Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:15 PM AWST
22/07/2026 12:15 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Pilot and escort oversized and-or over-mass vehicles
Pilot and escort oversized and-or over-mass vehicles
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPTRAN409
PSPTRAN409
State Code
WE689
WE689
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
030515 - Automotive Vehicle Operations
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake pilot and escort duties in the movement of oversize and/or over-mass vehicles.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare pilot and escort vehicles for operations
- 1.1 Maintenance needs of pilot and/or escort vehicles and associated equipment are identified from maintenance schedules or reports of faults.
- 1.2 Minor maintenance on vehicles is carried out in accordance with organisational procedures and to manufacturers specifications.
- 1.3 Pilot and/or escort vehicles and associated equipment are prepared for operations to manufacturers’ specifications in accordance with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements.
- 1.4 Post-maintenance inspections and tests of pilot and/or escort vehicles and associated equipment are completed.
- 1.5 Identified faults, repairs and the outcomes of inspections, are recorded in accordance with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements.
2 Confirm pilot and escort requirements
- 2.1 Transport companies whose vehicles are scheduled for escort are consulted to confirm requirements for pilot and/or escort operations.
- 2.2 Authorisation/s for pilot and escort operators are confirmed as current.
- 2.3 Required permits are verified for completeness and accuracy and all vehicles and drivers are inspected to ensure compliance with permits in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- 2.4 The permit holder is advised of the results of the checks and any non-compliances are addressed before operations can begin.
- 2.5 Convoys are briefed and given instructions and directions on pilot or escort operations.
3 Conduct pilot and/or escort operation
- 3.1 Required vehicle positioning, traffic warning and directional signalling procedures are implemented to enable safe passage of the load.
- 3.2 Safety equipment is operated and roadside obstacles are positioned to ensure safe passage of the load in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
- 3.3 Precautions are taken to ensure that convoy personnel are aware of road and other conditions that may impact on load and vehicle security.
- 3.4 Contingency and emergency plans are prepared to enable unexpected events to be handled safely.
- 3.4 Required liaison is undertaken with authorities in accordance with organisational procedures.
4 Use pilot and escort communication
- 4.1Communications equipment and resources for use in piloting and escorting duties are deployed/operated in accordance with organisational procedures, regulatory requirements and manufacturers specifications.
- 4.2 Messages are transmitted and received clearly and precisely with due observation of ethics and protocols required of users.
- 4.3 Backup communication strategies are established and personnel involved are informed of operating and coordination procedures.
- 4.4 Alternative communication strategies are used to communicate messages in response to communications failures and problems.
5 Maintain records
- 5.1 Journey documentation is completed in accordance with legislation, organisational policy and procedures.
- 5.2 Records on oversize and over-mass vehicle movements are maintained in accordance with legislative and organisational documentation requirements.
- 5.3 Damage and other incidents are reported clearly and legibly to authorities in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Minor maintenance may include:
replacing blown globes and fuses
repairs to rear tail-light lens
changing tyres
Pilot and/or escort operations may include:
in daylight or at night
in typical weather conditions
on the open road
on private roads
in typical traffic conditions
Convoys may include:
pilot vehicle
vehicle being escorted
escort vehicle/s
multiple vehicles under escort where this is permitted
Road and other conditions may include:
wet or iced roads
oil on road
windy sections of road
foggy conditions
animals or objects on road
pedestrians crossing the road
parked vehicles on the road
flooded sections of road
road damage
road works
road closures
holiday traffic
traffic accidents
bridge/tunnel damage
emergency situations such as bushfires.
Unexpected events may include:
road conditions
weather conditions
emergency situations
vehicle faults or incidents such as:
overheating
faulty steering mechanism
leaking fuel
faulty brakes
puncture
shredded tyre
fire in vehicle
Authorities may include:
road traffic authorities
local government authorities
police
heavy vehicle regulators
Communications equipment may include:
vehicle signage
light battens
high visibility gloves
directional display boards
radios
satellite phones
flashing lights
headlights
hazard lights
Personnel may include:
drivers of oversize and/or over-mass vehicles
management/supervisors
base personnel
emergency services
regulatory authorities
Minor maintenance may include:
replacing blown globes and fuses
repairs to rear tail-light lens
changing tyres
Pilot and/or escort operations may include:
in daylight or at night
in typical weather conditions
on the open road
on private roads
in typical traffic conditions
Convoys may include:
pilot vehicle
vehicle being escorted
escort vehicle/s
multiple vehicles under escort where this is permitted
Road and other conditions may include:
wet or iced roads
oil on road
windy sections of road
foggy conditions
animals or objects on road
pedestrians crossing the road
parked vehicles on the road
flooded sections of road
road damage
road works
road closures
holiday traffic
traffic accidents
bridge/tunnel damage
emergency situations such as bushfires.
Unexpected events may include:
road conditions
weather conditions
emergency situations
vehicle faults or incidents such as:
overheating
faulty steering mechanism
leaking fuel
faulty brakes
puncture
shredded tyre
fire in vehicle
Authorities may include:
road traffic authorities
local government authorities
police
heavy vehicle regulators
Communications equipment may include:
vehicle signage
light battens
high visibility gloves
directional display boards
radios
satellite phones
flashing lights
headlights
hazard lights
Personnel may include:
drivers of oversize and/or over-mass vehicles
management/supervisors
base personnel
emergency services
regulatory authorities
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms consistency of performance in piloting or escorting oversize or over-mass vehicles.
This will include evidence of:
actual or simulated piloting and escorting oversize and over-mass vehicles on at least three separate occasions or in three different situations/contexts
communicating clearly and precisely using required protocols, including at least one instance where alternative strategies are required in response to communication failures and problems
adhering to legal, ethical and organisational requirements relating to pilot and escort duties
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to a real or simulated workplace environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while piloting or escorting oversize or over-mass vehicles, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.
Access is required to resources such as:
applicable legislation, policies and procedures
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of requirements for situations likely to be encountered
real or simulated operational situations where vehicles are piloted or escorted
oversize and over-mass vehicles
equipment and materials generally present in an operational environment
personal protective equipment
Method of assessment
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit of competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
written or oral questions
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms consistency of performance in piloting or escorting oversize or over-mass vehicles.
This will include evidence of:
actual or simulated piloting and escorting oversize and over-mass vehicles on at least three separate occasions or in three different situations/contexts
communicating clearly and precisely using required protocols, including at least one instance where alternative strategies are required in response to communication failures and problems
adhering to legal, ethical and organisational requirements relating to pilot and escort duties
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to a real or simulated workplace environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while piloting or escorting oversize or over-mass vehicles, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.
Access is required to resources such as:
applicable legislation, policies and procedures
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of requirements for situations likely to be encountered
real or simulated operational situations where vehicles are piloted or escorted
oversize and over-mass vehicles
equipment and materials generally present in an operational environment
personal protective equipment
Method of assessment
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit of competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
written or oral questions
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS72 | PSPTRP005 | Pilot or escort oversize and/or over-mass vehicles | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J295 | PSP41812 | Certificate IV in Government (Road Transport Compliance) | Qualification |