Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:12 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:12 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.
Demonstrate top rope climbing skills on natural surfaces
Demonstrate top rope climbing skills on natural surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCLN201A
SISOCLN201A
State Code
D6299
D6299
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/10/2014
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to climb and belay under supervision, using a top-rope set up, on natural surfaces. This unit focuses on the demonstration of simple climbing skills and techniques, such as underclings and side pulls.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for climbing activity.
- 1.1. Identify the position and quality of features on the natural surface.
- 1.2. Identify hazards associated with the activity and apply procedures to minimise risks, as advised by the supervisor.
- 1.3. Apply safety procedures at the top and bottom of climbing site according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.4. Identify and comply with relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.
- 2.1. Identify and select equipment according to contextual issues.
- 2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety.
- 2.3. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, prior to commencing ascent.
- 2.4. Demonstrate attachment to a suitable belay system in accordance with supervisor's instructions.
3. Demonstrate climbing techniques.
- 3.1. Locate and evaluate the main features of the climb, whilst climbing.
- 3.2. Demonstrate safe and correct climbing techniques, to minimise injury in the event of a fall.
- 3.3. Locate and utilise rest positions to reduce fatigue.
- 3.4. Establish and maintain effective communication between climber and belayer using standard calls and procedures.
4. Demonstrate belaying technique.
- 4.1. Establish a suitable communication system with the climber and perform safety checks of equipment before climb.
- 4.2. Establish belaying position in relation to belay device and belay system to ensure belayer safety.
- 4.3. Maintain rope tension to minimise fall distance whilst not restricting climber movement.
- 4.4. Monitor climber progress constantly and respond appropriately to climber calls.
- 4.5. Arrest falls promptly and use techniques according to the belay device.
5. Evaluate the climbing activity.
- 5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the climb.
- 5.2. Identify improvements for future climbs.
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.
Route description may include:
verbal
documented notes on the climb.
Features may include:
aretes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
flakes
jugs
overhangs
roofs
pinnacles
ledges
pockets.
Natural surface may include:
cliffs
boulders.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
operating procedures and company or enterprise policies
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Equipment may include:
harness
helmet
climbing shoes
karabiners
belay devices
tapes and slings
rope
chalk bag and chalk.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
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.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
layaways
side pulls
laybacking
pinch grips
smearing
underclings
mantle - shelving
crimping
jamming
chimneying
lunging.
Rest positions may include:
an appropriate edge to lean against
ledge to lean against
no hands rest.
Communication may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Belaying position may include:
body positioned
stance
hands
location in relation to climb.
Belay devices may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device
body belay.
hitch such as Munter or Italian.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay.
Belayer safety may include:
belayer attached to anchor or safety ropes
safe and efficient escape plan from belaying system
positioned out of direct line of equipment falls
wearing of safety gear such as a helmet.
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.
Route description may include:
verbal
documented notes on the climb.
Features may include:
aretes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
flakes
jugs
overhangs
roofs
pinnacles
ledges
pockets.
Natural surface may include:
cliffs
boulders.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
operating procedures and company or enterprise policies
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Equipment may include:
harness
helmet
climbing shoes
karabiners
belay devices
tapes and slings
rope
chalk bag and chalk.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
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.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
layaways
side pulls
laybacking
pinch grips
smearing
underclings
mantle - shelving
crimping
jamming
chimneying
lunging.
Rest positions may include:
an appropriate edge to lean against
ledge to lean against
no hands rest.
Communication may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Belaying position may include:
body positioned
stance
hands
location in relation to climb.
Belay devices may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device
body belay.
hitch such as Munter or Italian.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay.
Belayer safety may include:
belayer attached to anchor or safety ropes
safe and efficient escape plan from belaying system
positioned out of direct line of equipment falls
wearing of safety gear such as a helmet.
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:
selects and correctly fits equipment, such as a harness, and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
follows written and verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate climbing and belaying techniques, such as maintaining appropriate rope tension when belaying
adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during climbing or belaying, such as movement restriction of the climber due to inappropriate rope tension, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of climber
evaluates and reflects on own climbing and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple climbing and belaying activities, using a top- rope set up on a natural surface, to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
resources and information, such as climbing and belaying techniques and feature description of the natural climbing surface, to accurately plan the route for the climb
a suitable natural single pitch climbing location for top- rope climbing, with features that allow participant to demonstrate simple climbing skills
equipment such as a harness, helmet, climbing shoes, karabiners and belaying devices.
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 policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of skills and techniques, such as underclings and side pulls in climbing, and guiding and braking in belaying
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change of route
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
selects and correctly fits equipment, such as a harness, and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
follows written and verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate climbing and belaying techniques, such as maintaining appropriate rope tension when belaying
adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during climbing or belaying, such as movement restriction of the climber due to inappropriate rope tension, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of climber
evaluates and reflects on own climbing and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple climbing and belaying activities, using a top- rope set up on a natural surface, to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
resources and information, such as climbing and belaying techniques and feature description of the natural climbing surface, to accurately plan the route for the climb
a suitable natural single pitch climbing location for top- rope climbing, with features that allow participant to demonstrate simple climbing skills
equipment such as a harness, helmet, climbing shoes, karabiners and belaying devices.
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 policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of skills and techniques, such as underclings and side pulls in climbing, and guiding and braking in belaying
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change of route
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6104 | SROCLN001A | Demonstrate simple climbing skills on natural surfaces | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF73 | SISOCLM002 | Top rope climb single pitches, natural surfaces | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC169 | SISSS00042 | Climbing Guide (Natural Surfaces) Top Rope | Skill set |
| J755 | SIS20213 | Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |