This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to pilot rail traffic with due consideration of route conditions in accordance with system of safeworking, regulatory requirements and workplace procedures.

For this unit, a pilot is defined as a route current qualified worker, who accompanies, directs and advises rail traffic crew about track works, speed restrictions, signal locations, wayside equipment, station locations and other aspects that may affect operation of rail traffic based on known performance of rolling stock.

It includes identifying route and safeworking requirements, applying route knowledge in planning and communicating a rail traffic movement, and using route knowledge during a rail traffic movement in accordance with workplace requirements and rail network standards.

People achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil the applicable state/territory legislated rail safety requirements and to comply with relevant codes of practice and/or guidelines.

Work is generally performed without supervision and within a team environment. It involves the application of routine operational principles and procedures when accompanying and guiding rail traffic with due consideration of route conditions as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail system.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.