Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:19 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Apply caving specific single rope techniques

Apply caving specific single rope techniques

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE305A
State Code
D6332
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use specific single rope techniques in caving activities. Other related competencies, such as rigging ropes for single rope techniques, are defined in other units.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select and fit equipment.
  • 1.1. Select equipment and check working order according to organisational policies and procedures and contextual issues.
  • 1.2. Fit and adjust equipment to ensure comfort and safety.
2. Ascend and descend a pitch using single rope techniques.
  • 2.1. Establish personal safety systems according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.2. Ascend a fixed rope in a safe and time efficient manner.
  • 2.3. Demonstrate tuning of a single rope technique rig.
  • 2.4. Identify options for where changeovers can be performed safely and efficiently.
  • 2.5. Assess the situation and identify suitable obstacle avoidance or extrication procedures.
  • 2.6. Negotiate simple obstacles using single rope techniques and procedures while maintaining personal safety and minimal environmental impact.
  • 2.7. Demonstrate use of ascending and descending equipment using both a re-direction and a re-belay.
3. Apply unassisted rescue techniques.
  • 3.1. Identify potential rescue situations and scenarios.
  • 3.2. Apply techniques to safely rescue self or another party member from the pitch.
4. Evaluate activity.
  • 4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the activity.
  • 4.2. Identify improvements for future caving activities requiring the use of single rope techniques.
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.
Equipment may include:
Prussik cords
foot loops
tape
mechanical ascenders
descending devices
karabiners
maillon rapids
rope
belay devices
helmets
harnesses
gloves
protective clothing
safety, rescue and first aid equipment.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use, maintenance and storage of equipment
communication protocols
minimal impact environmental and caving codes
Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines
code of ethics.
Personal safety may include:
belays
self belays.
Tuning may include:
changing cord length
changing types of ascenders and descenders
changing the type of prusiking action used.
Rig may include:
cows tails
harnesses
safety cords
prussiks
mechanical ascenders
descenders
foot loops
chest harness.
Procedures may include:
bypassing obstacles
raising body weight
changeovers to another system while suspended on a rope.
Obstacles may include:
knots
rope pads and protectors
traverses
othercavers on pitch.
Rescue situations may include:
inverting
jamming
gear failure
exhausted and or injured caver.
Relevant aspects may include:
selection of equipment
single rope techniques to ascend and descend
changeovers
negotiation of obstacles and rigging problems
unassisted rescues.
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 non-routine 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
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:
SISOCVE302A Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF56 SISOCVE004 Descend and ascend single ropes in caves Unit of competency