Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:14 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:14 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Perform complex 4x4 operations
Perform complex 4x4 operations
Unit of competency
National Code
FPIFGM3215
FPIFGM3215
State Code
WF827
WF827
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/08/2014
Field of Education
030515 - Automotive Vehicle Operations
Original Release Date
04/08/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the outcomes required to perform complex four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicle operations, including operations over rugged terrain and water crossings.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for 4x4 operations
- 1.1 Identify and follow occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to performing complex 4x4 operations
- 1.2 Identify and assess types of water crossings and terrain being accessed for safe operating conditions
- 1.3 Check that 4x4 vehicle being used is appropriate to conditions and operationally effective in line with manufacturer specifications
- 1.4 Identify appropriate range of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be carried for the trip conditions
- 1.5 Establish communication with others and choose required safety mechanisms in line with organisational requirements
2. Prepare 4x4 vehicle for water crossing
- 2.1 Place cover securely across the front of the vehicle when required by water depth
- 2.2 Spray water repellent on electrical connectors, battery terminals and electrical components
- 2.3 Check wheel hubs to engage/lock position
- 2.4 Select appropriate gear for water crossing
- 2.5 Allow vehicle to cool down before entering water to reduce ingress of water through seals
3 Negotiate water crossing
- 3.1 Assess hazards and risks associated with water crossings
- 3.2 Determine safety of water crossing
- 3.3 Establish and select entry and exit points for crossing in line with current flow and risk assessment
- 3.4 Access water crossing to determine depth of water at intended crossing point
- 3.5 Monitor the track continually to identify hazards and assess risks
- 3.6 Perform water crossing by maintaining a constant bow wave
4 Perform check of vehicle operations on completion of water crossing
- 4.1 Drain water from 4x4 vehicle back into the water crossing
- 4.2 Dry brakes off by gentle application while moving
- 4.3 Check engine oils for contamination
- 4.4 Check air cleaner elements for water intrusion and assess air intake operational effectiveness
- 4.5 Check differential and gear box oils after prolonged periods in the water
5 Operate vehicle in rugged terrain
- 5.1 Determine intended route prior to departure
- 5.2 Inspect intended vehicle path prior to negotiation of rugged terrain
- 5.3 Put contingency plan in place to deal with unexpected hazards
- 5.4 Inspect, position and secure vehicle load to maximise traction for 4x4 driving
- 5.5 Set vehicle controls in line with manufacturer specifications and for operation in the rugged terrain
- 5.6 Negotiate terrain in line with requirements for specific driving conditions
6. Recover vehicle from loss of traction while ascending
- 6.1 Determine intended route backwards
- 6.2 Use correct brake and engine techniques to reverse vehicle
- 6.3 Ensure vehicle comes to a safe stop
7. Perform post-trip tasks
- 7.1 Notify relevant personnel of trip completion
- 7.2 Document trip in line with organisational procedures
- 7.3 Apply maintenance procedures for allocated vehicle
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.
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with federal, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
PPE and clothing
safety equipment
current first aid equipment in vehicle
current vehicle firefighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
safe forest practices, including required actions relating to forest fire
techniques for manual handling, including shifting, lifting and carrying
Environmental requirements may include:
legislation
organisational policies and procedures
workplace practices
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with federal, state or territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
award and organisational agreements
industrial relations
Australian standards
confidentiality and privacy
OHS
the environment
equal employment opportunity
anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
duty of care
Organisational requirements may include:
legal compliance documentation
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
ethical standards
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use, maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements, including waste minimisation and disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines
Assessed may include:
using local knowledge relating to types of water crossings, terrain or environmental issues
estimation of water depth in the waterway by indicators
local markings
wading activities by a colleague or operator with suitable precautions taken that may include the ability to swim and use flotation devices or rope
throwing rock into water to indicate depth
Water crossings may include:
rivers
streams
creeks
fords
channels
wash outs
causeways
flooded roads and terrain
other shallow water bodies
Terrain may include:
rough
uneven
slippery
wet
boggy
sandy
steep or hilly
rock
icy
snow
mud, including:
brown clay
black silt
salt pan mud
red
hard ground
water
4x4 vehicle may include:
manual and automatic four-wheel drive
all-wheel drive
Personal protective equipment may include:
boots
gloves
eye protection
long pants
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
radio protocols
Mechanisms may include:
personal location beacon (PLB)
flares
markers
phone
radio
V-Sheet
Cover may include:
tarp
blind
plastic sheet
fitted covers
Hazards and risks may include:
speed of flowing water (moving at greater than one metre a second)
underwater hazards
debris in water
rocks and other unexpected obstacles
variable water depth and width of crossing
risk of vehicle being swept down the waterway
tidal influences
wet and iced terrain
flooded terrain
fire in vehicle
faulty brakes
leaking fuel
faulty steering mechanism on vehicle
animals and objects in vehicle path
crocodiles and snakes in some areas
windy or foggy sections of terrain
steep slopes
slippery surfaces
land slides
tree limbs
black ice
trailers
poor visibility
Entry and exit points must include:
safe locations for entry into and out of a waterway, with shallow run-ins and exits and a firm base
locations that minimise the impact on the environment
Depth of water is:
the maximum height that may be crossed safely in line with vehicle manufacturer specifications
Vehicle controls must include:
selecting correct gear/range to negotiate terrain
engaging and disengaging freewheel hubs in line with driving conditions
and may include:
where used, fitting traction aids to vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications as required by terrain
Manufacturer specifications may include:
engine characteristics
system’s warning functions
four-wheel drive operation
radius of turning circle
safety procedures
instructions relating to engine air intake
Specific driving conditions may include:
ascent
descent
cross-slope operation
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with federal, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
PPE and clothing
safety equipment
current first aid equipment in vehicle
current vehicle firefighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
safe forest practices, including required actions relating to forest fire
techniques for manual handling, including shifting, lifting and carrying
Environmental requirements may include:
legislation
organisational policies and procedures
workplace practices
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with federal, state or territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
award and organisational agreements
industrial relations
Australian standards
confidentiality and privacy
OHS
the environment
equal employment opportunity
anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
duty of care
Organisational requirements may include:
legal compliance documentation
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
ethical standards
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use, maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements, including waste minimisation and disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines
Assessed may include:
using local knowledge relating to types of water crossings, terrain or environmental issues
estimation of water depth in the waterway by indicators
local markings
wading activities by a colleague or operator with suitable precautions taken that may include the ability to swim and use flotation devices or rope
throwing rock into water to indicate depth
Water crossings may include:
rivers
streams
creeks
fords
channels
wash outs
causeways
flooded roads and terrain
other shallow water bodies
Terrain may include:
rough
uneven
slippery
wet
boggy
sandy
steep or hilly
rock
icy
snow
mud, including:
brown clay
black silt
salt pan mud
red
hard ground
water
4x4 vehicle may include:
manual and automatic four-wheel drive
all-wheel drive
Personal protective equipment may include:
boots
gloves
eye protection
long pants
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
radio protocols
Mechanisms may include:
personal location beacon (PLB)
flares
markers
phone
radio
V-Sheet
Cover may include:
tarp
blind
plastic sheet
fitted covers
Hazards and risks may include:
speed of flowing water (moving at greater than one metre a second)
underwater hazards
debris in water
rocks and other unexpected obstacles
variable water depth and width of crossing
risk of vehicle being swept down the waterway
tidal influences
wet and iced terrain
flooded terrain
fire in vehicle
faulty brakes
leaking fuel
faulty steering mechanism on vehicle
animals and objects in vehicle path
crocodiles and snakes in some areas
windy or foggy sections of terrain
steep slopes
slippery surfaces
land slides
tree limbs
black ice
trailers
poor visibility
Entry and exit points must include:
safe locations for entry into and out of a waterway, with shallow run-ins and exits and a firm base
locations that minimise the impact on the environment
Depth of water is:
the maximum height that may be crossed safely in line with vehicle manufacturer specifications
Vehicle controls must include:
selecting correct gear/range to negotiate terrain
engaging and disengaging freewheel hubs in line with driving conditions
and may include:
where used, fitting traction aids to vehicle in line with manufacturer specifications as required by terrain
Manufacturer specifications may include:
engine characteristics
system’s warning functions
four-wheel drive operation
radius of turning circle
safety procedures
instructions relating to engine air intake
Specific driving conditions may include:
ascent
descent
cross-slope operation
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.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can perform 4x4 operations over water crossings and rugged terrain safely and in line with organisational requirements
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:
following applicable federal, state or territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to performing complex 4x4 operations
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to performing complex 4x4 operations
assessing the safety of planned water and rugged terrain crossings
performing 4x4 operations over a range of rugged terrain and water crossings in line with the circumstances and 4x4 OHS operating regulations
selecting correct gear/range to negotiate terrain
engaging and disengaging freewheel hubs in line with driving conditions
identifying safe locations for entry into and out of a waterway
identifying and preparing supplies and resources appropriate to the journey
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory requirements and Australian standards
The following resources should be in place:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
specifications and work instructions
4x4 vehicle
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access, interpret and apply the required knowledge
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can perform 4x4 operations over water crossings and rugged terrain safely and in line with organisational requirements
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:
following applicable federal, state or territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to performing complex 4x4 operations
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to performing complex 4x4 operations
assessing the safety of planned water and rugged terrain crossings
performing 4x4 operations over a range of rugged terrain and water crossings in line with the circumstances and 4x4 OHS operating regulations
selecting correct gear/range to negotiate terrain
engaging and disengaging freewheel hubs in line with driving conditions
identifying safe locations for entry into and out of a waterway
identifying and preparing supplies and resources appropriate to the journey
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory requirements and Australian standards
The following resources should be in place:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
specifications and work instructions
4x4 vehicle
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access, interpret and apply the required knowledge
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D6004 | FPIFGM3208B | Perform complex 4x4 operations | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXK63 | FWPFGM3215 | Perform complex 4x4 operations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J611 | FPI30113 | Certificate III in Forest Growing and Management | Qualification |
| J465 | FPI30111 | Certificate III in Forest Growing and Management | Qualification |
| J612 | FPI30213 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |
| J466 | FPI30211 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |