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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate an underwater remotely operated crawler 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14436  Operate an underwater remotely operated crawler 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Surveying 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
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 has been developed for the surveying occupational area and is intended for persons who aim to achieve career advancement by gaining surveying skills leading to a qualification based on unit standards. A person who has successfully completed this unit standard is able to Pilot an Underwater Remotely Operated Crawler in any working environment.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Launch the Crawler
  • Undertake Mining Operations with the Crawler
  • Make observations whilst mining
  • Surface and recover the Crawler
  • Monitor the instrumentation in the control room
  • Recover the Crawler in an Emergency 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    NQF Level 3 numeracy and literacy. The ability to Pilot an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle will facilitate better understanding and proficiency in this unit standard.

    Recognition of prior learning
    Any learner wishing to be assessed may arrange to do so without having to attend additional education and training. The learner and assessor will decide jointly on the most appropriate assessment procedure 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Launch the Crawler 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Ensure adequate warning to relevant departments before launching. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Establish communications with crawler deck, handling and bridge. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Advise engine room to start required compressors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Conduct pre-dive checks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Monitor all operational parameters during launch and advise Handling accordingly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. After crawler is off deck, check track operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Before submerging crawler, switch on air and monitor airflow rate and pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. After crawler is unlatched, maintain heading set point using the auto-thrusters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Apply operational safety rules and standard or operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Crawler operation and communication skills.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Applicable task specific legal and safety requirements are understood and explained 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Undertake Mining Operations with the Crawler 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Confirm that the crawler is being accurately positioned with the Acoustic Positioning System. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Ensure that all the required air compressors are on line. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Monitor the hydraulic parameters and maintain the pre-set crawler heading while lowering the crawler. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Manoeuvre the crawler to the selected mining position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Activate and monitor functions and jet water pressures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Commence mining and switch to Auto mining when crawler has stabilised. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Understand positioning systems and crawler operation and mining system operation.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Make Observations whilst Mining 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Maintain the position of the crawler in relation to the vessel and the lane. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Maintain the correct orientation of the crawler in relation to the vessel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Navigate crawler around seabed hazards or obstacles - use sonar facilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Monitor pitch and roll of crawler - take corrective action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Identify and rectify auto-mining faults. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Be cognisant of the following hydraulic parameters:

    Hydraulic pack differential pressure range
    Hydraulic pack temperature
    Windings temperatures
    Filter conditions
    Conductivity of hydraulic oil
    Hydraulic system pressure
    Track pressure
    Box pressures 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Be cognisant of the following air flow parameters :-

    Air flow rate with 2 compressors (litres per minute)
    Air flow rate with 3 compressors (litres per minute)
    Air pressure with 2 compressors (kPa)
    Air pressure with 3 compressors (kPa) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Observe the following on Video Monitors :-

    Umbilical winch - note alarms and corrective action.
    Primary screens
    Sinks screens - blockages and feed rate.
    Sonar screens - check for obstacles.
    Underwater cameras - pan & tilt, operation of lights.
    Monitor slurry hoses. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Awareness of vehicle operational parameters and mining tool parameters.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Surface and Recover the Crawler 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Inform all relevant departments - Engineers to shut down one compressor and two jetwater pumps. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Position the crawler or the vessel for lift-off. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Inform handling and deck officer when crawler may be lifted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Once off sea bed, maintain heading set-point with auto thrusters 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. When crawler is on surface and latched, shut down air and thrusters 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Test tracks in this position before shutting down hydraulics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. When crawler is on deck and chained down, liase with deck officer before lowering boxes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Conduct post-dive check 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Apply operational safety rules and standard or operational procedures with special attention to safety procedures regarding hydraulics and 1100 volt electrical current. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication and vehicle handling.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Monitor the Instrumentation in the Control room 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Conlog alarms - identify and rectify :-

    Anchor drag
    Umbilical overlength
    Umbilical - general
    440 volts - high
    440 volts - low
    Plant alarm - not ready
    Starboard primary screen
    Port primary screen
    Power pack general alarm
    Air flow
    UPS no. 1
    UPS no. 2 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. MSP unit alarms - identify and rectify. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Computer video monitor Turbo link alarms - identify and rectify. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Examine, analyse and action computer parameter printouts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. UPS failure - identify and rectify. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Operate pan and tilt camera 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Yokogawa flow-meter. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Vehicle control settings.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Recover the Crawler in an Emergency 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Identify an emergency situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Enact procedure for emergency recovery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Apply operational safety rules and standard operational procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Vehicle emergency procedures.
     


    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. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA and register with the FE / HE registrar.
    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Essential embedded knowledge is dealt with under the specific outcomes section where Display KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING" is required.
    2. Range statements are included with specific outcomes as necessary.
    3. The following critical cross-field outcomes are covered in this unit standard under the specific outcomes section. They are not assessed directly, but are assessed holistically through the outcomes as indicated in the following tabulation. 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organization or community 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organize and critically evaluate information 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others) 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years' practical, relevant occupational experience
  • Declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as
    stipulated by SAQA

    Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained by the applicant must be provided (Portfolio of Evidence) 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
  • *The relevant information for Theory and Principles are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • Training manuals
  • Survey Codes of Practice
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Manufacturers' manuals
  • Standard Task Procedures
  • Risk Assessment Documentation
  • Working Guides
  • Manufacturers' Manuals and Specifications
  • Professional Publications
  • United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association guidelines
  • **The appropriate Statutory and Legal sections are contained in one or more of the following documents:
    * Surface Surveying
  • Land Survey Act and Regulations
  • Professional and Technical Surveyor's Act
    * Minerals Surveying
  • Mine Health and Safety Act 29/1996
  • Mineral Act (Act 50 of 1991)
  • Personal protective equipment means, but is not limited to, overall, hard hat, safety footwear, hand protection and harness or lifelines.
  • Hazardous and sub-standard conditions mean, but are not limited to, strong wind, rough sea, low visibility and low temperature.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks mean, but are not limited to, water on deck, slippery deck, cluttered deck, ropes and lines stored on deck, heavy moveable objects, power points and anything that might compromise good seamanship.
  • Survey point means, but is not limited to, survey station, beacon, stakes, marks, topography, features, transponder, transducer, responder or combinations of these.
  • Communicated means, but is not limited to, verbal communication, radio transmission and telephone 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  20487   National Certificate: Hydrographic Surveying  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    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. Akaf Bodyguards 
    2. Big Tree Group 
    3. Bright Storm Projects 
    4. Mahumani Empowerment Servives Centre 
    5. Mavco Engineering 
    6. MOLOKO SMALL ENTERPRISE 
    7. Motheo Academy PTY LTD 
    8. Reflections Development Institute 
    9. RUTHEKHO TRAINING ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 


    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.