Unit of competency Outline

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

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Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves

Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE302A
State Code
D6329
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 independently abseil in single pitch situations within a cave environment. It includes belaying skills to belay self and others. It does not cover rigging an abseil.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for the activity.
  • 1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to the duration of the activity.
  • 1.2. Identify and select an appropriate activity site according to contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather information that may impact on the activity plan.
  • 1.4. Select personal clothing and identify design and or construction features appropriate for the activity.
  • 1.5. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to abseiler and belayer.
  • 1.6. Establish a suitable communication system to use while abseiling and belaying.
2. Select, fit and use abseiling equipment.
  • 2.1. Select and fit personal equipment according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's recommendations.
  • 2.2. Select and attach descending device to the rope according to the situation.
  • 2.3. Tie knots suitable to the belay system that is being used.
  • 2.4. Perform safety checks
3. Demonstrate abseiling technique.
  • 3.1. Apply correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope.
  • 3.2. Maintain communication with belayer throughout the descent.
  • 3.3. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled and safe manner.
  • 3.4. Implement safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site.
  • 3.5. Apply techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.
4. Demonstrate belaying technique.
  • 4.1. Determine the belay device and technique for the situation and perform all safety checks according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.2. Follow procedures to ensure belayer safety in the event of an abseiler fall or rock fall.
  • 4.3. Confirm attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall.
  • 4.4. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, in a rescue situation, while ensuring abseiler safety.
  • 4.5. Maintain rope tension to ensure free flow and minimise fall distance while not restricting abseiler movement.
  • 4.6. Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls.
  • 4.7. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and situation.
  • 4.8. Demonstrate attachment to alternate belay or safety system when self-belaying to maintain safety in the event of a fall.
5. Apply caving techniques
  • 5.1. Arrange personal laddering equipment safely, using knots suitable to the belay system
  • 5.2. Demonstrate posture and technique for descending and ascending ladder
  • 5.3. Negotiate cave hazards and obstacles according to caving techniques that minimise environmental damage
  • 5.4. Apply appropriate methods for resting on a ladder pitch
  • 5.5. Use communication and strategies to implement safety systems.
6. Evaluate activity.
  • 6.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the abseiling activity.
  • 6.2. Identify improvements for future abseiling 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.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods suitable to the cave environment.
Contextual issues may include:
abseilers abilities
weight ratio of abseiler to belayer
group size
pitch height
soundness of rock
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
emergency procedures
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
weather warnings.
Hazards may include:
confined or awkward start to pitch
water pools and streams
rock fall
vertical squeezes
falling water
abrasion points
tangled rope
loose clothing and hair
strong cave breezes
elevated carbon dioxide levels
bat guano.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
injuries and illnesses
exhaustion
dehydration
stings or bites
equipment failure.
Personal equipment may include:
helmets
protective clothing
karabiners
maillons
harnesses
gloves
footwear
caving lights
descending devices.
Device may include:
auto locking devices
circular devices
plate devices
tubular devices
improvised devices
in line devices
Knots may include:
end-of-rope knots
midline knots
stopper knots
friction hitches.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay
self belay.
Safety checks may include:
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C- connector - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E- everything else including end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F- friend - cross check.
Simple obstacles may include:
ledges
falling water
overhangs
squeezes
traverses.
Relevant aspects may include:
planning process
communication calls between abseilers and belayers
abseiling and belaying skills.
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 planning processes for abseiling activities including independently selecting, fitting and checking equipment
arranges a suitable communication system with other participants to monitor safety and progress
negotiates simple obstacles and hazards while abseiling in a cave, and adapts to problems or issues that may arise 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 multiple single pitch abseiling and belaying activities in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding abseiling and belaying to plan for the activity
a suitable natural cave site with simple obstacles and vertical pitches that allow participants to demonstrate abseiling and belaying skills
other abseiling participants to belay
abseiling, belaying and safety 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 abseiling and belaying activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in weather conditions
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following units:
SISOCVE305A Apply caving specific single rope techniques
SISOCVE306A Rig ropes and establish belays in caves.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF58 SISOCVE003 Abseil single pitches in caves Unit of competency