Crane Chaser vs Dogman: Same Job, New NameWalk onto most Australian worksites and you’ll still hear the term crane chaser. It’s an old term, no longer official, but it hasn’t gone away. If you check licences, course names, or regulator language, you will see something different: dogging.The role both terms refer to hasn’t changed. What has changed is how it’s defined, trained, and licensed. If you’re trying to understand where the old language ends and the current requirements begin, or you’re looking at a dogman’s course to get started, we’ll try to cover the full picture here.What a crane chaser doesA crane chaser is the person on the ground working with the crane operator. They’re the eyes and hands working where the load is. They hook up loads, they guide lifts, and they signal the operator. If something goes wrong during a lift, they’re usually the first to spot it.On older sites, that’s all the explanation you’ll get. “Grab the chaser.” Everyone knows what it means. But the job itself is now more structured. The core responsibilities include:
- Selecting and inspecting lifting gear
- Slinging and securing loads
- Directing crane movement using standard signals
- Keeping people clear of the lift zone
Those tasks themselves haven’t changed. But the way the industry recognises and regulates them has.What is a dogmanA dogman, or more accurately, a dogger, is the modern, licensed version of the crane chaser role. The licence is called a dogging licence, and the training is delivered through a recognised unit like CPCCLDG3001.The name change isn’t cosmetic. It came about because of standardisation. Regulators needed clear, consistent definitions across sites, companies, and states. “Crane chaser” meant slightly different things depending on who you asked. “Dogging” doesn’t.The shift has also changed how employers hire. They’re not looking for someone who “has experience chasing cranes.” They’re looking for a current High Risk Work licence for dogging. If you want to do this work legally, you train and licence as a crane dogman. The informal term and the ticket don’t always match, but the licence is what will get you on site.Crane chaser vs dogmanOn the ground, the work looks the same. You’re still guiding loads, still working closely with operators, still responsible for safe lifting. The difference is in three areas:
- Licensing. A crane chaser could once learn on the job. A crane dogman now needs formal training and assessment before they can perform the role.
- Accountability. With a licence comes legal responsibility. You’re no longer just helping out. You’re accountable for the lift setup and communication.
- Consistency. Signals, procedures, and load handling follow national standards. Making it easier for you to move between sites but also raising expectations.
You’ll still hear “crane chaser” in conversation, and someone asking, “do you have your chaser ticket?” is asking whether you hold a dogging licence. Both terms are used on site, but the informal one is in conversation, the formal one is for compliance, training, and pay.What a dogman’s course coversA dogman’s course is the entry point into this work. It teaches you how to handle loads safely, choose the right gear, and communicate clearly with crane operators during lifts.A typical course runs over several days and includes both theory and practical assessment. You’ll cover:
- Slinging methods and load stability
- Use of chains, slings, and lifting equipment
- Standard hand and radio signals
- Hazard awareness during lifts
Once you complete the training and pass the assessment, you can apply for your High Risk Work licence. If you’re already working around cranes in informal roles, the course turns hands-on experience into something that is recognised. And this opens the door to clearer responsibilities, better roles, and often better pay.Looking for dates? View the course calendar.The difference between a rigger and a dogmanPeople sometimes use “dogman” and “rigger” interchangeably, but they’re different roles with different licence classes and different levels of complexity.A dogger works with loads and cranes at a foundational level:
- Attaching loads to cranes
- Directing crane movement using signals
- Managing straightforward lifts
A rigger works at a higher level:
- Setting up complex lifting systems
- Moving structural elements
- Working with multiple cranes or advanced gear
In simple terms, dogging is the starting point. Rigging builds on it. Most rigging courses expect you to already hold a dogging licence, because the fundamentals (load handling, signals, safety) need to be second nature before you move into more complex work.The difference between a rigger and a dogman is in scope. Both roles are essential on site, but they operate at different levels of responsibility and risk.How dogging fits into a longer career pathA dogman’s course is often the first step in a broader lifting and rigging training journey. From dogging, you can move into:
- Basic rigging (RB)
- Intermediate rigging (RI)
- Advanced rigging (RA)
- Crane operation roles
Each step builds on the last. The skills carry through and the responsibilities increase. That’s why many people treat dogging as the foundation for a longer plan rather than a standalone qualification.Not sure if dogging is the right starting point? Enquire now and tell us the kind of work you’re doing.
