Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:45 PM AWST

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Rig multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems

Rig multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE412A
State Code
D6339
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 independentlyrig multi pitches in complex vertical systems using caving specific techniques. These areapplicable to multi pitch caves with long or difficult to traverse pitches.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Choose anchor or anchors.
  • 1.1. Assess condition of anchors, including performance under likely load, and the stability of surroundings.
  • 1.2. Identify and select solid and secure anchors according to organisational policies and procedures and contextual issues.
  • 1.3. Select anchors and equipment that minimise environmental impact according to participant's characteristics and abilities, location of the anchors, and requirements of the activity.
  • 1.4. Select anchors according to the belay system,re-belays, re-directions and back-ups being used.
  • 1.5. Place artificial protection to create an anchor.
2. Rig rope pitches.
  • 2.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the cave site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.2. Determine ascent or descent route according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.3. Tie knots suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations.
  • 2.4. Set up anchors and ropes to facilitate potential rescue.
3. Rig a complex pitch.
  • 3.1. Rig re-belays and re-directions to minimise difficult rigging situations.
  • 3.2. Identify places where complex rigging may be required.
  • 3.3. Rig for complex non routine situations and solve non-routine rigging problems to enable safe ascents and descents.
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.
Condition may include:
age
location
wear
decay
corrosion
environmental stress
insect damage.
Anchors may include:
natural
fixed
artificial.
Likely load may include:
group size
set up
type oftechniques used
caver's ability
efficiency of technique.
Stability of surroundings may include:
location
cracks
deformities
fissures
underlying structural features of natural anchors.
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.
Contextual issues may include:
caver's abilities
weight variance in differing participants
group size
other users of the same cave system
pitch height and difficulty
environmental impact
soundness of rock
access and egress
climatic conditions, at the surface and underground
Equipment may include:
belay devices
ropes
caving ladders
rope protectors
harnesses
helmets
karabiners
first aid kit
rescue equipment
communication devices.
Environmental impact may include:
rock dislodgement
damage to speleothems
compacting of soil
damage to flora and fauna.
Participant may include:
experienced
inexperienced
adults
children.
Belay system may include:
top of a pitch
bottom of the pitch
self belaying.
Cave site may include:
multi pitches
complex vertical caving systems
long or difficult to traverse pitches.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Knots may include:
end-of-rope knots
mid-rope knots
rope-joining knots
friction knots
tape knot.
Difficult rigging situations may include:
knots in the rope
awkward traverses
poorly placed rope protectors or pads
short re-belay loops
weight of rope on the pitch
confined or awkward spaces at belay or rig site
problems caused by variance in party members' body mass
poorly placed re-belays or redirections.
Complex rigging may include:
pendulum swings
rigging to prevent drowning in a waterfall or potential waterfall
traverses across a pitch to a side passage lead
awkward squeezes on a pitch
placement of bolts or other artificial aids to allow further exploration of the cave
tie-backs to previous pitches in multi pitch caves that lack solid anchors at pitch heads.
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:
independently selects natural, fixed and or artificial anchors and other relevant caving and safety equipment according to contextual issues
identifies and negotiates pitch hazards, difficult rigging conditions and complex non-routine situations to rig multi pitches that enable safe ascent and descent.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in rigging multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
natural multi pitch cave sites suitable for the rigging of complex vertical systems
natural, fixed and artificial anchors to rig a complex pitch
caving 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:
observation of selecting suitable anchors for the rigging of a complex multi pitch vertical cave system
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation to enable safe conduct of all rigging activities
observation of rigging a complex multi pitch cave system, including re-belays and re-directions
observation of identifying and dealing with non-routine rigging problems, pitch hazards and difficult rigging conditions
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:
SISOCVE411A Apply vertical caving skills.
No information