The Operations is how the Expedition will run. It drives all other actions and procedures.
11.1 Operational Philosophy
Convoy Rules
- Minimum convoy size: three vehicles.
- No vehicle travels independently on remote sections.
- Lead vehicle navigates and sets pace.
- Sweep vehicle confirms all turns and stops.
- Convoy remains within UHF range at all times.
- Visual contact maintained where practicable.
Daily Start Procedure
Before departure each morning:
- Vehicle inspection
- Tyres
- Wheel nuts
- Fluids
- Lights
- Fuel level
- Water check
- Communications check
- Recovery equipment secured
- Route briefing
- Weather review
11.2 Fuel Management Plan
Fuel Policy
All vehicles depart each fuel stop with full tanks unless specifically directed otherwise.
Fuel Reserve Policy
20% of calculated requirement for that Leg.
Jerry Can Policy
Minimum:
- Two × 20-litre metal jerry cans per vehicle
Critical sections:
- Carnegie–Warburton
- Mt Dare–Birdsville
11.3 Water Management Plan
[PLACEHOLDER]
Drinking/General Purpose Water (per person)
Drinking 3 litres/person/day
Other 2 litres/person/day
Emergency Reserve (per person)
Three days x 5 litres = 15L
Minimum Water Carried
| Vehicle | Water |
| Vehicle 1 – Vitara Ute | 50 L |
| Vehicle 2 – Jimny 1600 | 25 L |
| Vehicle 3 – Jimny 1300 | 25 L |
Containers
Five litre to 15 litre containers
Water Discipline
- Water status checked each morning.
- Any vehicle below 50% reserve must notify convoy.
- No vehicle enters the Simpson with less than planned allocation.
11.4 Medical Plan
Medical Coordinator
Nominate one participant before departure.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain medical records
- Coordinate response
- Liaise with RFDS
Participant Medical Information
Each participant provides:
- Emergency contact
- Medications
- Allergies
- Relevant medical conditions
- Medicare number
- Private health details
Stored electronically and in hard copy.
Vehicle First Aid Kit
Each vehicle:
- Remote area first aid kit
- Snake bite kit
- Burn dressings
- Trauma dressings
Group Medical Kit
One comprehensive kit carried in lead vehicle.
11.5 Communications Plan
Primary Communications
Starlink
- Navigation vehicle
- Sweep vehicle
Used for:
- Weather
- Road conditions
- Emergency contact
- Family updates
Secondary Communications
UHF
Channel 23 – convoy operations
Channel 40 – highway travel
Channel 10 – Simpson Desert
Emergency Communications
PLB
Each vehicle carries:
- GME MT610G
Activation criteria:
- Life-threatening emergency
- Serious injury
- Vehicle immobilisation with escalating risk
11.6 Vehicle Recovery Plan
Recovery Hierarchy
- Self-recovery
- Recovery by convoy vehicle
- Local assistance
- Commercial recovery
Equipment Per Vehicle
- Snatch strap
- Soft shackles
- MaxTrax
- Air compressor
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Tyre repair kit
- Immediate action tool kit
Shared Equipment
- Long-handled spade
- Jacks
- Comprehensive tool kit
11.7 Breakdown Procedure
If a vehicle becomes disabled:
Step 1
Stop convoy.
No vehicle continues.
Step 2
Diagnose issue.
Determine:
- Repairable roadside
- Repairable in camp
- Recovery required
Step 3
Establish safety zone.
Step 4
Communicate status.
Use:
- Starlink
- Satellite messaging
- UHF
Step 5
Decision
Options:
- Repair and continue
- Tow to next settlement
- Commercial recovery
11.8 Emergency Response Plan
Medical Emergency
- Stabilise casualty.
- Assess severity.
- Contact RFDS or emergency services.
- Prepare GPS coordinates.
- Establish landing zone if requested.
Vehicle Fire
- Stop immediately.
- Evacuate occupants.
- Use extinguishers.
- Recover essential equipment only if safe.
Lost Participant
- Halt convoy.
- Last-known-position established.
- Search locally.
- Escalate via satellite communications.
11.9 Daily Operational Reporting
Each evening record:
- Location
- Distance travelled
- Fuel remaining
- Water remaining
- Vehicle defects
- Injuries or incidents
- Weather conditions
- Next-day objectives
This becomes a valuable expedition record and greatly simplifies any post-trip reporting.