Surface Shotfirer [Restricted]

SURFACE SHOTFIRER (Restricted)

Units of Competency

RIIBLA201E – Support Shotfirer Operations
RIIBLA205E – Store, Handle and Transport Explosives
RIIBLA301E – Conduct Surface Shotfiring Operations
RIIBLA305E – Conduct Secondary Blasting

Course Description

This course is designed to equip individuals with the indispensable skills and knowledge necessary for conducting surface shotfiring operations within the Mining, Drilling, and Civil Infrastructure sector. Targeting operational roles in Drill and Blast teams, it caters to those seeking a Restricted Shotfirer license in several Australian states/territories, as well as individuals aspiring to hold a statutory position as an appointed Shotfirer, a requirement in most operations and regulatory bodies.

Course Components and Requirements for Statement of Attainment:

To obtain a Statement of Attainment, trainees must complete three components:

  1. Theory: Offered through various delivery methods:

    • Classroom-based: 4-day sessions available in private or public programs (excluding practical assessment)
    • Online training: Self-paced web-based modules (for partnered sites with BMI mentorship)
  2. Operational Engagement & Experience Evidence Submission

  3. Onsite Observational Assessment:  Conducted by BMI Trainers and/or Site Appointed personnel to evaluate practical application skills.

Entry Requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Possession of a Dangerous Goods Security Card or equivalent (TAS Trainees require WST Letter of Approval)
  • Current employment on a Drill and Blast team for a minimum of 4 months
  • Ability to provide evidence of participation in shotfiring teams and blast activities
  • Basic understanding of mining operations and explosives obtained through a site induction
  • Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and comprehension)
  • Fundamental mathematical knowledge including basic area, volume calculations, percentages, and equation transposition
  • Basic computer literacy

Equipment Requirements:

  • Computer or iPad with a camera and an internet connection.
  • Mobile phone (IOS or Android) running the SiteDocs APP.  Trainees will be required to utilise mobile devices to collect workplace evidence onsite.  Prior authorisation is necessary to capture photos as supporting evidence.  
  • Email Address
  • USI for Australian Residents

Course Duration: Total 112 hours (nominal)

All theory training costs are excluding practical assessment.  When requesting a quote practical assessment options selection is required.

Reference material will be provided with your course.

Surface Shotfirer
Course Online Classroom- Public (4 day theory)
Surface Shotfirer (excl. practical assessment)
$1,450
$2650
Surface Shotfirer - Refresher
$1,075
POA

Additional Licensing Requirements:

  • Unrestricted shotfirers license or NSW Shotfirer license requires completion of additional units of competency as specified.

Unrestricted shotfirer license additional Unit:

  • RIIBLA402 Monitor and Control the Effect of Blasting on the Environment 

NSW BUEL Licence additional Units:

  • RIIBLA401 Manage Blasting Operations
  • RIIBLA402 Monitor and Control the Effect of Blasting on the Environment
  • RIIBLA403 Design Blasts

Refer to the Course Tab NSW BEUL Surface Shotfire – Full

Refresher Course for Existing Shotfirers

Existing Shotfirers may be required to undergo requalification every five (5) years through completion of a ‘Refresher’ training program.

Course Components:

The refresher training includes:

  1. Theory Component: Covering essential updates and advancements in shotfiring practices.
  2. Submission of Evidence: Providing evidence of shotfiring activity completed over the previous twelve months, inclusive of some risk assessment and auditing activities.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must provide evidence of holding an existing Statement of Attainment from a recognized Shotfiring course.

This refresher course aims to ensure existing Shotfirers remain updated with the latest industry standards and practices, enhancing their proficiency and safety knowledge in shotfiring operations.

Notes About Certificate of Completion:

For candidates not able to complete practical assessment, a Certificate of Completion for the theory units can be issued on request.

  • A Certificate of Completion is not a recognised qualification and will not support an application for a Shotfirers licence.
  • The Certificate can be upgraded to a Statement of Attainment on completion of the required practical experience and assessments if completing course within 2 years.
  • Upgrading a Certificate to a Statement may incur additional costs

[Note: Course entry does not guarantee employment.]

Training Enquiry

Consulting Enquiry

BLASTPlan on white

Software Quote and Enquiry

Complete your details below and we’ll email you a quote for the BLASTPLAN ll: Drill and Blast Design Application. We’ll respond to any comments or questions you have in a separate email.

BMI Refund Policy

Try Before You Buy

BlastPlan-Pro software is available for purchase on the Blast Management International web site. This software products is available for download and is fully functional. We provide a 30-day free trial period to let you fully evaluate the software product to ensure it meets your needs prior to making a purchase decision.

During your trial period, our support staff are available to assist in installation and configuration via email, ticket or telephone. We strongly recommend that all customers download, install, and test the trial version of any BMI product prior to making a purchase.

No Refunds Post Purchase

After a cleared payment on the purchase of one of our products occurs, you will receive an email with the serial number required to unlock the software. Once this information is emailed to you, no refund will be given. This policy is in place since it would be impossible for you to return your registered version of our software.

We cannot issue a refund for any BMI software product given this licensing model. Please take advantage of the 30-day trial before you complete your purchase.

Refund Under Exceptional Circumstances

In rare instances and only within 30 days of purchase, if due to technical difficulties or platform incompatibilities the software will not function, we may, at our discretion, issue a refund minus our order processing and banking fees (up to 25% of the purchase price). In such instances, we require that you provide enough information for us to positively identify your purchase transaction (e.g., order number, your company name, date of transaction, purchase code, number of licenses purchased, etc.). If we are able to positively identify your order, and if your request is made within 30 days of purchase, you must submit to us a letter of destruction of software on your company letterhead before we will process the refund. BMI is not responsible for lost, delayed, or misdirected mail or email, delays for downloading, or other communication system delays.

USI Information

Students undertaking nationally recognised VET courses are required to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). You can apply for your USI at www.usi.gov.au.

The USI is a reference number that is required if you are a new or continuing student undertaking accredited vocational study at BMI.

Who does the government require to have a USI?

You need a USI if you are undertaking a Nationally Recognised Training.  Without one, you will not be able to get your qualification unless you are undertaking a BMI course outside of Australia as an International Student.

When will you need to provide your USI to BMI?

You will need to have your USI on hand when completing the online enrolment form as part of the enrolment process at commencement of training.

Trainer Opportunity

Are you an experienced and motivated individual who wants to develop or expand your own business providing industry training in each of the Surface Drill and Blast Units of Competency? If so, we’re looking for you!


Blast Management International (BMI) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #31459) providing high quality training across most blasting industries including surface, underground metalliferous, construction, oil and gas, explosives/DG driver and special effects.

As an Independent Trainer aligned with BMI you will have access to training and assessment materials as well as marketing and sales support that will enable you to develop your own business providing Nationally Recognised Training to your own clients.

These units support applications for Shotfirer Licenses and may include those aimed at Drill and Blast Engineers, Supervisors and Superintendents.

This opportunity will suit people with skills in both training and surface blasting looking to leverage your industry knowledge and contacts into a sustainable, profitable business opportunity.

For more information or to arrange a confidential discussion email me at peter@blastmanagement.com.

Masterclass Enquiry

I’d like to find out more about the Manage Drill and Blast Operations Masterclass.