The Personal Track Safety (PTS) course is essential for anyone wishing to work on or near the railway line within Northern Ireland Railways.

It covers key safety principles, emergency procedures, railway terminology, and safe systems of work including Red and Green Zones. Day two includes practical, on-track experience to reinforce learning, followed by a classroom assessment. Candidates must be over 18, sponsored by a Translink-approved company, and have completed a medical and drug & alcohol screening. On successful completion, documentation is submitted to Translink for issuing of the PTS card, which is valid for two years.

The Lookout (LO) course is for those taking on a key safety-critical role when working in Red Zone conditions on the Northern Ireland Railways network.

It covers how to properly protect work groups by giving train warnings using approved methods such as horn, whistle, or touch. Candidates will learn what equipment is required, take part in practical training, and demonstrate the standards expected on live infrastructure. To attend, candidates must hold a valid PTS, be approved by their Sponsor, and have completed Learning Support. The Lookout competency is valid for two years and issued by Translink.

The Track Safety Co-ordinator (TSC) course is designed for individuals responsible for setting up and managing Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) for groups working on or near the railway line.

It covers key duties including Green and Red Zone procedures, line block (T2A) processes, rulebook compliance, and communication with signallers. Candidates must hold an in-date PTS for over six months, have completed the TSC pre-training checklist, and meet Translink’s literacy and communication standards. Upon successful completion, documentation is submitted to Translink for the TSC competency to be added to the candidate’s card.

The Engineering Operator (EO) course trains candidates to safely operate level crossing barriers on Northern Ireland Railways, including Automatic Half Barriers (AHB), Manually Controlled Barriers (CCTV), and Miniature Stop Light Crossings (MSL).

It covers the operation process, communication protocols, and equipment required to ensure safe passage for trains, engineering vehicles, and On Track Machines. Candidates must hold a valid PTS and have completed Learning Support, with some departments requiring TSC competence. On successful completion, EO competency is added to the candidate’s card by Translink and is valid for two years.

The Engineering Supervisor (ES) course is for those managing a worksite within an engineering possession on the rail infrastructure, under the direction of a PICOP.

It covers the safe control of Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs), engineering trains, and On Track Machines (OTMs), along with the correct handover process to a relieving ES. Candidates must have held a valid PTS for over 12 months, TSC for over 6 months, and be approved by their Sponsor, with all Learning Support completed. On successful completion, the ES competency is added to the candidate’s card by Translink.

The Points Operator (PO) course equips candidates with the skills to manually operate points on the Northern Ireland Railways network, supporting the safe movement of trains, engineering vehicles, and RRVs.

It covers rulebook standards, communication protocols, and the correct use of scotch blocks and clips during practical sessions. Candidates must hold a valid PTS and TSC, with Learning Support completed. Upon successful completion, Translink will update the candidate’s competency card with the PO qualification, which remains valid for two years.

The Road Rail Vehicle Controller (RRVC) course trains candidates to safely manage all movements of Road Rail Vehicles, ensuring compliance with legal and operational standards.

It covers access, egress, working procedures, vehicle stabling, and the completion of essential documentation including PEM, GA2, and catch and dispatch forms. Candidates must hold valid PTS, TSC, Points Operator, and Slingers Banksmen competencies, with all Learning Support completed. Following successful completion, Translink will issue the RRVC competency on the candidate’s card, valid for two years.

The Rail Road Vehicle Operator (RRVO) course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills required to operate Road Rail Vehicles in line with Section Q of the NIR Rulebook.

It covers essential documentation, safety checks, machine suitability, attachment requirements, and hazard awareness when working on or near the line. Candidates must hold valid PTS, CPCS for 360 Excavators over 5 tonnes, and have completed Points and Crossing Familiarisation, Slinging, and SCC training. Upon successful completion, Translink will add the RRVO competency to the candidate’s card, valid for two years.

The Person In Charge Of Possession (PICOP) course is for those managing railway possessions during engineering works. It covers rulebook compliance, the use of T3/T4 documents, and how to manage train movements in and out of possessions in line with the Weekly Operating Notice.

Candidates will learn what documentation to carry and how to safely coordinate with the signaller. To attend, candidates must hold valid PTS, PO, ES, and TSC competencies (with ES held for at least six months), and be approved by their Sponsor. The PICOP qualification is valid for two years and issued by Translink upon completion.