Dogging Licence in Dubbo: What the Ticket Covers and Who Needs It
If you are working around cranes, loads or lifting operations, you may have seen job ads or site requirements that specify a dogging licence. For many workers, it is not immediately clear whether they actually need one or what tasks the licence allows them to perform.
Understanding what a dogging licence covers, when it is required and how employers apply it on site can help avoid delays, compliance issues and missed work opportunities.
What Is a Dogging Licence?
A dogging licence is a High Risk Work Licence issued by SafeWork NSW. It authorises a worker to perform dogging work, which involves the safe slinging, directing and placement of loads during crane operations.
Dogging work focuses on:
- selecting and inspecting lifting gear
- slinging loads correctly
- directing crane movements
- ensuring loads are safely lifted and positioned
Dogging does not involve operating the crane itself. It is about managing the load and communicating with the crane operator.
What Does a Dogging Licence Allow You to Do?
Holding a dogging licence allows you to work in roles where loads are lifted by a crane and require guidance and control.
This commonly includes:
- slinging loads using chains, slings and lifting gear
- guiding loads during lifts
- directing crane operators using standard signals
- ensuring loads are placed safely and accurately
A dogging licence is often the first step for workers looking to progress into crane operation, as it provides essential knowledge of lifting operations and load control.
Who Needs a Dogging Licence?
A dogging licence is required for anyone performing dogging work as part of their role. This applies even if dogging tasks are not your primary responsibility.
Workers who commonly require a dogging licence include:
- construction and civil workers
- riggers and crane crew members
- steel fixers and formworkers involved in lifts
- workers on infrastructure and large commercial projects
Employers may also require a dogging licence for labour hire roles or site access, even if dogging work is only performed occasionally.
Common Situations Where People Are Unsure
Many people delay booking a dogging licence because they assume one of the following applies.
- They only guide loads occasionally.
- They work under the direction of someone else.
- They are assisting rather than leading the lift.
- They have experience but no formal licence.
In practice, if you are involved in slinging or directing a load during a crane lift, a dogging licence is usually required. Experience alone does not remove the legal requirement to hold the licence.
What Employers Usually Expect to See
When employers or site managers request a dogging licence, they are typically checking for:
- a valid High Risk Work Licence for dogging
- current licence details recorded correctly
- confidence and understanding of safe lifting practices
- compliance with site and insurance requirements
Some sites may also require a Verification of Competency assessment once work begins, particularly on major construction or infrastructure projects.
Is a Dogging Licence Always Required?
A dogging licence is not required if no dogging work is being performed. For example, workers who are not involved in slinging or directing loads may not need the licence.
However, many roles blur these boundaries in practice. If there is any chance you will be involved in lifting operations, holding a dogging licence can prevent delays and restrictions on site.
When Is the Right Time to Book?
Booking early is often the safest option.
Many workers book a dogging licence:
- before starting a new role
- when moving into civil or construction work
- when expanding their skill set for future opportunities
- to meet site access or labour hire requirements
Waiting until a role starts can delay site entry or result in work being allocated to someone already licensed.
Dogging Licence Training in Dubbo
Dogging licence training must be completed through a Registered Training Organisation and includes both theory and practical assessment.
SKIVL delivers dogging licence training in Dubbo with trainers who have real world experience in civil construction, mining and lifting operations. Training focuses on practical skills, safe work practices and meeting current site expectations.
Courses are delivered locally in Dubbo, with options available to support employers training multiple workers.
Book Your Dogging Licence With SKIVL
If you are unsure whether you need a dogging licence, talking through your role and work environment can help clarify the requirement.
SKIVL provides nationally recognised dogging licence training in Dubbo, delivered by industry experienced trainers who understand regional worksites and compliance expectations.
To discuss upcoming courses or whether a dogging licence is right for you, contact the SKIVL team and take the next step toward site ready work.