Code of Conduct

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The following list is suggested as a basis for Club members and the general public to follow. There are many other points, which might be added, but we have emphasised the main ones
General

Vehicle fuel tank shall be full prior to arriving at the designated trip meeting point.
The trip leader may call a meeting prior to departure, or during the trip to outline important aspects.

Organisation

Keep to the laws & regulations for 4WD vehicles (they may change from state to state).

Obey the convoy procedures of the club, and other arrangements for trips and outings.

Fair access for all.

Vehicles shall have either comprehensive or third party insurance.

Obey restrictions on use of public lands. Respect national parks and other conservation areas. Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/ private land. Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and look, but never disturb.

Obtain permission before driving on private land including Aboriginal land. Leave livestock alone, and gates, wells and waters as found or better. Report breakage to owners.
Camping

The group shall carry an adequate first-aid kit, and individuals shall have their own personal medications. Individuals shall advise the trip leader in advance in private of any specific medical conditions or unusual medications in case of an emergency.

Each person should endeavour to have a survival pack on them when doing longer walks. Consider a minimum being water bottle, matches, mirror, and whistle. A comprehensive ideas list is available from the Club.
Vehicles:

It is strongly suggested that all cars fit (with secure mountings) an approved fire extinguisher.

Vehicles shall be in a safe and sound mechanical condition and contain the items necessary for the trip, which have been specified by the Club and/ or Trip Leader.

Take adequate water, food, fuel, spares and tools on trips. In remote areas always travel with another vehicle and have RFDS or equivalent radio or satellite phone communications.

Do a spot check of your vehicle every day. Assist others where possible. Check lists are available in short or comprehensive form from the Club.

Locking wheel-nuts are usually a nuisance in the bush. They shall be taken off for the trip.
Driving/traveling:

Departure from the convoy is discouraged. No person may leave the party at any stage on foot, vehicle or other means without advising the trip leader.

Obey convoy procedures - you are responsible for the vehicle behind, particularly at junctions and obstacles. A tail end Charlie is usually appointed as `sweep`.

Stay on formed tracks at all times, especially if wet to reduce bogging and environmental damage. We have a responsibility to act carefully.

Drive carefully. You are heavily laden, the vehicle will be slower to respond, and the environment will be trying to trap you with dust, rocks, stakes, branches, bumps and bogs.

When parking on a track or camping, try to choose a flat open area with minimal dry grass to reduce fire hazards from the hot exhaust. Leave a sensible distance to the next vehicle in case one catches fire.

Keep a safe distance from the car in front. If too close it is distracting to the car in front, and the car behind will be in a cloud of dust or mist of mud. Allow other road users to pass safely.

Keep CB conversations to a minimum so that important information can be broadcast quickly to the whole party about emergencies, safety issues, turns, conditions, sights, interesting things, history etc. Periodically do a check call and adjust the `squelch` setting, if appropriate.
Environment:

Wood is a precious environmental commodity. Fires shall be a sensible size- no bonfires. Rake vegetation away before digging a fire-hole will assist covering and restoring the site when you leave. If necessary take wood with you (e.g. remote desert areas). Obey fire restrictions. Don`t let your exhaust emit sparks. If people are cooking on an open fire, respect their right to use it as they wish. Consider cooking on gas. Extinguish your fire before leaving. Help in bushfire emergencies and search & rescue if you are properly equipped and able.

Keep the environment clean. Carry your own, and maybe other peoples rubbish home. Most can be burnt and bashed down to save space in the car. You had space to bring it! Adopt minimal impact camping and driving practices. Take care with burning possible toxic or irritating materials.

Follow strict hygiene rules. All toilet paper shall be buried, or burnt in the campfire and faecal material buried about 30 cm deep. If too shallow feral animals may dig up the evidence. If burning toilet paper `on site`, do not start a bushfire. No little crumpled used `paper hats` through the bush. For groups, a communal pit toilet is suggested. Wash you hands before handling food.
Etiquette:

When spraying insect repellents or similar sprays move downwind of other people.

Respect other peoples rights to peace and solitude in the bush. Have a neighbourly approach, minimal use of generators, floodlights and music. Snorers should retreat to the `back fence`.

Sensitive complaints or serious comments are not normally broadcast on radio and are to be made to the Trip Leader off-air in private.
Convoy:

Please refer to a separate sheet on club Convoy Procedures, which are to be taken as included in this code.

Let the convoy know when you take a stop. (E.g. for photo, shop or toilet).

No vehicle shall overtake any other vehicle unless in an emergency, or by the Trip Leaders instruction.

Each driver is responsible for the vehicle behind it, and to wait at corners or obstacles to make sure the following vehicle knows where to turn. Both to acknowledge by CB radio or flash of headlights or other agreed signal

At gates, the Trip Leader is to open the gate, second in convoy to close it and become Tail- End Charlie (TEC) Otherwise, gates are to be left as found. During long stages, the Trip Leader may change the convoy order and TEC. Feel free to request a change