Dogman vs Rigger: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

A dogman and a rigger are similar roles, but they’re different.

Their responsibilities sometimes overlap in the hustle and bustle of worksites, but there are crucial differences in qualifications that matter on the construction site.

To add to the confusion, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably by some companies. But to set things straight, yes, a dogman and a rigger are completely different roles with distinct responsibilities, licensing requirements, and training pathways.

We’ll unravel the nitty-gritty in this dogman vs rigger guide.

Dogman vs Rigger: What’s the Main Difference?

The biggest difference comes down to qualifications.

A dogman is responsible for safely slinging loads, selecting the correct lifting gear, directing crane operators using approved hand signals or radio communication, and ensuring loads are moved safely.

A certified rigger, on the other hand, performs all the duties of a dogman but also installs, moves, and dismantles rigging equipment. This includes more complex lifting tasks involving structures, machinery, cranes, hoists, and specialised rigging systems.

In simpler terms, a dogman directs and prepares the lift, while a rigger directs the lift and performs advanced mechanical, structural, and assembly tasks. Therefore, a rigger is also a dogman because all riggers either have experience or training in dogging. Besides, you can’t legally function as a rigger without getting your dogging licence.

What is Dogging in Construction?

A licensed dogman plays a critical role in every safe lifting operation. Their responsibilities typically include:

Inspecting lifting gear before use
Choosing the correct slings, chains, shackles, and lifting equipment
Calculating load weights and determining the centre of gravity
Attaching loads safely
Communicating with crane or hoist operators using standard hand signals or radios
Monitoring the load throughout the lift

How to Get a Dogging Licence

Anyone who applies slinging techniques to a load needs a High Risk Work License (HRWL) for Dogging. By completing a training course from an RTO (Registered Training Organisation), you’ll be able to perform the following duties safely and accurately:

Calculate the safe angle for sling or chain
Pick the type of sling or chain to be used
Pick the correct method to secure the load
Pick the safe method to lift the load
Check the conditions of lifting gear for wear and tear
Direct the crane operator when the load is out of the operator’s view

Upon completion of the course and passing the assessments, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment, which you’ll then use to lodge an application for a High-Risk Work Licence with the applicable workplace health and safety regulator in your region.

What is Rigging?

A rigger carries out more advanced lifting and installation work than a dogman, such as operating mechanical load-shifting equipment like cranes or hoists to move, place, or secure a load. Depending on the licence class, a rigger’s responsibilities include:

Installing and dismantle structural steel
Erecting precast concrete panels
Positioning heavy industrial machinery
Installing cranes and hoists and other lifting equipment
Assembling temporary structures
Performing complex lifts using multiple cranes
Moving heavy loads using rigging gear like chain blocks
Working with elevated rigging systems

Rigging involves higher-risk work, so you’ll need proper training and licensing on top of your Dogging licence. There are three classes of Rigging licences, with each level building on the previous one and allowing you to perform increasingly complex rigging tasks: Basic Rigging (RB), Intermediate Rigging (RI), and Advanced Rigging (RA).

How to Get a Rigging Licence

You need a valid Dogging licence to enrol in a basic rigging training course. Upon completing the course (typically after 4–5 days) and passing the assessments, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment, which you’ll need to apply for a High Risk Work Licence.

Important: The class of licence you need depends on the complexity of the work: Basic (RB), Intermediate (RI), or Advanced (RA). You must complete them in order.

Basic Rigging (RB) – Covers structural steel erection, hoists, placement of pre-cast concrete, safety nets, static lines, perimeter safety screens, crane structures, and cantilevered crane loading platforms.
Intermediate Rigging (RI) – Covers all basic tasks plus dual crane lifts, rigging of cranes/derricks, tilt slabs, and multi-crane lifts. Requires a Basic Rigging licence.
Advanced Rigging (RA) – Covers all intermediate tasks plus rigging of gin poles, flying foxes, cableways, guyed derricks, and suspended scaffolds. Requires an Intermediate Rigging licence.

Dogman vs Rigger Licence: Which Do You Need?

It all depends on your career goals. A Dogging course is ideal if you want to work around cranes and lifting operations. It’s also suitable for those starting their careers in construction or mining. If you need a High Risk Work Licence and plan to progress into rigging in the future, a Dogging licence makes sense based on your current goals.

If you already hold a Dogging licence and want to expand your skillset, further your qualification for more specialised lifting work, and work on large-scale construction and industrial projects for a higher income, then a Rigging course is the next step.

Career Opportunities for Dogmen and Riggers

Both roles are in strong demand across Australia due to ongoing investment in infrastructure, commercial construction, and mining projects. These industries offer dogmen and riggers diverse employment opportunities and pathways for career advancement.

Construction and Infrastructure: This is the largest employer of dogmen and riggers. The sector spans from high-rise residential towers to massive civil infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, and highways.
Maritime and Port Operations: Ports, shipping terminals, and shipyards require constant lifting and securing of massive cargo containers and heavy marine equipment.
Manufacturing and Heavy Engineering: Heavy manufacturing plants, automotive factories, and aerospace facilities frequently move massive machinery, molds, and raw materials.
Entertainment and Live Events: “Entertainment rigging” is a unique industry that services concerts, festivals, theatre productions, and film sets.
Mining and Resources: The resources sector relies heavily on riggers to build, maintain, and dismantle massive extraction plants and processing facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can You Become a Rigger Without Being a Dogman?

No. The dogging qualification forms the foundation of every rigging career, so holding a current Dogging licence is a prerequisite for obtaining a Rigging licence in Australia.

Can I Work as Both a Dogman And a Rigger?

Yes. If you hold both qualifications, you can perform a wider range of lifting and rigging duties. Many workers start as dogmen and progress into rigging over time. You can learn more about Dogging and Rigging courses to understand the differences and training pathways here.

Which Job Pays More, a Dogman or a Rigger?

Generally, riggers earn more because they perform more complex and higher-risk work. However, pay depends on experience, industry, location, and the type of project.

How Long do Dogging and Rigging Licenses Last?

High Risk Work Licences, including Dogging and Rigging, are generally valid for five years before they need to be renewed through the relevant state regulator.