abnormal working periods;

Improve the quality of safety in the work environment;

Provide a better service to clients; and

Better co-ordination between various functions within the yards, Joint Operating Office and open line working.

This qualification is to create a life-long learning environment in which the individual can build on a personal career in the Rail transportation sector. The Functional Yard Operations qualification and various skills programmes that exist will allow learners to progress to a national qualification in Train Control.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

National Certificate in Rail Operations (Functional Yard Operations) - excluding:

Record of truck and locomotive movements (SPRINT means Spoornet Information Network).

Plan, manage and communicate train service.

Control depot expenditure budget

The following must be in place:

End User Computing.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL must be demonstrated by written assessment of critical underpinning knowledge, performing
practical exercises and demonstrating competence through workplace assessment.

This process to be followed must be discussed and agreed upon between the assessor and the learner. Formative assessment should be used against the unit standards and summative assessment against the unit standards and the qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Composition of Credits:

Fundamental: 36 credits

Core: 80 credits

Elective: 10 credits
Total: 126 credits

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

On achieving this qualification learners can:

1. Plan, control and administer safe movement on rail for all single line systems of train control under normal and abnormal circumstances and keep proper records of rail movement.
2. Control rail movements by operating semaphore signals on all single line systems of train control under normal and abnormal circumstances.
3. Control rail movements by operating semaphore signals on double lines system of train control under normal and abnormal circumstances.
4. Control rail movements by operating colour light signals under normal and abnormal circumstances.
5. Administer and manage pilot working of train control according to specific requirements.
6. Understand and communicate the correct messages between the various parties involved in the work environment, which relates to the planning, managing and executing of rail movements.
7. Plan, manage and execute occupation requests for maintenance of track and related infrastructure on rail according to service needs
8. Afford on track protection; interface trains during the working of the tamping machine.
9. Plan, manage and communicate a train service according to service needs.

In demonstrating the above-mentioned abilities learners must be able to:

Use language and literacy skills in written and oral communication to ensure common understanding in the work environment;

Use mathematics by working with numbers, number patterns, measurements, ratios and understand mathematics in the social and economic environment;

Draw on problem-solving approaches, e.g. train delays, derailments, accidents, signals out of order, etc;

Use modern computer systems and technology, e.g. reporting writing, reporting of train movements (Estimated time of departure and Estimated time of arrival, etc.);

Collect, analyse and evaluate information, e.g. written/oral information about train arrangements;

Understand how one system relates to another, e.g. linkage of train control system with signals and one train control system to another train control system;

Co-ordinate activities in team context, e.g. to work as a team for the safe and timeous planning and controlling train and shunting movements under normal and abnormal circumstances;

Demonstrate self-organisation and self-management, e.g. executing train movements safely and correctly by adhering to and complying with relevant train working rules/procedures under normal and abnormal circumstances;

Communicate continuously with all role-players by utilising various appropriate communication media, e.g. written, verbal, radios, hand signals and communicate correct information, etc.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1.1 Perform taking-over/signing off duties at a control office.
1.2 Gather information to plan train movements under normal and abnormal circumstances.
1.3 Control rail movements under normal and abnormal circumstances.
1.4 Administer rail movements under normal and abnormal circumstances.
1.5 Keep proper record of train movements under normal and abnormal circumstances.
1.6 Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical knowledge that underpins the ability to make decisions about and planning, controlling and administering safe movement on rail for all systems of train control under normal and abnormal circumstances.

2.1 Explain station diagram with lines, position of signals, indicators and points.
2.2 Operate signals, indicators and points for arrival of trains within limits of instructions.
2.3 Operate signals, indicators and points for shunting movements within limits of instructions.
2.4 Operate signals, indicators and points for departure of trains within limits of instructions.
2.5 Authorise rail movements when applicable signals, indicators and point are not working for any reason.

3.1 Explain station diagram with lines, position of signals, indicators and points.
3.2 Operate signals, indicators and points for arrival of trains within limits of instructions.
3.3 Operate signals, indicators and points for shunting movements within limits of instructions.
3.4 Operate signals, indicators and points for departure of trains within limits of instructions.
3.5 Authorise rail movements when applicable signals, indicators and point are not working for any reason.
3.6 Keep proper record of train movements under normal and abnormal circumstances.
3.7 Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical knowledge that underpins the ability to make decisions about and planning, controlling and administering safe movement on rail for double lines system of train control under normal and abnormal circumstances.

4.1 Explain station/centralised traffic control area outlay on the diagram, e.g. lines, position of signals, route indicators, points, illuminated train positions and push buttons.
4.2 Operate signals, indicators and points for train movements within limits of instructions.
4.3 Operate signals, indicators and points for shunting movements within limits of instructions.
4.4 Authorise rail movements according to limits of instructions when applicable signals, indicators and point are not working for any reason.
4.5 Keep proper record of train movements under normal and abnormal circumstances.
4.6 Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical knowledge that underpins the ability to make decisions about and planning, controlling and administering safe movement on rail for colour-light system of train control under normal and abnormal circumstances.

5.1 Introduce Pilot Working according to the specific system of train control.
5.2 Manage Pilot Working and keep proper record in train register about applicable information.
5.3 Cancel Pilot Working according to the specific system of train control.
5.4 Introduce the normal system of train control within limits of instructions.
5.5 Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical knowledge that underpins the ability to make decisions about and planning, controlling and administering safe movement on rail during Pilot Working.

6.1 Understand received information correctly, e.g. orally, written, etc
6.2 Act correctly according to received information, e.g. plan, manage and execute rail movements.
6.3 Communicate clearly and correctly in the work environment, e.g. orally, written, etc.

7.1 Understand the maintenance request.
7.2 Plan the occupation request and inform relevant role-players.
7.3 Record the maintenance request.
7.4 Ensure that all applicable equipment and personnel are available for executing the occupation.
7.5 Ensure all applicable safety measures are applied during the occupation.
7.6 Discontinue the occupation according to related train working rules.
7.7 Continue with normal train working procedures.

8.1 Assess the need for protection.
8.2 Afford protection according to the specific circumstances.
8.3 Discontinue protection and continue with normal train working procedures.
8.4 Communicate and record the working of the tamping machine.
8.5 Interface trains during the working of the tamping machine and according to the specific train control system.

9.1 Utilise Spoornet Information Network (SPRINT) to plan a train service.
9.2 Communicate planned information to relevant role-players.
9.3 Monitor the running of trains.
9.4 Manage the train service by introducing alternative arrangements when the need arise.
9.5 Communicate the alternative train arrangements with relevant role-players.

Integrated assessment

Integrated assessment must be based on integrated concepts, ideas and actions across the spectrum of unit standards and the qualification to achieve competence in individual areas, as well as achievement of the holistic outcome for the Train Control qualification.

Integrated assessment must also be used to assess the learners` reflexive competence to consider a range of options in order to make decisions and show evidence about planning and controlling safe movement on rail.

Learners can demonstrate understanding of the theoretical knowledge that underpins the ability to make decisions about and execute planning and controlling safe movement on rail.

Carefully selected methods must be based on the purpose of the assessment. The assessment must integrate a number of different methods/systems of train control (normal and abnormal circumstances) in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

International and National benchmarking was done throughout the standard writing process.

The UK courseware received, was not applicable to the South African environment and the competency profiles do not match the related profiles in South Africa.

The train control systems, as well as the roles within the South African context, differ totally in comparison with the UK rail environment.

The competency descriptions/profiles also vary within Spoornet, Metrorail, OREX, Coallink and other private rail-related companies, but the project team compiled standards that will cover the whole spectrum within the rail environment in South Africa.

Various Internet sites were searched, but very little information on standards and qualifications could be found. The following two sites were found and were used for benchmarking.

RAIL TRANSPORTATION WORKERS (USA) advertise various jobs for the USA rail market, but if it is compared with the South African market and competency profiles, then it can be concluded that no similarity exists.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This Rail Operations qualification has been developed to transform practice across the rail operations industry and will provide articulation possibilities with a range of qualifications:

There is portability between the qualifications in Rail Operations (Functional Yard Operations and Train Control) and on the higher levels with Transport Management and Logistic Management qualifications.

MODERATION OPTIONS

SAQA and its accredited agencies will ensure that the mechanisms and bodies for internal and external moderation of learner achievement and of institutions providing the learning opportunities meet the requirements for transparency and the development of the field, sub-field and the NQF.

Moderation of the assessment process and technical correctness of the assessor`s judgement must be done by a person who has been specialising in Rail Operations and who has been certified as competent against the National Certificate in Rail Operations, Train Control, which must include the relevant standards that the learners will be assessed against.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

An individual wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.

A learner who wishes to be assessed against this qualification will be assessed by an assessor who has been certified as competent against the National Certificate in Rail Operations (Train Control) NQF level 4, which must include the relevant standards that the learners will be assessed against.

Any assessor and training provider must ensure that the relevant company-specific procedures/rules are used as reference material when designing courseware, assessment or when selecting pre-designed assessments.

Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the TRANSPORT SETA-ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider by the TETA, ETQA.

Moderation of assessment will be done by the relevant ETQA as prescribed.

NOTES

This qualification has been replaced by qualification 66669, which is "Further Education and Training Certificate: Rail Operations (Train Control)", Level 4, 120 credits.

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	14629	Administer Van Schoor system of train control for safe movement on rail	Level 4	NQF Level 04	10
Core	14649	Administer wooden train staff system of train control for safe movement on rail	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	14648	Interface with trains during the working of the tamping	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	14644	Administer and manage pilot working of train control for safe movement on rail	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	4
Core	14635	Administer radio train order system of train control for safe movement on rail	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5
Core	14624	Administer telegraph orders for safe movement on rail	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	10
Core	14647	Administer track warrant system of train control for safe movement on rail	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	8
Core	14616	Control rail movement by operating colour-light signals	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	15
Core	14606	Control rail movement by operating semaphore signalled double lines and indicators	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	10
Core	14593	Control rail movement by operating semaphore signals and Indicators on on single lines	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5
Core	14652	Plan, manage and execute occupation requests for maintenance of track and related infrastructure on rail	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5
Fundamental	9015	Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8974	Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	12417	Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Fundamental	8975	Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8979	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	7468	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8976	Write for a wide range of contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	14651	Plan, manage and communicate the train service	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	10

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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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