Winching Techniques
This hands-on course teaches participants how to safely plan and perform vehicle recoveries using a winch. Participants practice proper rigging, recovery-point selection, line management, and use of recovery equipment. Emphasis is placed on controlling recovery forces, maintaining safe working areas, and identifying hazards before the recovery begins.
Rollover Vehicle Recovery
Participants learn the fundamentals of safely recovering a vehicle that has rolled onto its side or roof. Hands-on exercises cover vehicle stabilization, rigging, recovery planning, and controlling the vehicle as it is returned to an upright position. The course emphasizes managing stored energy, changing load forces, and keeping personnel outside hazardous areas.
Off-Road Driving Techniques
This course develops practical skills for safely operating a vehicle in challenging off-road environments. Participants practice vehicle positioning, throttle and brake control, terrain assessment, obstacle negotiation, and selecting an appropriate driving line. The goal is to help drivers recognize vehicle and terrain limitations and avoid situations that could lead to a recovery.
Hi-Lift Jack Mastery
Participants learn how to safely and effectively use a Hi-Lift-style jack as an off-road recovery tool. Hands-on exercises cover proper setup and techniques for lifting, repositioning, and other recovery applications while addressing the stored-energy hazards associated with the equipment. Participants also learn when a Hi-Lift is appropriate and when another recovery method is the safer choice.
Advanced Recovery Rigging
This hands-on course moves beyond basic recovery setups and introduces participants to more complex rigging configurations. Participants work with redirects, mechanical advantage, anchor selection, pulley blocks, and techniques for changing the direction or magnitude of recovery forces. Emphasis is placed on understanding the forces within the recovery system and developing safe, effective rigging plans.
Advanced Winching & Field Problem Solving
This course prepares participants to manage problems that can occur during real-world winch recoveries. Participants work through scenarios involving broken or damaged winch lines, limited line length, equipment failures, difficult anchor locations, and changing recovery angles while learning how to safely reassess and rebuild the recovery system. The course emphasizes field problem-solving, pulley-block use, safe rigging, recovery-force management, and knowing when to stop and develop a new recovery plan.
