Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Vehicle:
Four-wheel drive, all terrain vehicle (ATV).

Start-up checks:
· fuel
· coolant
· oil
· pump
· water
· equipment/locker security
· instruments and gauges:
· warning lights
· tachometer
· temperature
· electrical charging
· analogue systems indicators (high-beam, turn signals, parking brakes)
· speedometer
· oil pressure
· brake warning lights
· audible warning devices.
· visual inspection of vehicle.

Equipment and accessories may include:
· first aid kit
· drinking water
· an effective means of communication.

Appropriate measures:
· extricate bogged vehicle
· repair or replace flat or damaged tyres
· assessing water depth, flow
· assessing floor of creek or river crossing.

Environmental factors:
· boggy or sandy ground
· creek or river crossings
· ice or snow
· tidal movements
· rugged terrain
· obstructions, such as fallen trees, power lines.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· operational components of off-road vehicle
· limitations of the vehicle in a range of terrain types
· vehicle operating procedures.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· using four-wheel drive functions
· towing and manoeuvring a loaded trailer with an off-road vehicle in a range of terrain types.

Literacy skills used for:
· filling out vehicle usage logs
· reporting mechanical and service problems.

Numeracy skills used for:
· filling out vehicle usage logs.

Critical aspects of competence
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.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· No recommendations.

Context of 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.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· written or oral short answer testing
· observation of practical demonstration.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· access to relevant vehicles and loaded trailer.