Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SISOCVE412A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Rig multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOCVE412A - Rig multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independentlyrig multi pitches in complex vertical systems using caving specific techniques. These areapplicable to multi pitch caves with long or difficult to traverse pitches.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as caving adventure guides, instructors or program managers required to rig multi pitches in complex vertical caving systems with long or difficult to traverse pitches, with objective dangers such as regular flooding, very loose pitches or complex systems requiring careful navigation. This unit also applies to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites SISOCVE410A Rig a complex pitch using caving specific techniques
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Choose anchor or anchors.
  • Assess condition of anchors, including performance under likely load, and the stability of surroundings.
  • Identify and select solid and secure anchors according to organisational policies and procedures and contextual issues.
  • Select anchors and equipment that minimise environmental impact according to participant's characteristics and abilities, location of the anchors, and requirements of the activity.
  • Select anchors according to the belay system,re-belays, re-directions and back-ups being used.
  • Place artificial protection to create an anchor.
       
Element: Rig rope pitches.
  • Identify safe access to and egress from the cave site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Determine ascent or descent route according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Tie knots suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations.
  • Set up anchors and ropes to facilitate potential rescue.
       
Element: Rig a complex pitch.
  • Rig re-belays and re-directions to minimise difficult rigging situations.
  • Identify places where complex rigging may be required.
  • Rig for complex non routine situations and solve non-routine rigging problems to enable safe ascents and descents.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

independently selects natural, fixed and or artificial anchors and other relevant caving and safety equipment according to contextual issues

identifies and negotiates pitch hazards, difficult rigging conditions and complex non-routine situations to rig multi pitches that enable safe ascent and descent.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in rigging multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

natural multi pitch cave sites suitable for the rigging of complex vertical systems

natural, fixed and artificial anchors to rig a complex pitch

caving and safety 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 suitable anchors for the rigging of a complex multi pitch vertical cave system

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

observation of rigging a complex multi pitch cave system, including re-belays and re-directions

observation of identifying and dealing with non-routine rigging problems, pitch hazards and difficult rigging conditions

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISOCVE411A Apply vertical caving skills.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

select anchors for the context and conditions at the site

assess condition of anchors, equipment and pitch prior to use

solve non-routine multi pitch rigging problems

rig re-belays, re-directions, ropes and anchors safely

identify and eliminate pitch hazards to enable safe ascent and descent

self management skills to take responsibility for rigging a complex multi pitch within the context of a cave

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 the safe conduct of all activities

natural, fixed and artificial anchors and equipment types, characteristics and technology used in complex, multi pitch situations

care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements, as advised by the manufacturer's specifications for equipment use

difficult rigging situations and non-routine rigging problems that may require re-belays and re-directions

knots used in caving when rigging complex, multi pitches

characteristics of the cave location to enable safe access to and egress from the site

rescue and emergency procedures relevant to the location and complex situation to ensure safety of self and others.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Condition may include:

age

location

wear

decay

corrosion

environmental stress

insect damage.

Anchors may include:

natural

fixed

artificial.

Likely load may include:

group size

set up

type oftechniques used

caver's ability

efficiency of technique.

Stability of surroundings may include:

location

cracks

deformities

fissures

underlying structural features of natural anchors.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use, maintenance and storage of equipment

risk management

communication protocols

minimal impact environmental and caving codes

Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines

code of ethics.

Contextual issues may include:

caver's abilities

weight variance in differing participants

group size

other users of the same cave system

pitch height and difficulty

environmental impact

soundness of rock

access and egress

climatic conditions, at the surface and underground

Equipment may include:

belay devices

ropes

caving ladders

rope protectors

harnesses

helmets

karabiners

first aid kit

rescue equipment

communication devices.

Environmental impact may include:

rock dislodgement

damage to speleothems

compacting of soil

damage to flora and fauna.

Participant may include:

experienced

inexperienced

adults

children.

Belay system may include:

top of a pitch

bottom of the pitch

self belaying.

Cave site may include:

multi pitches

complex vertical caving systems

long or difficult to traverse pitches.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Knots may include:

end-of-rope knots

mid-rope knots

rope-joining knots

friction knots

tape knot.

Difficult rigging situations may include:

knots in the rope

awkward traverses

poorly placed rope protectors or pads

short re-belay loops

weight of rope on the pitch

confined or awkward spaces at belay or rig site

problems caused by variance in party members' body mass

poorly placed re-belays or redirections.

Complex rigging may include:

pendulum swings

rigging to prevent drowning in a waterfall or potential waterfall

traverses across a pitch to a side passage lead

awkward squeezes on a pitch

placement of bolts or other artificial aids to allow further exploration of the cave

tie-backs to previous pitches in multi pitch caves that lack solid anchors at pitch heads.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Assess condition of anchors, including performance under likely load, and the stability of surroundings. 
Identify and select solid and secure anchors according to organisational policies and procedures and contextual issues. 
Select anchors and equipment that minimise environmental impact according to participant's characteristics and abilities, location of the anchors, and requirements of the activity. 
Select anchors according to the belay system,re-belays, re-directions and back-ups being used. 
Place artificial protection to create an anchor. 
Identify safe access to and egress from the cave site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Determine ascent or descent route according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures. 
Tie knots suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations. 
Set up anchors and ropes to facilitate potential rescue. 
Rig re-belays and re-directions to minimise difficult rigging situations. 
Identify places where complex rigging may be required. 
Rig for complex non routine situations and solve non-routine rigging problems to enable safe ascents and descents. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCVE412A - Rig multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems
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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOCVE412A - Rig multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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