Profession dredge operator

Dredge operators work with industrial equipment to remove underwater material in order to make the area accessible to ships, to establish ports, to lay cables or for other purposes, and move the material to the desired location.

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Personality Type

  • Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

  • Dredging consoles

    The configuration of different types of dredging consoles. How the functions of the dredge are mapped to the console.

  • Mechanical systems

    Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.

Skills

  • Maintain dredging equipment

    Keep the dredging equipment in good condition. Regularly inspect suction elements, pumps, cables, cutterheads and other elements and take the necessary steps to repair any damage or wear.

  • Position dredger

    Communicate with the captain or mate to move the dredge into the right position to commence the dredging operation.

  • Prevent damage to utility infrastructure

    Consult utility companies or plans on the location of any utility infrastructure that may interfere with a project or be damaged by it. Take the necessary steps to avoid damage.

  • Use rigging tools

    Employ rigging tools such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches to safely secure high structures.

  • Collect samples

    Set up and operate equipment to collect water, gas or soil samples for testing.

  • Use safety equipment in construction

    Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.

  • Measure water depth

    Measure the depths of a body of water by using depth measuring equipment such as a depth gauge.

  • Work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • Follow health and safety procedures in construction

    Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

Optional knowledge and skills

use a computer operate gps systems position anchor poles control suction booms secure heavy construction equipment control cutterheads replace cutterhead teeth machinery load capacity soil mechanics operate bucket wheel excavator operate excavator perform minor repairs to equipment guide placement of anchors clear pipelines keep personal administration keep records of work progress excavation techniques