Sydney and Hunter Valley- Off Road - Drive and Recover 4WD Light Vehicle

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Notes on payment: 
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Participants require a 4WD vehicle of their own or to hire one. Multiple persons per vehicle is OK, Recommended number 2 per vehicle. 

Our friendly trainers will provide you with a mix of theory and practical exercises on the day that will challenge you and leave you with the knowledge and skills to become a safer driver. The best part is that all training is done in your own car – no simulators.

The experience and knowledge you gain from this course will change the way you drive for ever.

FAQ: 

Q: What competencies does the course cover?

Identify four wheel drive specific terms, terminology and techniques 

Identify the structural and handling differences between a conventional two wheel drive and a four wheel drive vehicle

Identify and demonstrate the purpose and use of front wheel hubs

Identify factors affecting tyre size, fitment, rating, and pressure

Identify correctly, recovery hooks and mounting features

Identify hazards associated with incorrect use of vehicle features or equipment

Plan for minimal environmental impact 

Determine human impacts caused by outdoor recreation activities  on natural processes and interrelationships and the types of impact likely to occur during four wheel driving and associated activities

Assess if particular settings offer appropriate recreation opportunities by examining the nature of the activities and matching it with the characteristics of the settings 

Identify current management strategies  implemented by land managers for environmental asset management

Demonstrate compliance with land management principles and policies when planning the activity location/site

Comply with policies and management plans relevant to the activity area

Plan and conduct activities in a manner which minimises environmental impact

Adopt and model a positive and caring attitude towards the natural environment throughout activities

Demonstrate cooperation and consideration towards other users in settings where multiple use occurs

Identify basic techniques  to determine the nature and degree of impact and evaluate the effectiveness of minimal impact practices 

Modify impact reduction strategies, where necessary, after evaluation

Perform pre-departure checks 

Perform routine pre-departure checks under the bonnet, under the body, and on external and internal items and accessories

Take action to correct any deficiency

Determine food and water requirements for journey

Select suitable navigation equipment where necessary

Interpret weather conditions to determine suitability for activity

Apply safe vehicle loading practices

Secure items of personal luggage safely

Advise passengers of any special safety precautions to be taken when traversing rough terrain

Use the features of a four wheel drive vehicle to drive in a variety of terrain types 

Operate four wheel drive vehicles correctly and safely both on and off road, in accordance with road rules, principles of four wheel driving and occupational health and safety regulations

Apply smooth accelerator control strategies over a range of terrain types 

Demonstrate recommended braking techniques for hard top surfaces and off road conditions

Identify situations where the engagement of four wheel drive is required, correctly

Engage correctly, where relevant, front hubs or centre differential lock (constant four wheel drive vehicles)

Survey track to identify hazards, asses risk and select a best route

Select routes to minimise damage to the environment

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

Perform a stop stall key start recovery procedure on a moderate incline

Check, where necessary, brakes and undercarriage after negotiating varying terrain

Perform repairs to damaged tracks if necessary

Use standardised operating procedures when travelling in company with other vehicles

Maintain appropriate hand positioning on steering wheel

Use a single snatch strap to recover a vehicle 

Identify risks associated with vehicle recovery and develop and implement strategies to minimise risks

Identify recovery hooks

Confirm use of recommended mounting strategy on the four wheel drive vehicle and use of rated recovery equipment when practicable

Demonstrate procedures for preparing vehicles for recovery

Demonstrate techniques to minimise impact on the environment during vehicle recovery

Demonstrate techniques for joining 2 snatch straps

Coordinate safe recovery of a four wheel drive vehicle using a single snatch strap

Perform post recovery checks and repairs, correctly

Perform maintenance and minor repairs on four wheel drive vehicles 

Select/access maintenance equipment correctly, including spares and fluids, prior to departure after consideration of contextual issues  

Check vehicles regularly prior to and during trip and correctly perform routine maintenance  /repair tasks  

Make vehicle performance reports to the designated person

Demonstrate safe use of a jack to support a four wheel drive vehicle on uneven ground

Q: Is the course recognised training?

A: We get this question all the time because some training organisations sell you the idea that only a recognised course is worth doing or at least that a recognised course is better. My question is, recognised by whom, and for what purpose?  Nationally Recognised courses are courses that are delivered as VET (Vocational Education and Training).  So called Nationally Recognised courses contribute in part towards a Vocational qualification such as a Certificate or Diploma. In the case of “RIIVEH305E” it contributes in part to the following certificate qualifications.

RII30115- Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations 1-5

RII20515- Certificate II in Resource Processing Certificate II in Resource Processing 1-4

RII21215- Certificate II in Well Servicing Operations Certificate II in Well Servicing Operations 1-2

RII20215- Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations 1-3

RII20915- Certificate II in Drilling Operations Certificate II in Drilling Operations 1-2

RII30415- Certificate III in Resource Processing Certificate III in Resource Processing 1-5

RII31815- Certificate III in Drilling Operations Certificate III in Drilling Operations 1-2

RII20615- Certificate II in Mining / Field Exploration Certificate II in Mining / Field Exploration 1-2

RII30515- Certificate III in Mining Exploration Certificate III in Mining Exploration 1-2

BSB30719- Certificate III in Work Health and Safety Certificate III in Work Health and Safety

RII32215- Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations   1

RII30115- Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations  

If your people aren't requiring those certificates, they don't require RIIVEH305E no matter what the training organisations may tell you. Many organisations now recognise that what they require is quality training that meets their needs and covers the necessary competencies. Over decades, we have helped many organisations develop their own training to suit their needs rather than packaged training that does not.

If are seeking such a certificate, by all means go do a “Nationally Recognised Course” otherwise, why not do a course that covers all the same competencies and more with us. We issue you a certificate on completion of the course and give you lifetime access to us for any questions.

We delivered Nationally recognised training for 12 years and it is my view that all Nationally Recognised training has done, is push up the prices of some courses. Feedback from our customers who have attended other courses is that there are still poorly run courses and "cowboy" trainers, despite being "Nationally recognised."