The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

DEFTP003B Operate a vehicle over difficult terrain

TDTH297B Plan and navigate routes

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare a vehicle for driving at night

1.1 Serviceability check of a vehicle and any external aids to night driving is conducted

1.2 Any faults are rectified or reported in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Vehicle is configured for night driving in accordance with standard procedures and instructions

2. Drive a vehicle at night

2.1 Vehicle is driven at night using various types of lighting and external aids in different types of terrain, road and light conditions

2.2 Directions from a co-driver and a guide, both with and without the assistance of external aids, are responded to

2.3 Vehicle is navigated at night using navigational equipment

3. Direct a vehicle at night

3.1 Appropriate external aids, are identified, obtained and checked for serviceability

3.2 Any vehicle faults are rectified or reported in accordance with standard procedures

3.3 Vehicle is directed using external aids in accordance with standard procedures

3.4 External aids are retrieved, checked and returned to storage area

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

Required Skills

scan terrain

judge terrain, distance and speed at night

drive a vehicle at night under normal lighting conditions

manoeuvre a vehicle in confined spaces

navigate a vehicle

respond to directions when driving

participate in team

encourage other team members

use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

read and implement written or verbal orders and procedures

read maps and use navigational aids

Required Knowledge

OH&S requirements for driving at night

characteristics of night vision

vehicle navigation

vehicle signalling and directing techniques

team work principles and strategies

techniques for supporting others

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to prepare a vehicle for night driving then drive the vehicle under field conditions in a range of environments such as cross-country, and on tracks and formed roads utilising the three types of lighting under a range of lighting and driving conditions.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

drive and navigate a vehicle at night using white, reduced and blackout lighting

respond to directions from a co-driver and guides

act as guide while using external aids.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated as part of a broader assessment activity involving the tactical deployment of drivers and vehicles over an extended period.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed progressively with the levels of complexity of driving with reduced lighting increasing i.e. the sequence should be white, reduced then blackout. Activities should commence with the receipt of instructions for a night move. The individual should be assessed in the inspection and preparation of the vehicle for night driving.

Assessment under the particular light condition should test the individual's competence including the conduct of more complex tasks such as manoeuvring in confined spaces with and without the use of guides and associated aids. Navigation may be assessed as part of a vehicle navigation exercise conducted under various lighting conditions driving cross-country as well as on tracks and sealed roads.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

suitable training and assessment area to simulate operational conditions

vehicle with complete equipment schedule

external aids and navigation equipment listed in the range statement.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Vehicles may include

All wheeled road transport vehicles (in Defence this equates to B class vehicles)

Field conditions include

Work conducted under exposed conditions

A variety of road, terrain and vegetation conditions

A range of typical weather conditions

Driving at night includes

Moving in a forward direction, including overtaking

Reversing

Parking

Manoeuvring in confined spaces

Serviceability check may include

Operation of the vehicle, accessories and equipment

Operation of brakes, instruments and lights, including blackout lighting

Aids such as torches, lamps and flares

External aids include

Torches, lamps and street lights

Flares, cylume sticks and illumination

Use of signs, markers, tape and fluorescent devices

Guides

Standard procedures and instructions refer to

Written and verbal orders and instructions

Standing orders, routine orders, procedures manuals, doctrine pamphlets, job guides and other publications

Defence Road Transport Instructions, Driver's Handbook, Vehicle user's handbook

OH&S requirements for driving a vehicle at night

Procedures prescribed for the vehicle by the relevant state/territory traffic authority and the parent Defence unit/formation for operating at night

Configuring a vehicle for night driving may include

Attaching tape and markers to a vehicle to aid observation and recognition

Removing camouflage material

Painting/cleaning blackout makers

Fitting specialist equipment

Types of lighting may include

Moon and limited visibility

Full or partial artificial illumination

White

Reduced

Blackout

Navigational equipment may include

Maps, navigation data sheet, route cards, odometer, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS)

This unit contains employability skills.