Dogging vs Rigging in WA: What’s the Difference, and Which Comes First?

Dogging vs rigging comes down to scope. Both are high risk work licences, and WorkSafe WA issues them. Dogging covers slinging loads, selecting and inspecting lifting gear, and directing the crane operator during a lift. Rigging includes all dogging work plus the structural side of lifting: erecting structural steel, hoists and precast concrete at basic level, with intermediate and advanced classes adding cranes, tilt slabs and more complex work.

You need CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform dogging before you can start CPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic level. So if rigging is where you’re headed, dogging is always the first step. Here’s how dogging vs rigging compares, what each licence lets you do, and how to tell whether your role needs more than a dogging licence.

This content has been reviewed by Matt Longman, WorkSafe-accredited High Risk Work assessor.

---

Dogging vs rigging at a glance

	Dogging (DG)	Basic rigging (RB)
Unit	CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform dogging	CPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic level
Core work	Slinging loads, selecting and inspecting lifting gear, directing crane and hoist operators	All dogging work, plus structural steel erection, hoists, precast concrete members, safety nets and static lines, mast climbing work platforms, perimeter screens and shutters, cantilevered crane loading platforms
Prerequisite	No licence prerequisite	Dogging course successfully completed
Course length at Paratus	5 days	5 days
Next step	Basic rigging, if your work requires it	Intermediate rigging (RI), then advanced rigging (RA)

---

What a dogging licence covers

WorkSafe WA defines dogging work as using slinging techniques to safely attach loads to lifting equipment and directing the movement of a load, including selecting and inspecting the lifting gear before use.

The key word is judgement. A dogger decides whether the slings, chains and shackles are fit for the lift, how the load should be slung, and how its mass and centre of gravity will behave once it leaves the ground.

In practice, a dogman prepares loads, checks gear, attaches loads to the crane and directs the operator by hand signals, whistle or radio. That direction matters most when the load is out of the operator’s view.

If your job is working alongside a crane (guiding lifts, slinging loads, checking gear), dogging is the licence for that work.

When a dogging licence isn’t required

WorkSafe WA states you don’t need a dogging licence where workers sling loads without using judgement and the load stays in clear view of the plant operator. That means no decisions about which lifting gear to use, how the load is slung, the condition of the gear or load, or its centre of gravity. If anyone is making those calls, they need a dogging or rigging licence. Check with your site before assuming the exemption applies.

---

What a rigging licence covers

Rigging starts with CPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic level. Under WA’s Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, basic rigging covers all dogging work plus:

• structural steel erection
• hoists
• precast concrete members of a structure
• safety nets and static lines
• mast climbing work platforms
• perimeter safety screens and shutters
• cantilevered crane loading platforms

In addition, intermediate rigging adds hoists with jibs and self-climbing hoists, cranes, conveyors, dredges and excavators, tilt slabs, demolition, and dual lifts. Advanced rigging adds gin poles and shear legs, flying foxes and cable ways, guyed derricks and structures, and suspended and fabricated hung scaffolds.

This distinction catches people out. For example, two tasks people often associate with “rigging”, erecting cranes and tilt-up panel work, sit in intermediate rigging. A basic rigging licence on its own doesn’t cover them.

Does a rigging licence cover dogging?

Yes. WorkSafe WA states that holders of a basic, intermediate or advanced rigging licence are authorised to perform dogging work. It’s also why dogging is the prerequisite: rigging builds directly on the slinging and load-direction skills dogging teaches.

---

Why dogging comes before rigging

Dogging comes first because every rigging job still involves dogging work. Before a rigger can erect steel, install a hoist or place a precast panel, someone has to sling the load, select and inspect the lifting gear, and direct the lift. Those are the core skills of a dogging licence.

The licence classes follow the same layered structure. Under WA’s Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, basic rigging includes all dogging work, intermediate rigging includes all basic rigging work, and advanced rigging includes all intermediate work. WorkSafe WA confirms that all three rigging classes authorise the holder to do dogging work.

So training follows the same order. CPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic level teaches the structural work on top of dogging, which is why you need to have completed the dogging course before you can start it.

However, going further isn’t compulsory. Plenty of workers hold a dogging licence for years without needing basic rigging.

Also, crane operation isn’t the next step on the rigging ladder. It’s a separate set of licences, split by crane type and capacity. See crane licence classes in WA explained.

From course to licence

The steps are the same for dogging and rigging. Completing the course gives you a Statement of Attainment and a Notice of Assessment. You then lodge your licence application with WorkSafe WA within 60 days of the Notice of Assessment, and WorkSafe WA issues the licence.

---

Do you need to upskill to basic rigging?

The dogging vs rigging decision comes down to the scope of work you’re moving into.

Dogging is likely enough if your role involves:

• Directing crane operators and slinging loads on building, civil or mining sites (see what tickets you need for FIFO work in WA)
• Crane chasing: working as the dogman assigned to a mobile crane, travelling with it between jobs, slinging loads and directing the operator on infrastructure or commercial construction projects
• Load-shifting and lifting gear inspection in manufacturing or heavy industry
• Any role where working alongside a crane is the core task, rather than erecting what the crane lifts

Consider basic rigging if:

• You’re erecting structural steel or placing precast concrete members
• You’re installing hoists, mast climbing work platforms, safety nets and static lines, or perimeter screens
• You’re moving into roles where the job ad lists a rigging licence as a requirement
• You want to progress to intermediate rigging, which covers crane erection and tilt-up work

If you’re not sure whether your next role needs rigging scope, check with your employer or site supervisor before booking. The licence requirement follows the scope of work.

---

For employers: match the licence to the task

When you’re booking training for a crew, check the licence class against the work on the job, not just whether a worker “has a ticket”. For instance, a dogger can sling loads and direct lifts, but can’t erect structural steel or install hoists without a rigging licence.

For workers who already hold a dogging licence, a verification of competency (VOC) assessment confirms competency against your site’s requirements. Paratus can also deliver CPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic level on site where your company has the equipment available. Talk to our corporate training team for a quote.

---

Common questions: dogging vs rigging

---

Ready to start? Whichever side of dogging vs rigging your work falls on, dogging is the first step. Book your dogging course at our Bayswater facility.

Not sure which licence fits your role? Contact our team and we’ll help you work out the right starting point.

---

Was this post helpful? Check out our latest posts here:

• Dogging vs Rigging in WA: What’s the Difference, and Which Comes First?
• White Card Perth: Do You Need One for a WA Mine Site?
• EWP Licence vs Scissor Lift Ticket: Which One Do You Actually Need?
• Crane Licence Classes in WA Explained: C0, C2, C6 Vehicle Loading and Non-Slewing — Which One Do You Need?
• What Tickets Do You Need for FIFO Work in WA?

---