BESS - Bridge Engineering Self Supervision

Bridge Engineering Self Supervision is a scheme run by NZTA when transport operators are moving goods on an overweight permit.

A new scheme to train, assess, register and renew holders of BESS has been developed by NZTA, the NZ Heavy Haulage Association, the Crane Association of NZ and Tranzqual ITO. This will mean that all existing holders of BESS will need to gain the new accrditation prior to 30 April 2011 in order to continue to operate.

The Basic Steps Are As Follows:

The owner/operator of the overweight load or vehicle must be registered with NZTA. Operators need to contact their NZTA office to apply for this, and they must have a good reputation for compliance with transport requirements – including overweight permits. The BESS programme is a privilege – not a right – and is only extended to trusted operators.

2. Individual Drivers Must Apply

Each individual driver that holds BESS must apply and be individually trained and registered. Again, these drivers must have a good track record of compliance with transport and traffic regulations. There is a schedule of requirements and possible “issues” that may cause a driver to not be accepted by NZTA.

2A. Existing BESS Drivers

If you are an existing BESS driver then you need to complete the training and assessment against the Unit Standard. Contact Tranzqual ITO (0800 478 257) for information on assessors or see the current list of Assessors further down on this page.

2B. For New BESS Drivers

Each individual driver must apply and be accepted by NZTA. This is done through the local regional office of NZTA. After this the Unit Standard needs to be gained. An application form is available.

3. NZTA Registration

Once the Unit Standard has been gained then NZTA issues the driver with their registration (provisional for 6 months in the case of new drivers) and this registration is issued for 5 years.

List of Current Assessors for BESS, Unit Standard 23436

Greg Sheehan, Auckland Ph 027 293 6206 sheehanstransport@xtra.co.nz

Peter Douglas, Auckland Ph 027 221 9816 douglastransport@xtra.co.nz  

John Sutton, Hamilton Ph 027 278 7049 valleyvue@ihug.co.nz  

Allan Collins, Tauranga Ph 027 715 8980 digital.cranes@gmail.com  

Bill Derenzy, Tauranga Ph 027 478 8594 bill.derenzy@xtra.co.nz  

Henry Schdroski, Napier Ph 027 695 1157 hsassess@ihug.co.nz  

Tina Ware, Palmerston North Ph 027 443 2065 JPWT@xtra.co.nz  

Peter Jacob, Levin Ph 027 443 0304 pnjacob@xtra.co.nz  

Gary Pearce, Wellington Ph 027 459 4028 pearce.anderson@xtra.co.nz  

Pat Power, Christchurch 027 208 4215 pat.janine@xtra.co.nz  

Ken Claydon, Christchurch Ph 027 276 6317 kenclaydon@xtra.co.nz  

Danny Stevens, Alexandra Ph 027 227 6716 cita@xnet.co.nz