At a meeting yesterday, the RIISC Reference Group met to approve the units of competency developed by RIISC on behalf of, and with the assistance of, the coal and drilling industries.

Four new units have been developed and adjustments have been made to existing units to accommodate CSM. The new units include:

Support blow-out prevention operations;

Assist with coal seam gas control;

Apply effective coal seam gas control practices; and

Apply blow-out prevention operational procedures.

The reference group further agreed that RIISC should consult with the coal industry to put together a Competency Set – Drilling Coal Seam Methane that, once achieved, could contribute to the mineral exploration drilling qualifications.

The CSM units will be submitted to the Department of Education, Science and Training for National Quality Council endorsement by the end of March.