HOW TO GET A TBM PILOT CERTIFICATE
To receive a TBM pilot certificate, individuals must attend the five modules, including passing the tests and proving the required TBM experience (module 5) together with having the assessment done.
The TBM pilot course consists of five days. All TBM pilot course modules are compulsory. The individual modules can be taken in any order.
THE COURSE
Module 1 - Theory
Classroom theory to be taught by the EFNARC Examiner is continually being updated, involving both basic and advanced theory covering subjects such as operating principles, balancing, over- excavation, boulder and more. The course materials are available in different languages.
Module 2 – Lectures
The lectures given by the Examiner include the following topics:
Local safety instructions
Introduction to tunneling and TBM
Geotechnical and design aspects
TBM machine aspects
Steering
Shift Report + Bi-component
TBM - contractor viewpoint
TBM soil conditioning
Back fill grout
Module 3 – Simulator training
The course participants go through different scenarios on VR-simulators specifically developed for training and assessment. All simulated scenarios have to be passed in order to comply with the module requirements.
Module 4 - Practical breakout
Operators who have handed in proof of experience will do this module directly on day 5 of the EFNARC TBM Pilot course. Inexperienced operators will be able to attend the course and come back to do Module 5 once they can prove the required experience of min. 90 days. Alternatively, they can agree with the Examiner to have him conduct the assessment directly on a jobsite once the required experience has been acquired.
Module 5 – Work Experience
90 days TBM Pilot experience must be proved and signed by the supervisor. The experience can be gathered either before or after the course. At the end the pilot must pass an assessment done by an Examiner. This Examiner must work for the same company as the pilot.
