Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:59 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:59 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.
Instruct abseiling on multi pitch natural surfaces
Instruct abseiling on multi pitch natural surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOABN510A
SISOABN510A
State Code
D6269
D6269
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (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 abseiling on multi pitch natural surfaces. This unit focuses on planning, instructing and evaluating an instructional abseiling session to enable participants to achieve the skills and knowledge required to participate independently in multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan an abseiling session.
- 1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics.
- 1.2. Determine participant's current abseiling knowledge in order to determine the session'saims and objectives.
- 1.3. Determine an appropriate instructional plan according to participant's needs and characteristics.
- 1.4. Develop an abseiling plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces and minimise risks, according to organisational policies and procedures to ensure safety of participants.
- 1.6. Access relevantsources 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 relevant legislation and manufacturer's recommendations.
- 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 abseiling 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 abseiling and belaying.
- 3.4. Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety checks and appropriate behaviour.
4. Instruct an abseiling session.
- 4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants, to reduce the risk of injury.
- 4.2. Monitor individual participant's performance during abseiling session.
- 4.3. Apply clear and accurate instructional techniques to impart activity specific knowledge, abseiling skills and safety and rescue procedures.
- 4.4. Observe participants during abseiling and belaying and adjust or refine individual and or group technique as required.
- 4.5. Inform participants of opportunities to further develop their abseiling 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 abseiling session, and determine the level of learning achieved.
- 5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future abseiling 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
cultural factors
fitness level and physical capabilities
abseiling skills and knowledge
injuries and illnesses.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
developing abseiling on a multi pitch natural surface skills
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Instructional plan may include:
abseiling activities and drills
duration of activities and drills.
Abseiling plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location
instructor and participant ratios
resources
equipment
food and water
weather details
participant information
safety requirements
risk management plan.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
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:
cliffs
boulders
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
coastal partrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmentalinformation may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
Contingency plans may include:
change location
reduce duration
cancel
postpone
Equipment may include:
abseiling equipment
safety equipment
rescue equipment
Resources may include:
food and water
teaching aids
suitable natural multi pitch surface for instructing abseiling.
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
possible hazards
abseiling and belaying techniques
communication
objectives
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
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
abseiling technique
belaying technique
attitude and behaviour
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment.
Instructional techniques may include:
simple to complex
part to whole
chronological
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
Activity specific knowledge may include:
abseiling skills and techniques
establishment of ropes
features of a natural surface
minimal impact practices
risk and hazard management
equipment selection, use and maintenance
communication systems used in abseiling.
Abseiling skills may include:
abseiling and belaying techniques
establishment and retrieval of ropes for a multi pitch
use and knowledge of different techniques
negotiation of hazards and or risks
use and maintenance of equipment.
Safety and rescue procedures may include:
emergency response procedures
group management in emergency situations
emergency response equipment
understanding of safety practices.
Opportunities may include:
locations suitable to skill level
range of equipment and clothing available
abseiling 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
cultural factors
fitness level and physical capabilities
abseiling skills and knowledge
injuries and illnesses.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
developing abseiling on a multi pitch natural surface skills
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Instructional plan may include:
abseiling activities and drills
duration of activities and drills.
Abseiling plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location
instructor and participant ratios
resources
equipment
food and water
weather details
participant information
safety requirements
risk management plan.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
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:
cliffs
boulders
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
coastal partrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmentalinformation may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
Contingency plans may include:
change location
reduce duration
cancel
postpone
Equipment may include:
abseiling equipment
safety equipment
rescue equipment
Resources may include:
food and water
teaching aids
suitable natural multi pitch surface for instructing abseiling.
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
possible hazards
abseiling and belaying techniques
communication
objectives
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
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
abseiling technique
belaying technique
attitude and behaviour
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment.
Instructional techniques may include:
simple to complex
part to whole
chronological
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
Activity specific knowledge may include:
abseiling skills and techniques
establishment of ropes
features of a natural surface
minimal impact practices
risk and hazard management
equipment selection, use and maintenance
communication systems used in abseiling.
Abseiling skills may include:
abseiling and belaying techniques
establishment and retrieval of ropes for a multi pitch
use and knowledge of different techniques
negotiation of hazards and or risks
use and maintenance of equipment.
Safety and rescue procedures may include:
emergency response procedures
group management in emergency situations
emergency response equipment
understanding of safety practices.
Opportunities may include:
locations suitable to skill level
range of equipment and clothing available
abseiling 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 information, explanations and demonstrations for abseiling 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 activities to improve participants abseiling performance as required
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 abseiling 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 abseiling sessions for a variety of participants
a natural multi pitch abseiling site suitable for the conduct of instructional sessions
a group of participants to take part in the abseiling session
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, 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 and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all abseiling activities during the session
observation of safe abseiling instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics
review of abseiling 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:
SISOABN409A guide abseiling on multi pitch 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 information, explanations and demonstrations for abseiling 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 activities to improve participants abseiling performance as required
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 abseiling 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 abseiling sessions for a variety of participants
a natural multi pitch abseiling site suitable for the conduct of instructional sessions
a group of participants to take part in the abseiling session
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, 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 and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all abseiling activities during the session
observation of safe abseiling instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics
review of abseiling 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:
SISOABN409A guide abseiling on multi pitch natural surfaces
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6075 | SROABN010A | Instruct abseiling on natural surfaces (multi pitch) | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBG06 | SISOABS010 | Lead multi pitch abseiling activities on natural surfaces | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC458 | SISSS00005 | Abseiling Instructor Multi Pitch (Natural Surfaces) | Skill set |
| D445 | SIS50310 | Diploma of Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |