After due consideration of the present upgrade system:
ANIT->Newbie->Intermediate->Advanced->Explorer->Marshal
The Supreme Committee together with the Marshals have approved a new upgrade system which will come into effect IMMEDIATELY and which is set out below.
Please take your time to familiarize yourself with the new system. You will see that there are some changes and these changes have been made to benefit everyone in AD4x4 and to help the club help you, the members, enjoy your trips safely.
Remember stars are not badges of honor, showing how many trips you have been on - if that was the case many of us would have a galaxy of stars under our names.
The stars are there to show what category of trip you are most comfortable driving in. The Marshals are constantly watching and assessing on trips, nothing escapes them and they will only recommend for upgrade when they feel the member is 100% ready to be upgraded.
ANIT - Absolute Newbies Instruction Trip
- - someone who is newly registered to the club (regardless of previous experience)
- generally has little/no experience of off road driving, specifically sand/desert driving
- generally has little or no recovery/safety equipment
- upon successful completion of an ANIT /First trip the member is awarded their 1st star and becomes a Newbie.
- an ANIT trip will introduce the member to the club and it's philosophy, have a detailed pre-drive instruction conducted by a Marshal who will demonstrate and explain the necessary recovery & safety equipment for off road driving. There will also be basic hints and tips on how to handle your car: eg, engage 4WD, explain difference between 4H & 4L gears, why & how to deflate your tyres ... etc
NEWBIE *
- a member who has attended one ANIT
- has decided to take his/her off road driving one step further
- A typical Newbie trip will be a morning or an afternoon of easy driving. Members will have the opportunity to get stuck and watch how recoveries are safely undertaken. There will be some small cresting to get the feel of your car approaching, crossing and descending a dune.
NEWBIE *-> INTERMEDIATE ** UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS
- demonstrating confident, competent and safe driving at Newbie level showing that they are capable of entering Intermediate trips
- A typical Intermediate trip will be faster paced and include slightly more challenging routes. Being able to drive against the dunes, side-slope (not for play) and side-crest are generally incorporated in these trips.
The following is required if a member wishes to be upgraded:
- Minimum recovery equipment:
- A rated (approved) snatch strap
- 2 Rated Shackles
- Shovel
- Air compressor
- Base plate for jacking vehicle
Minimum safety equipment:
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Flag pole including flag
- Communication device
*YEARLY CONTRIBUTION: min. AED 300.00*
- demonstrating confident, competent and safe driving at Intermediate level showing that they are capable of entering Advanced trips
- Advanced trips are fast, long and highly challenging for the driver and the car. Generally they are all day or (sometimes) night drives. The terrain on these trips can be extreme and all the skills of cresting, side-cresting, side-sloping around deep bowls, and driving against the dunes put the drivers skills to the test.
The following is required if a member wishes to be upgraded:
- Minimum Recovery Equipment & Minimum Safety Equipment
- As above
- GPS
*YEARLY CONTRIBUTION: min. AED 300.00*
* Advanced members will not be permitted to post trips on the board but may be encouraged to lead during a trip at the leading Marshal's discretion.
* At this level 'Lead & Sweep' trips will be organised for Advanced members.
- demonstrating confident, competent and safe driving at Advanced level showing that they are capable of entering Explorer trips
- Exploring trips are just what it says - exploring. Using all their driving skills and knowledge of the dunes and desert, explorers are encouraged to take the initiative to post and lead a trip to chart out and plot new territory.
The following is required if a member wishes to be upgraded to Explorer:
- * Member must have been a member for at least 9 months
* Be dedicated to AD4x4 and the club philosophy
* Active on the website
* Has good experience in off road driving and recovery requirements
* Knows how to read the dunes and select the most suitable route
Minimum Recovery Equipment & Minimum Safety Equipment
- As above
*YEARLY CONTRIBUTION: min. AED 300.00*
*Explorers will be able to post and lead trips
*Explorers will not be allowed to lead ANIT
*The God-Parent concept will be available for Explorers
A Marshal is a dedicated member of Abu Dhabi 4x4 and one of the pillars of the club.
To be upgraded from Explorer to Marshal more than a member's driving skills will be assessed by the Marshals and the decision to upgrade will ultimately be based upon a decision by the Supreme Committee:
- -Shall be an AD4x4 member for minimum one year before upgrading to Marshal
-He/she is an active member who has enough experience to plan, lead, sweep, rescue, any kind of off road trip with the club
-Contributes regularly on the website
-Is a calm and mature person with demonstrated leadership qualities
-Is capable to make sound decisions under stress
-Has demonstrated full control over rescue/recovery situations
-Has fair mechanical knowledge
-Has a good knowledge of the Middle East desert formation