Here is a revoistion of the sfuff we were talkinf about tell what you think..

Convoy Procedures.

1. Each Convoy will contain a “Trip Leader” who will lead the convoy and coordinate the trips activities for the group. 

2. The Trip Leader is to brief the convoy members at the commencement of the trip on the day’s events and organise the convoys members to maximise control and communication.

2.1. If possible, the lead vehicle and the last vehicle (TEC) should be the most capable vehicle in the convoy (preferably with winch)

 2.3. Convoy members should identify themselves to the drivers of the vehicles directly in front, and behind them when the convoy is established.

3. The Trip Leader will advise the convoy whenever they are to enter a new track or road.

4. The Trip Leader is to decide when the convoy is to disperse.

5. Each convoy shall contain a nominated “Tail End Charlie (TEC)”.

6. TEC will advise the trip leader whenever they enter a new track or road.

7. If there is a breakdown, everyone will wait and the Team Leader will organise assistance.

8. When travelling along busy thoroughfares, leave sufficient room for other vehicles to overtake safely.

8.1. When there are on coming vehicles, the lead vehicle should inform everyone. 

9. When turning into a new track or road, each member is to ensure that the vehicle directly behind him or her has identified the correct route. They will acknowledge by flashing their lights or communicate that they have entered said Track/Road.

10. Each member is to maintain their position in the convoy at all times, except in unavoidable circumstances and then after having advised the Trip Leader.

10.1. When driving in a dusty / foggy condition, a reasonable space between vehicles should be maintained to give a clear view ahead. Headlight should be turned on as well. 

11. At a river, creek or water crossing, each member is to wait until the vehicle preceding has negotiated the obstacle before proceeding.

12. Avoid travelling too close to the vehicle when ascending or descending steep hills. At the discretion of the Trip Leader, the individual convoy members may be required to wait until the preceding indicates that it is clear to proceed.

13. In the interest of conservation, convoy members are to remain on gazetted or marked tracks.

14. No vehicle shall leave the convoy unless the Trip Leader has been informed.

15. A safe distance should be maintained whilst recovery equipment is in use, this especially applies to winch cables and snatch straps.

15.1. Avoid any dangerous manoeuvre (e.g. sudden acceleration), which may result in losing control. 

15.2 .If possible, driver should NOT leave their vehicle with the engine running when stopping at a steep hill.

15.3. If the driver does need to leave the vehicle, the engine should be stopped with the handbrake ON and engaged & in 1st Low.  “We should NEVER rely on the handbrake”. 

·         If you are not confident or do not wish to attempt any part of an event, it is your responsibility to inform the Team Leader.

·         In the event of vehicle recovery it is the vehicle owners responsibility to approve recovery attachment points.

That's good Rob....I will add a few more points later today..... I think it's good to know the procedures no matter how experienced you are. 

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Great idea Rob.

Perhaps  somewhere else there could be a Disclaimer, re liability for trips through this site,that  would give the trip leader and the forum some  degree of protection.

Not sure if Kelvin hasn't covered it off elsewhere, or if it is even nessesary, was just a thought.

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There are few more points I can think of. They may be more than just convoy procedures, but still good to know. 

1. When driving in a dusty / foggy condition, a reasonable space between vehicles should be maintained to give a clear view ahead. Headlight should be turned on as well. 
2. When there are on coming vehicles, the lead vehicle should inform everyone. 
3. If possible, the lead vehicle and the last vehicle should be the most capable vehicle in the convoy (preferably with winch)
4. Avoid any dangerous manoeuvre (e.g. sudden acceleration), which may result in losing control. 
5. If possible, driver should NOT leave their vehicle with the engine running when stopping at a steep hill. If the driver do need to leave the vehicle, the engine should be stopped with the handbrake ON and engaged in 1st Low. We should NEVER rely on the handbrake. 

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I have revised the stuff we were talking about tell me what you think is it good or does it Stink??

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Looks good guys, 

can I add one, have one or two identified and designated first aiders. Spread them throughout the convoy. 

Cheers

jacq

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Hi guys, as a newbie to the forum can I please ask - do we complete this form for each trip we do?

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Suggestion: I think the rules for convoy are (only my opinion of course) a little too long and can perhaps be consolidated a bit. 95% of 4wd'rs know the ways of a convoy and a simple run through them by the trip leader at the start of the day for any newbies would be sufficient.

In saying that, there should be some commonsense rules that should be applied to trips whether they are off road or highway trips.

I would reccomend that as the administrator, you start a post within the trips thread and post the trip rules for everyone to read. Ideally, if this could be locked so it's the first thread always - would be good.

Each member who wishes to participate on trips should read, accept and achknowledge the rules before attending their first outing.

Somewhere on your profile you could add some kind of marking to say you acknowledge the rules. Could be a simple (A) at the end of your name will do, thus negating the need to acknowledge for every trip.    

That way the person/s who are organising the trip are aware that you have signed off on them. If not, then they can suggest to the member to do it before the trip.

As to the rules, I think most of what you have up top is usable, the main one of course being the indemnity when on trips as you are only an online forum and not a registered club. I will offer more suggesting as I go along and you can weigh the merits of them and use (or not use) if you like.

Thanks guys, hope I have been helpful.

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