Victoria: Surface Shotfirer Short Course and Refresher

Victorian Surface Shotfirer
Short Course

This course is specifically designed for individuals within the Mining, Drilling, and Civil Infrastructure sector who are involved in open cut/ above ground /quarry operations in Victoria and require the Nationally Recognised Training units to apply for the Victorian Surface Blasting Explosives User License 

Units of Competency

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

RIIBLA402E – Monitor and Control the Effects of Blasting on the Environment

To obtain a Statement of Attainment, candidates undertake a blended learning program covering three components:

  1. Theory: Classroom: 5-day session available in private or public programs
  2. Operational Work Site Engagement & Experience Evidence Submission
  3. Onsite Observational and Oral Assessment: Conducted by BMI Trainers / Assessor in partnership with site to evaluate practical & theory application skills.

Entry Requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Possession of a Security Clearance Card (proof you have completed National Police and ASIO Security Checks)
  • Current employment on a Drill and Blast team for a minimum of 4 months
  • Ability to provide evidence of participation in shotfiring teams and blasts
  • Basic understanding of mining operations and explosives obtained through a site induction
  • Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and comprehension)
  • Calculates measurements, products and ratios
  • 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 132 hours (nominal)

Candidates will be expected to complete the Course within 12 months from commencement.

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:

Theory Component: Covering essential updates and advancements in shotfiring practices.
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 their VET Transcript and previous Statement of Attainment by a Registered Training Organisation recongised by the State Regulator as being approved to provide training in the State they are to be licenced in.

Notes About Certificate of Theory Completion:
All candidates have access to a Certificate of Theory Completion at completion of all theory units.

A Certificate of Completion is not a recognised qualification and will not support an application for a Statutory 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 1 year from enrolment.
Upgrading a Certificate to a Statement may incur additional costs.

[NOTE: Entry into this course does not guarantee employment.]

Surface Shotfirer
Course Online Classroom Public
Surface Shotfirer 5 day theory (excl. practical assessment)
N/A
$3250

Training Enquiry

Consulting Enquiry

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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.

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