Required skills

problemsolving skills to

negotiate obstacles and hazards

identify and solve rigging problems

apply single rope techniques and unassisted rescues

planning and organising skills to

select fit and use equipment

perform safety checks

identify where efficient changeovers may be performed

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities

equipment types characteristics and technology used for caving specific single rope techniques the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting selection use care and maintenance of equipment

single rope techniques and procedures used in caves to safely ascend and descend a single vertical pitch

obstacles and rigging problems that may be encountered while applying single rope techniques in a cave and methods of negotiating these

unassisted rescue techniques to remove self or another party member from the pitch

safety and emergency procedures relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

selects fits and checks equipment before participating in the activity

applies knowledge of single rope techniques and safety practices to use a range of ascending and descending devices and single rope technique rigs

uses single rope techniques to deal with a range of rescue situations obstacles and rigging problems in routine and nonroutine caving situations to ensure safety of self and other participants

evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in ascending descending and unassisted rescue activities in caving environments that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

a suitable natural cave site with simple obstacles and vertical pitches for ascending and descending on belay

ascending descending and belaying equipment protective clothing and safety rescue and first aid equipment

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

observation of selecting and checking equipment prior to use

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all single rope activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of ascending descending and rescuing on a single rope

observation of negotiating obstacles and rigging problems

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SISOCVEA Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves

SISOCVE302A Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves.

Guidance information for assessment

Equipment may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Personal safety may include:

Tuning may include:

Rig may include:

Procedures may include:

Obstacles may include:

Rescue situations may include:

Relevant aspects may include: