This unit applies to those who drive 4WD vehicles in difficult terrain for work or recreational purposes.

It applies to those working autonomously as four wheel drive adventure guides or program managers and may include those working for private four wheel drive schools or clubs who are responsible for planning, organising and implementing four wheel drive programs in difficult terrain.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

SISODRV302A Drive and recover a 4WD vehicle

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan the four wheel driving activity.

1.1. Determine contextual issues impacting on the activity according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.2. Access relevant sources to identify and interpret weather and environmental information.

1.3. Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues.

1.4. Access required equipment and check serviceability according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Drive a four wheel drive vehicle in difficult terrain.

2.1. Perform routine pre-departure checks and take action to correct any deficiency.

2.2. Apply safe vehicle loading practices and secure personal items according to organisational policies and procedures

2.3. Engage front free wheel hubs where appropriate.

2.4. Survey track to identify hazards and risks, and select the best route to minimise damage to the environment.

2.5. Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing difficult terrain.

2.6. Use appropriate range, gear, speed, driving and braking technique to negotiate a range of difficult terrain types while maintaining control of vehicle at all times.

2.7. Perform a safe stop and forward or reverse start on a steep incline where required.

2.8. Demonstrate appropriate use of handbrake.

2.9. Apply risk management procedures relating to blind corners and oncoming traffic according to organisational policies and procedures.

3. Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four wheel drive vehicles.

3.1. Access maintenance equipment and conduct routine maintenance and repair tasks.

3.2. Check, where necessary, brakes and undercarriage after negotiating difficult terrain.

3.3. Use a jack to support a four wheel drive vehicle on uneven ground, according to organisational policies and procedure and manufacturer's specifications.

3.4. Perform wheel removal and or replacement.

3.5. Complete vehicle performance reports and notify designated personnel.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

anticipate and mitigate potential hazards and risks in difficult terrain

reduce environmental impact

conduct pre-departure checks, basic maintenance and repairs of vehicle

communication and literacy skills to:

record all maintenance and repairs conducted on the four wheel drive vehicle

report to relevant personnel

planning and organising skills to access all required equipment appropriate to the area and terrain being accessed .

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation during four wheel driving

features and characteristics of four wheel drive vehicles and equipment to enable their appropriate selection and safe use of vehicles and equipment

four wheel driving techniques used in difficult terrain

terrain and weather features and how these might impact on four wheel driving including terrain specific safety requirements to minimise risk to self, others and the environment

maintenance and basic repair procedures to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

minimal impact techniques to enable protection of the environment.

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

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

plans equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the activity and conducts routine pre-departure checks of vehicle or vehicles and takes action to correct deficiencies

surveys track and assesses risk for both day and night driving, and selects route that reduces environmental impact and risk to self and others

performs maintenance and minor repairs on four wheel drive vehicle, and reports details on vehicle performance and action taken to appropriate personnel.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure application of driving techniques to negotiate difficult terrain types that reflect local conditions and are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable outdoor environment with difficult terrain for four wheel driving

a suitable four wheel drive vehicle with low range

maintenance, navigation and repair equipment

resources and information to plan and select equipment for the activity

legislation and organisational policies and procedures that impact on the conduct of four wheel driving.

Method of assessment

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

observation of safe four wheel driving technique on difficult terrain

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of difficult terrain features and risks

observation of safe maintenance and repair performance

third-party reports from supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISODRV405A Coordinate recovery of 4WD vehicles

Guidance information for assessment

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

area restrictions

national and state or territory track classification guides

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

land management and minimal impact codes

vehicle reporting and notification procedures

travelling in convoy with other vehicles

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods and drinks

perishability

storage

energy content.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Equipment may include:

navigation equipment

maintenance equipment

recovery equipment

chains.

Routine pre-departure checks may include:

engine

body

mirrors

tyres

accessories.

Difficult terrain may include:

long, steep inclines and declines

cross slope driving

deep water crossings

tracks with narrow, twisting, irregular terrain

irregular sandy and or muddy terrain

very rough rocky ground

snow and ice

slippery incline and declines.

Routine maintenance and repair tasks may include:

change wheels in uneven terrain

puncture repairs

fluid top-up.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.