Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:20 AM AWST
22/07/2026 8:20 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 abseiling skills on natural surfaces
Demonstrate abseiling skills on natural surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOABN201A
SISOABN201A
State Code
D6260
D6260
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/02/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in basic abseiling activities on natural surfaces under supervision. This unit focuses on the demonstration of simple abseiling skills in a controlled natural environment.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for abseiling activity.
- 1.1. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety.
- 1.2. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, prior to commencing descent.
- 1.3. Attach descending device to the rope.
2. Demonstrate abseiling technique.
- 2.1. Demonstrate correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope.
- 2.2. Demonstrate use of effective communication systems between abseiler and belayer using standard calls and procedures.
- 2.3. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards safely, to descend in a controlled manner.
- 2.4. Demonstrate appropriate techniques to minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.
3. Evaluate the abseiling activity.
- 3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the abseiling activity.
- 3.2. Identify improvements for future abseiling activities.
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.
Equipment may include:
helmets
protective clothing
karabiners
harnesses
gloves
footwear
belay device
rope.
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.
Descending device may include:
auto locking devices
circular devices
plate devices
tubular devices
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
trees
water
overhangs.
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.
Equipment may include:
helmets
protective clothing
karabiners
harnesses
gloves
footwear
belay device
rope.
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.
Descending device may include:
auto locking devices
circular devices
plate devices
tubular devices
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
trees
water
overhangs.
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:
fits equipment, such as a harness and helmet, and carries out safety checks
follows verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate controlled abseiling techniques on a natural surface
negotiates obstacles and hazards during the abseiling activity, and communicates effectively with the belayer and or supervisor to ensure safety of self and others
evaluates and reflects on own abseiling performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling activities that are of a sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate competency.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a cliff with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling skills
equipment such as a harness, helmet and karabiners.
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 to enable the safe conduct of all activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling skills and techniques, such as communicating with belayer and descending in a controlled manner
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:
fits equipment, such as a harness and helmet, and carries out safety checks
follows verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate controlled abseiling techniques on a natural surface
negotiates obstacles and hazards during the abseiling activity, and communicates effectively with the belayer and or supervisor to ensure safety of self and others
evaluates and reflects on own abseiling performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling activities that are of a sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate competency.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a cliff with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling skills
equipment such as a harness, helmet and karabiners.
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 to enable the safe conduct of all activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling skills and techniques, such as communicating with belayer and descending in a controlled manner
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6066 | SROABN001A | Demonstrate simple abseiling skills on natural surfaces | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBG07 | SISOABS001 | Abseil single pitches using fundamental skills | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D425 | SIS20210 | Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| J755 | SIS20213 | Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |