Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:48 AM AWST

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Descend and ascend ladders in caves

Descend and ascend ladders in caves

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE002
State Code
OBF57
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2019
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/12/2019
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to descend and ascend vertical pitches in caves using ladders. It also requires the ability to belay ladder climbers during descents and ascents and to self-belay.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the ladder 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. Confirm protocols for communications between climber and belayer.
  • 1.4. Identify position of ladder in relation to natural features to account for obstacles, hazards and techniques.
  • 1.5. Attach and adjust belay equipment to self and tie knots suitable for the established belay system.
  • 1.6. Complete equipment safety checks prior to descent, ascent, or belaying.
2. Descend and ascend and vertical ladders in caves.
  • 2.1. Use safety procedures at bottom, top of and throughout descents and ascents to minimise risk to self and others present.
  • 2.2. Use appropriate posture and fluent laddering techniques to descend and ascend cave ladders.
  • 2.3. Utilise techniques for resting on a ladder to reduce fatigue.
  • 2.4. Safely approach, avoid or negotiate hazards to descend and ascend in a controlled manner.
  • 2.5. Maintain effective communication with belayer throughout descents and ascents.
  • 2.6. Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the cave environment during climbs.
3. Belay ladder climbers during descents and ascents.
  • 3.1. Avoid or negotiate hazards and use safety procedures to minimise risk to self and others present.
  • 3.2. Establish belaying position and attach self to anchor, as required, to allow effective and safe use of belay system.
  • 3.3. Maintain rope tension to minimise fall distance and ensure climber movement is not unduly restricted.
  • 3.4. Monitor climber progress constantly, and maintain clear communication with climber.
  • 3.5. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to belaying device and situation.
  • 3.6. Safely and efficiently secure climber using tie off techniques; release tie off and allow climber to continue.
4. Self-belay during ladder descents and ascents.
  • 4.1. Attach self to suitable belay device for climb with back up to maintain safety in the event of a fall.
  • 4.2. Use appropriate posture and laddering techniques to execute self-belayed ladder descents and ascents.
  • 4.3. Control self-belay system to execute safe and controlled ladder descents and ascents.
  • 4.4. Utilise features of back up belay system in the event of a fall to self-arrest, self-rescue and complete climb.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6331 SISOCVE304A Apply laddering skills Unit of competency