Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency involves operating four-wheel drive vehicles with towed equipment, in off-road conditions in a safe and effective manner.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare vehicle for operation

1.1. Vehicle  is selected to meet operational requirements.

1.2. Preliminary check of the vehicle is completed to ensure it is serviceable.

1.3. Equipment and accessories  are checked to ensure they are available and serviceable.

1.4. Start -up checks  are completed according to jurisdictional procedures.

1.5. Trailer is attached and loads are arranged and securely tied down according to jurisdictional procedures and legislative requirements.

1.6. Vehicle route is determined taking into account vehicle limitations and safety of vehicle occupants, vehicle and any trailers/equipment attached to vehicle.

2. Drive the vehicle

2.1. Vehicle is driven in a defensive manner taking into account vehicle limitations and the risk of damage to the environment, vehicle and any attached trailer/equipment, and the safety of vehicle occupants.

2.2. Four-wheel drive capability is utilised effectively in response to varying terrain conditions.

2.3. Appropriate measures  are taken where environmental  factors immobilise or impede progress of vehicle.

3. Follow up vehicle usage

3.1. Vehicle usage logs are completed according to jurisdictional procedures and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Mechanical problems and service requirements are reported or acted upon according to jurisdictional procedures and enterprise requirements.

3.3. Vehicle is left in a clean and tidy manner and parked according to jurisdictional procedures and enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• towing and manoeuvring a loaded trailer with an off-road vehicle in a range of terrain types
• using four-wheel drive functions.

Literacy skills used for :

• filling out vehicle usage logs
• reporting mechanical and service problems.

Numeracy skills used for :

• filling out vehicle usage logs.

Required knowledge 

• limitations of the vehicle in a range of terrain types
• operational components of off-road vehicle
• vehicle operating procedures.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit 

Assessment must confirm ability to:

• operate four-wheel drive vehicles with a towed trailer in an off-road environment whilst demonstrating an awareness of personal safety and that of other users.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

• four-wheel drive vehicle operating procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment is to be conducted either on the job or in a simulated working environment. Competence should be demonstrated using a four-wheel drive vehicle towing a loaded trailer. All terrain vehicles should be included for fisheries compliance activities if used in the region.

Resources may include:

• access to relevant vehicles and loaded trailer.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• observation of practical demonstration
• written or oral short-answer testing.

Guidance information for assessment 

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

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, 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.

Vehicle  may include:

• four-wheel drive and all terrain vehicle (ATV).

Equipment and accessories  may include:

• effective means of communication
• drinking water
• first aid kit.

Start -up checks  may include:

• coolant
• equipment/locker security
• fuel
• instruments and gauges:

• analog systems indicators (e.g. high-beam, turn signals and parking brakes)
• audible warning devices
• brake warning lights
• electrical charging
• oil pressure
• speedometer
• tachometer
• temperature
• warning lights

• oil
• pump
• visual inspection of vehicle
• water.

Appropriate measures  may include:

• assessing floor of creek or river crossing
• assessing water depth and flow
• extricate bogged vehicle
• repair or replace flat or damaged tyres.

Environmental factors  may include:

• boggy or sandy ground
• creek or river crossings
• ice or snow
• obstructions (e.g. fallen trees and power lines)
• rugged terrain
• tidal movements.

Unit sector 

Fisheries compliance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field