
FWPCOT3326
Recover four wheel drive vehicle
Getting a four wheel drive vehicle bogged or stuck is a real risk across remote and regional worksites. Recovering it incorrectly can be just as dangerous as the initial situation. This course covers the skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively recover a four wheel drive vehicle using kinetic ropes, straps, winches, and other recovery equipment across a range of terrain types and conditions.

Duration
1 Day (6-8 hours)
Price
$500
Location
WA | Bayswater
Delivery
Face to Face
Course Overview

FWPCOT3326 – Recover Four Wheel Drive Vehicle gives participants the practical skills and knowledge to safely carry out 4WD vehicle recovery operations across forestry, agriculture, construction, tourism, energy, and other field-based environments. The course covers how to calculate vehicle recovery loads, select and check recovery equipment ratings, plan the recovery and establish an exclusion zone, perform kinetic rope and strap recoveries, conduct winch recoveries using single and double line pulls, and use additional recovery tools including traction boards and spades.
This course is focused specifically on 4WD vehicle recovery and is designed for those who operate in remote or off-road environments where the risk of becoming bogged or stuck is a regular occupational hazard. Practical training and assessment must be conducted in varied terrain that reflects real working conditions.
Participants will need access to a four wheel drive vehicle with winch equipment — please contact us when enrolling to discuss vehicle and terrain requirements. Training is delivered by experienced industry trainers on-site across Western Australia.
Course Details
Certification
Participants who successfully complete all training and assessment requirements will be issued a Statement of Attainment for FWPCOT3326 – Recover Four Wheel Drive Vehicle by Paratus Training (RTO 45274).
Course Outline
WHS legislation, workplace procedures, and safety requirements for 4WD vehicle recovery operations
Determining the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and estimating the recovery load using a recognised formula
Identifying the rating and labelling of recovery gear
Identifying rated recovery points on a vehicle
Selecting appropriate recovery equipment based on GVM, recovery load, and equipment rating
Checking the serviceability of recovery equipment before use
Identifying and mitigating risks and hazards associated with recovery operations
Selecting and using appropriate PPE for recovery operations
Implementing environmental protection procedures
Identifying emergency procedures for accidents and incidents during recovery
Surveying the site and determining the recovery strategy
Establishing an exclusion zone and informing relevant personnel
Establishing and maintaining communications during recovery operations
Performing kinetic rope and strap recovery — laying out, attaching to rated recovery points, placing dampeners, and conducting a safe recovery
Joining two kinetic ropes and/or straps correctly
Performing winch recovery using a single line pull
Performing winch recovery using a double line pull with a snatch block or pulley ring
Performing winch recovery using a change of direction pull
Using a spade for vehicle recovery
Using traction boards for vehicle recovery
Cleaning, maintaining, and checking serviceability of recovery equipment after use
Recording equipment maintenance in line with workplace procedures
Prerequisites and Entry Requirements
There are no formal prerequisite units required for this course. However, participants must hold a current driver's licence or provisional driver's licence prior to commencing training.
All participants must:
Hold a current driver's licence or provisional driver's licence
Have access to a four wheel drive vehicle with winch equipment for practical training, or contact us to discuss vehicle availability prior to enrolment
Be physically able to perform recovery tasks in varied outdoor terrain conditions
Hold a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Bring a pen
Wear appropriate PPE and clothing suitable for outdoor practical training: steel-capped boots or sturdy enclosed footwear, long pants, and a hi-vis long sleeve shirt. If you do not have a hi-vis shirt, Paratus Training can provide a hi-vis vest
Please let us know before enrolment if you have any medical conditions, injuries, or physical limitations that may affect your ability to take part in practical training in outdoor and varied terrain conditions.
Course Dates
Who needs this training?
New to industry
If your role involves operating a four wheel drive vehicle in remote or off-road environments where the risk of becoming stuck is real, this course gives you the skills and knowledge to recover the vehicle safely using the right equipment and techniques — without putting yourself or others at risk.
Renewal due
There is no legislated expiry date for this unit, however many employers in construction, resources, forestry, and energy require current 4WD recovery competency as a condition of remote travel or site access. If it has been some time since your last training, this course gets you back up to date with current techniques, equipment ratings, and safety requirements.
Team training
If your workforce regularly operates 4WD vehicles in remote or regional WA, we can come to your site and deliver training in terrain that reflects the conditions your team actually works in. On-site delivery is available across Western Australia. Contact us to discuss group bookings and scheduling options.
Related Courses
Four wheel drive recovery is often paired with other operational competencies for workers heading into remote or off-road environments. The courses below are worth checking if you are building out your tickets for work away from sealed roads or prepared sites.
Frequently asked questions
Trusted by industry across
Western Australia
Paratus Training delivers high-risk licence and workplace safety training to some of WA's leading operators.
These are the organisations that have put their workers through our training — and held us to the same standards they hold their own teams.









