1st Feb 13 - upgrading system revised - LOGBOOK

[AD4x4]

Description of Process

The AD4x4 upgrade process is designed to allow members to learn and develop the skills required for a safe and enjoyable off-roading experience by providing a clear path forward, identifying skills to develop and promoting direct feedback between the Marshals and Members at the end of each trip. The upgrade process now requires the use of the LOG BOOK, which will provide the same information to all and will enable a uniformized process.

To qualify for upgrade the member must:

1.Have all required equipment listed and have a Marshal Signoff on their equipment.

2.Develop the skills listed. Some skills require a Marshal Signoff that the skill was demonstrated properly.

3.Completed and logged the required minimum number of trips. If the trip was not logged and signed by a Marshal it does not count towards the upgrade

4.Meet any additional requirements listed.

5.AFTER all requirements are met, the member must get the required number of different Marshal Signoff’s indicating that the Marshal agrees the minimum requirements for upgrade have been met. This may require additional trips with different marshals to achieve.

6.The last Marshal to signoff will submit to AD4X4 management that the minimum requirements have been met, and that the member should be considered for upgrade at the next meeting.

7.Completing all signoffs does not guarantee upgrade, final upgrade decisions are made by AD4x4 management.


While Marshals will try to ensure logbooks get signed, it is ultimately the MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITY to bring their logbooks to the Leading Marshals at the end of each trip for any signoffs.
 

REQUIREMENTS PER LEVELS

Newbie to Intermediate

Description of Requirements
• Understands the risks involved in Off-roading
• Able to follow a Newbie trip fluently and safely without being a hazard to themselves or others
• Follows Marshal’s instructions and adheres to AD4x4 guidelines during trips
• Have required equipment and completed equipment signoff
• Completed and logged a minimum of 4 Newbie trips excluding ANIT
• Competent at designated skills

Equipment List
• Rated snatch strap (kinetic type)
• 2 Rated Shackles
• Shovel
• Air compressor
• Base plate for jacking vehicle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Flag pole including flag
• Communication device

Skills requirements
o Skill 1 – Cresting Small Dunes
Description: Member can safely crest small dunes straight on with proper amount of power and control (without jumping or launching)

o Skill 2 – Descend Small Slipface
Description: Member can safely descend a small slipface in a controlled manner 


Intermediate to Advanced

Description of Requirements
• Able to follow an intermediate track at normal pace in a safe and controlled manner without being a hazard to themselves or others
• Follows Marshal’s instructions and adheres to AD4x4 guidelines during trips
• Completed and logged a minimum of 5 intermediate trips
• Have required equipment and completed equipment signoff
• Competent at designated skills and completed skill signoffs

Equipment list
• Same as for the previous grade
• Basic tool kit appropriate for your vehicle.
• GPS

Skills requirements
o Skill 1 – Basic Recovery
Description: Perform basic snatch recovery under the supervision of a Marshal demonstrating proper position, clear communication, safe equipment use and vehicle control

o Skill 2 – Cresting Medium Dunes
Description: Member can safely crest medium dunes straight on with proper amount of power and control (without jumping or launching)

o Skill 3 – Descend Medium Slipface
Description: Member can safely descend a medium sized slipface in a controlled manner

o Skill 4 - GPS use
Description: Member can record waypoints on their GPS

o Skill 5 – Clear communication
Description: Member demonstrates clear and controlled communication skills including proper radio discipline.

o Skill 6 – Fix Popout
Description: Member can safely manage the repair of a tire Popout.

Advanced to Expert or Explorer

Description of Requirements
• Understands the limitations of his/her skills and has enough experience and control to handle all types of dune conditions and driving without being a hazard to themselves or others
• Mastered all skills at the advanced level and completed equipment signoff
• Follows Marshal’s instructions and adheres to AD4x4 guidelines during trips
• Completed and logged a minimum of 10 advanced trips

Equipment list
• Same as for the previous grade


Skills requirements
o Skill 1 - Crest and Descend Large dunes
Description: Member can safely crest large dunes and descend large slipface with proper amount of power and control

o Skill 2 - Side Sloping
Description: Member can safely sideslope in a controlled manner and knows when to turn down- not fighting gravity

o Skill 3 - Side Cresting
Description: Member can safely crest a dune at an angle other than straight on in a safe and controlled manner appropriate for their vehicle.

o Skill 4 - Enter and Exit Bowls
Description: Member can safely enter and exit small and large bowls with proper amount of power and control

o Skill 5 – Advanced Recovery
Description: Member can safely manage all aspects of an advanced recovery under the supervision of a Marshal demonstrating proper safety assessment and position, clear communication, safe equipment use and vehicle control. An Advanced Recovery is a recovery that cannot be pulled straight on, or is performed on a steep slope or angle.

o Skill 6 – Winch Recovery
Description: Member can safely manage all aspects of a winch recovery under the supervision of a Marshal demonstrating proper safety assessment and position, clear communication and safe equipment use.

o Skill 7 – Navigation
Description: Member can confidently and safely navigate to defined points and a safe exit point during day or night conditions, program waypoints into their GPS and use the GPS to navigate to a waypoint.

o Skill 8 – Second Leading
Description: Member can safely perform the role of second lead in a trip, stopping the convoy if the leading Marshal discovers an unknown hazard, rerouting the convoy at the leading marshals direction and assisting the leading Marshal with managing the convoy.

o Skill 9 – Sweeping
Description: Member can safely perform the role of sweeper in a trip, keeping the leading Marshal aware of any problems or stucks in the convoy and coordinating any recoveries with the leading Marshal

o Skill 10 – Leading
Description: Member can safely lead a convoy under the supervision of a Marshal, demonstrating awareness of the group, proper track selection for the group, ability to navigate and clear communication with the group.

o Skill 11 - LIWA High Dunes
Description: Member can safely drive in the high dunes of LIWA without being a hazard to themselves or others, demonstrating awareness of the risks, their capabilities as drivers and the capabilities of their vehicle.

o Skill 12 – First Aid

Explorer

Explorer is a management position (see Description of AD4x4 Grades)

Description of Requirements
• Be Dedicated to AD4x4 and the club philosophy, mission and vision.
• Active club member both on the website and during trips
• Completed all requirements for upgrade
• Minimum of 9 months in the club

Marshal

Marshal is a management position (see Description of AD4x4 Grades)

Description of Requirements
• Minimum of 1 year in the club
• 25 years old minimum