Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:53 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:53 AM 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.
Instruct lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces
Instruct lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCLN512A
SISOCLN512A
State Code
D6310
D6310
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092103 - Sports Coaching, Officiating And Instruction
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to instruct lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces. This unit focuses on planning, instructing and evaluating an instructional lead climbing session to enable participants to achieve the skills and knowledge required to participate independently in multi pitch lead climbing on natural surfaces. This includes establishing anchors using any combination of fixed, natural and or artificial protection.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan a lead climbing session.
- 1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics.
- 1.2. Assess participant's current climbing knowledge in order to determine the session's aims and objectives.
- 1.3. Determine an appropriate instructional plan according to participant's needs and characteristics.
- 1.4. Develop a lead climbing plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces and minimise risks, according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.6. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information and determine contingency plans.
2. Select and organise equipment and resources.
- 2.1. Select and access equipment and resources according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.
- 2.2. Check equipment for safety and suitability, according to manufacturer's recommendations and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.
- 2.3. Check contents of first aid and repair kits to ensure suitability to the location and activity.
3. Brief participants.
- 3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the lead climbing session in a manner appropriate to the participants.
- 3.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required during the session.
- 3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while lead climbing and belaying.
- 3.4. Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety checks and appropriate behaviour.
- 3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the session.
4. Instruct a multi pitch lead climbing session.
- 4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants, to reduce the risk of injury.
- 4.2. Monitor individual participant's performance during lead climbing session.
- 4.3. Provide positive encouragement and or feedback to each participant throughout session, and encourage feedback and questioning.
- 4.4. Apply clear and accurate instructional techniques to impart activity specific knowledge, multi pitch lead climbing skills and safety and rescue procedures.
- 4.5. Observe participants during lead climbing and belaying and adjust or refine individual and or group technique as required.
- 4.6. Inform participants of opportunities to further develop their lead climbing skills and knowledge.
5. Complete post session responsibilities.
- 5.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 5.2. Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required.
- 5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of the lead climbing session, and determine the level of learning achieved.
- 5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future lead climbing instructional sessions.
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.
Participant's needs and characteristics may include:
age
fitness level and physical capabilities
climbing skills and knowledge
injuries and illnesses.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
developing climbing on natural surface skills
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Instructional plan may include:
lead climbing activities and drills
duration of activities and drills.
Lead climbing plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location or site
instructor and participant ratios
resources and equipment
weather details
participant information:
safety requirements
risk management plan
relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
rescue equipment
rescue and evacuation plan.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
risk management procedures
occupational health and safety
time and budget constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
instructor and participant ratios
emergency and safety procedures
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Natural surfaces may include:
boulders
cliffs.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Contingency plans may include:
poor communication conditions
injuries
escape or retreat options
off route possibilities.
Equipment may include:
climbing equipment
safety equipment
rescue equipment.
Resources may include:
food and water
teaching aids.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant information may include:
equipment requirements, selection and use
safety procedures
risk prevention
possible hazards
risk management
lead climbing and belaying techniques
communication
objectives
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
Feedback may include:
information on participant progress
any improvements needed
verbal
written
visual.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Safety checks may include:
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connectors - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - everything else including end of rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F - friend - cross check.
Participant's performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
lead climbing technique
second climbing technique
belaying technique
attitude and behaviour
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment.
Instructional techniques may include:
part to whole
sequential
known to unknown
D.E.D.I.C.T:
demonstrate
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
E.D.I.C.T:
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
I.D.E.A:
introduce
demonstrate
explain
apply
orientate, enhance, synthesise.
Activity specific knowledge may include:
relevant legislation
organisational policies and procedures
lead climbing skills and techniques
placement of protection
establishment of anchors and ropes
factors to consider when planning a lead climb
minimal impact practices
risk and hazard management
equipment selection, use and maintenance
communication systems used in climbing.
Multi pitch lead climbing skills may include:
lead climbing skills, including the placement of protection
multi pitch lead climbing belaying techniques
second climbing skills, including removal of protection
establishment of multi pitch anchors using fixed, natural and artificial protection
communication between climber and belayer
negotiation of hazards to ensure safety of self and group
use and maintenance of equipment.
knots appropriate to multi pitch lead climbing
rescue procedures relevant to multi pitch lead climbing
falling technique
fall factors.
Safety and rescue procedures may include:
emergency response procedures
group management in emergency situations
relevant legislation
organisational policies and procedures
emergency response equipment
understanding of safety practices.
Opportunities may include:
locations suitable to skill level
range of equipment and clothing available
climbing clubs or groups in the local area.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
Participant's needs and characteristics may include:
age
fitness level and physical capabilities
climbing skills and knowledge
injuries and illnesses.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
developing climbing on natural surface skills
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Instructional plan may include:
lead climbing activities and drills
duration of activities and drills.
Lead climbing plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location or site
instructor and participant ratios
resources and equipment
weather details
participant information:
safety requirements
risk management plan
relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
rescue equipment
rescue and evacuation plan.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
risk management procedures
occupational health and safety
time and budget constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
instructor and participant ratios
emergency and safety procedures
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Natural surfaces may include:
boulders
cliffs.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Contingency plans may include:
poor communication conditions
injuries
escape or retreat options
off route possibilities.
Equipment may include:
climbing equipment
safety equipment
rescue equipment.
Resources may include:
food and water
teaching aids.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant information may include:
equipment requirements, selection and use
safety procedures
risk prevention
possible hazards
risk management
lead climbing and belaying techniques
communication
objectives
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
Feedback may include:
information on participant progress
any improvements needed
verbal
written
visual.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Safety checks may include:
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connectors - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - everything else including end of rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F - friend - cross check.
Participant's performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
lead climbing technique
second climbing technique
belaying technique
attitude and behaviour
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment.
Instructional techniques may include:
part to whole
sequential
known to unknown
D.E.D.I.C.T:
demonstrate
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
E.D.I.C.T:
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
I.D.E.A:
introduce
demonstrate
explain
apply
orientate, enhance, synthesise.
Activity specific knowledge may include:
relevant legislation
organisational policies and procedures
lead climbing skills and techniques
placement of protection
establishment of anchors and ropes
factors to consider when planning a lead climb
minimal impact practices
risk and hazard management
equipment selection, use and maintenance
communication systems used in climbing.
Multi pitch lead climbing skills may include:
lead climbing skills, including the placement of protection
multi pitch lead climbing belaying techniques
second climbing skills, including removal of protection
establishment of multi pitch anchors using fixed, natural and artificial protection
communication between climber and belayer
negotiation of hazards to ensure safety of self and group
use and maintenance of equipment.
knots appropriate to multi pitch lead climbing
rescue procedures relevant to multi pitch lead climbing
falling technique
fall factors.
Safety and rescue procedures may include:
emergency response procedures
group management in emergency situations
relevant legislation
organisational policies and procedures
emergency response equipment
understanding of safety practices.
Opportunities may include:
locations suitable to skill level
range of equipment and clothing available
climbing clubs or groups in the local area.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
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:
plans and delivers precise relevant information, explanations and demonstrations for multi pitch lead climbing session to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics
observes and monitors the progress of participants, provides constructive feedback and intervention and modifies instructional techniques and or activities to improve lead climbing performance
encourages and responds to feedback from participants and evaluates and reflects on own instruction performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure instruction of lead climbing activities, using a variety of instructional techniques that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, instruct and document lead climbing sessions for a variety of participants
instructional tools such as videos, DVDs, televisions, whiteboards, books, magazines, handouts and the internet
a multi pitch natural climbing site suitable for the conduct of instructional sessions
a group of participants to take part in the lead climbing session
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, natural, fixed and artificial anchors, protection, climbing shoes, chalk and chalk bag, food and water, and safety 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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all lead climbing activities during the session
observation of safe lead climbing instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics
review of lead climbing session plans
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:
SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescues
SISOCLN407A Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on natural surfaces.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans and delivers precise relevant information, explanations and demonstrations for multi pitch lead climbing session to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics
observes and monitors the progress of participants, provides constructive feedback and intervention and modifies instructional techniques and or activities to improve lead climbing performance
encourages and responds to feedback from participants and evaluates and reflects on own instruction performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure instruction of lead climbing activities, using a variety of instructional techniques that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, instruct and document lead climbing sessions for a variety of participants
instructional tools such as videos, DVDs, televisions, whiteboards, books, magazines, handouts and the internet
a multi pitch natural climbing site suitable for the conduct of instructional sessions
a group of participants to take part in the lead climbing session
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, natural, fixed and artificial anchors, protection, climbing shoes, chalk and chalk bag, food and water, and safety 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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all lead climbing activities during the session
observation of safe lead climbing instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics
review of lead climbing session plans
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:
SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescues
SISOCLN407A Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on natural surfaces.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF68 | SISOCLM011 | Lead multi pitch climbing activities on natural surfaces, lead climbing | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC544 | SISSS00047 | Climbing Instructor (Natural Surfaces) Multi Pitch Lead | Skill set |
| D445 | SIS50310 | Diploma of Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |