This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

efficient and safe WD handling techniques

defensive driving techniques for offroad driving hazards

communication skills to provide clear verbal advice to customers on safety precautions

literacy skills to read road and offroad signage vehicle manuals and manufacturers basic maintenance and repair guidelines

writing skills to complete basic vehicle performance reports and checklists

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

all features and handling characteristics of WD vehicles

differences between WD and WD vehicles and the effect on vehicle operation and capability

offroad driving hazards

the key health and safety issues to be considered when operating WD vehicles

common ways in which WD vehicles can damage or negatively affect the social and natural environment and minimal impact practices to reduce these

the key contents of industry ecotourism codes of practice especially that of the Ecotourism Association of Australia

the existence and basic aspects of state territory and local government environmental and local community protection laws and regulations and actions that must be adhered to by WD tourism operators

key permit requirements for operating WD vehicles in a designated areas including when in national parks and on land under the control of traditional owners

land management guidelines for operating WD vehicles

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this TrainingPackage

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

ability to use the features of a WD safely correctly and with minimal environmental impact to navigate a full range of terrain that will vary according to the touring and organisation location

knowledge of the negative environmental impacts of operating a WD and minimal impact practices

knowledge of the safety and regulatory issues that relate to WD operation

ability to safely apply a full range of recovery techniques to WD vehicles

knowledge of and ability to apply a full range of repair and maintenance techniques specific to WD vehicles

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

demonstration of skills in an offroad environment that requires the application of the required range of WD techniques and recovery skills and in which touring activities may take place such as remote area national park or very steep terrain

use of a WD vehicle typically used in touring situations and loaded to reflect operational conditions

access to vehicle performance reports

access to current regulatory documents distributed by key land management agencies and federal state or territory and local governments such as plain English legislative publications codes and standards outlining environmental regulatory requirements

use of industry ecotourism codes of practice especially that of the Ecotourism Association of Australia

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate using the features of a WD vehicle using recovery techniques and performing minor repairs and maintenance on the vehicle

review of maintenance schedules prepared or completed by the candidate

review of recovery reports completed by the candidate

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of OHS issues and legislative requirements pertaining to operating WD vehicles

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of environmental and community impact of operating WD vehicles

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SITTTOPB Operate tours in a remote area

SITTTOP006B Operate tours in a remote area.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role

Risks to customers, self and other road users may include:

4WD vehicles may be:

Range of terrain types must include:

Negative impact to the environment may include:

Recovery may involve:

Adverse terrain must include:

Routine repair tasks may include:

Routine maintenance tasks may include: