Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use single rope techniques to descend and ascend ropes in a caving environment.
It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during caving activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for the single rope descent or ascent. | 1.1. Select clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment suitable for the caving activity and conditions. 1.2. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities. 1.3. Identify position of fixed rope in relation to natural features to account for obstacles, hazards and techniques. 1.4. Attach and adjust belay equipment to self and tie knots suitable for the established belay system. 1.5. Complete equipment safety checks prior to descent or ascent. |
2. Descend and ascend a pitch using single rope techniques. | 2.1. Descend and ascend a fixed rope efficiently, using and adjusting techniques suitable for circumstances. 2.2. Safely approach, avoid or negotiate hazards to descend and ascend in a controlled manner. 2.3. Utilise techniques and equipment to adjust the single rope rig. 2.4. Choose optimum position and complete safe and efficient changeovers between descending and ascending. 2.5. Use descending and ascending equipment for redirections and re-belays. 2.6. Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the cave environment during activities. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures. |
Numeracy skills to: | visually estimate angles, estimate load on ropes to determine appropriate tension for ascents and descents. |
Planning and organising skills to: | manage own timing to complete activities within planned timeframes. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Caving