Unit of competency Outline

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22/07/2026 5:45 AM AWST

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Apply vertical caving skills

Apply vertical caving skills

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE411A
State Code
D6338
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
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 apply specific exploration techniques, such as free climbing, for use in vertical caving activities. Other related competencies, such as rigging, are defined in other units.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for vertical caving activity.
  • 1.1. Identify an appropriate activity site according to contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.2. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather information that may impact on the activity plan.
  • 1.3. Select and fit personal and safety equipment for the activity.
  • 1.4. Identify potential hazards and risks associated with free climbing.
  • 1.5. Develop procedures to minimise risks and protect the safety of the free climber.
  • 1.6. Establish a suitable communication system to use while free climbing.
2. Free climb in a cave.
  • 2.1. Apply techniques to free climb a vertical pitch.
  • 2.2. Negotiate pitch hazards and obstacles safely while maintaining communication with spotter or belayer, as required.
  • 2.3. Apply procedures to minimise impact on the caving environment.
3. Apply advanced climbing techniques.
  • 3.1. Demonstrate the safe and efficient use of climbing aids.
  • 3.2. Identify advanced techniques in vertical caving used for exploration.
  • 3.3. Demonstrate vertical climbing technique appropriate to the situation.
4. Evaluate activity.
  • 4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the vertical caving activity.
  • 4.2. Identify improvements for future free climbing experiences in a cave.
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.
Contextual issues may include:
abilities
group size
other users
pitch height
environmental impact
soundness of surface
access and egress
weather conditions
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
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.
Relevant sources may include:
bureau of meteorology
media
national parks and wildlife centres
police.
Weather information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
rainfall and flooding
weather warnings.
Equipment may include:
vertical caving equipment
safety, first aid and rescue equipment
communication equipment.
Hazards may include:
rock fall
flowing water
abrasion points
tangled rope
loose clothing and hair
jewellery
strong cave breezes.
Safety may include:
personal safety checks
spotting by other party members
top rope belay for longer and exposed pitches.
Techniques may include:
climbing cracks
chimneying
bridging
the use of layback moves
mantle shelving.
Climbing aids may include:
handlines or etriers
traverse lines
short lengths of caving ladder.
Advanced techniques may include:
lead climbing
aid climbing
scaling poles
rope traverses.
Relevant aspects may include:
hazard and risk identification
free climbing skills and advanced techniques
use of climbing aids.
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:
applies relevant process to plan equipment requirements appropriate for the conditions and duration of the caving activity and arranges suitable communication systems with spotters or belayers
negotiates obstacles and hazards while free climbing a vertical caving pitch, and adapts to problems or issues that may arise
applies advanced techniques used for exploration in vertical caving, including the use of climbing aids to assist climb
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 vertical caving 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 for the conduct of vertical caving
vertical caving, safety and rescue and communication 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 vertical caving activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of free climbing skills
observation of dealing with vertical caving hazards and obstacles
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
No information