PMASUP236 – Operate Vehicles in the Field
This nationally recognised unit equips participants with the skills and knowledge to prepare, operate, maintain, and recover vehicles across a variety of terrains and operational contexts (e.g. pipeline patrols, remote field sites). Training covers vehicle checks, load security, off-road driving techniques, communications, journey planning, and field vehicle recovery.
Introduction:
The PMASUP236 – Operate Vehicles in the Field course prepares participants for the demands of remote and off-road vehicle operation in sectors such as energy, resources, infrastructure, and utilities. It teaches learners how to inspect vehicles, plan safe routes, manage communication with base, and operate effectively in challenging terrain.
Operators will learn to anticipate and respond to field conditions, maintain safety, and perform basic vehicle maintenance or recovery when in isolated locations. This capability is vital for roles involving pipeline patrols, remote access, or site operations requiring mobile transport support.
Target Audience:
This course is suitable for:
- Field technicians, patrol operators, and maintenance staff in utilities, pipelines, resources, infrastructure.
- Personnel responsible for accessing remote facilities, easements, or off-road routes.
- Site support staff needing confidence and skills in vehicle operation under remote conditions.
- Contractors or employees involved in field deployment, monitoring, or servicing roles.
Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct pre-departure vehicle inspections, diagnose defects, and complete minor repairs.
- Secure and arrange loads and ancillary equipment appropriately.
- Plan journeys, navigate using topographic maps or route access manuals, and coordinate with base.
- Drive safely across varying terrain, adjusting for conditions, weather, and vehicle limitations.
- Maintain communications and journey updates during travel.
- Perform vehicle recovery, including rigging, winching, changing wheels, and immobilised vehicle management.
- Finalise journeys with post-trip inspections, fault reporting, and maintenance planning.
Learning Methods:
- Theory / Classroom: Fundamentals of vehicle systems, terrain awareness, load security, safety procedures
- Interactive Workshops / Scenarios: Route planning, risk assessment, communications plans
- Practical Driving / Off-road Training: Hands-on driving across varied terrain, recovery operations, vehicle handling
- Assessment Tasks: Written knowledge checks and observation of practical performance
Program Benefits:
- Provides proven competency for remote / field vehicle operations.
- Enhances safety, reliability, and confidence in handling vehicles in remote or rugged terrain.
- Minimises downtime through preventative inspections and minor repairs.
- Builds capability in vehicle recovery and emergency response.
- Delivers a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment under PMASUP236.
Content:
- Legislative, safety, and site vehicle operation requirements
- Vehicle pre-trip inspection and maintenance basics
- Load security and ancillary equipment checks
- Journey planning: route selection, terrain analysis, access documentation
- Off-road and on-road driving techniques across varying surfaces
- Communications, tracking, and journey reporting
- Vehicle recovery methods (rigging, winching, tyre changes, immobilisation)
- Post-journey checks, documentation, fault reporting, and maintenance