Operations Plan

The Operations Plan is how the Expedition will run. It drives all other actions and procedures.

11.1 Operational Philosophy

Convoy Rules

  • Minimum convoy size: four 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

Standard Operating Procedures

 Providing the four vehicles leave Shelter Bay by 0730 there should be sufficient time to reach Murchison Oasis in daylight on Day 1. The distance travelled on the first day following this strategy would be 374 kilometres.

This means that refuelling at Murchison Roadhouse (very slow) does not eat into the schedule as it would if we were to camp somewhere on Butchers Track (before Murchison) and have to refuel during the early morning at the Roadhouse.

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.

Critical sections:

  • Carnegie–Warburton
  • Mt Dare–Birdsville

11.3 Water Management Plan

Drinking/General Purpose Water (per person)

Drinking – three litres/person/day.

Other – two litres/person/day.

Emergency Reserve (per person)

Three days x 5 litres = 15L

Minimum Water Carried

20 litres per person/per vehicle.

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

Mike Crane is fulfilling the role of Medical Coordinator.

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 has:

  • 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

  1. Self-recovery
  2. Recovery by convoy vehicle
  3. Local assistance
  4. 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

  1. Stabilise casualty.
  2. Assess severity.
  3. Contact RFDS or emergency services.
  4. Prepare GPS coordinates.
  5. Establish landing zone if requested.

Vehicle Fire

  1. Stop immediately.
  2. Evacuate occupants.
  3. Use extinguishers.
  4. Recover essential equipment only if safe.

11.9 Daily Operational Reporting

Prepared forms will be used each evening to 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. 

Back to: Across Australia.