Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:55 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:55 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.
Demonstrate top rope climbing skills on artificial surfaces
Demonstrate top rope climbing skills on artificial surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCLA201A
SISOCLA201A
State Code
D6289
D6289
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/03/2012
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
08/03/2012
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 artificial surfaces. This unit focuses on the demonstration of simple climbing skills and techniques.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for climbing activity.
- 1.1. Select a suitable route for the climb, and provide a route description.
- 1.2. Evaluate the position of features on the artificial surface, which will enable the climb to be completed.
- 1.3. Identify hazards associated with the activity and apply procedures to minimise risks, as advised by the supervisor.
- 1.4. Apply safety procedures at the climbing site.
- 1.5. Comply with organisational policies and procedures.
2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.
- 2.1. Identify, select and use equipment in a safe and efficient manner, after consideration of 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 according to supervisor's instructions.
3. Demonstrate climbing techniques.
- 3.1. Locate and evaluate the main features of the climb, whilst climbing.
- 3.2. Apply safe 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 personal safety checks before climbing.
- 4.2. Establish belaying position in relation to belay device and belay system to ensure belayer and climber 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 uses 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.
Features may include:
aretes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
jugs
ledges
pockets
slabs.
Artificial surface may include:
portable or fixed wall
fixed tower or bridge
indoor or outdoor
top-rope set up.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
equipment failure.
Safety procedures 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 - organisation specific procedures including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F - friend - cross check.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
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
anchors
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 oriented
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - everything else including end of rope knots, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F - friend - cross check.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
layaways
pinch grips
smearing
underclings
layaways
side pulls.
Communication may include:
climbing calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Belaying position may include:
body position
stance.
Belay devices may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection.
Features may include:
aretes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
jugs
ledges
pockets
slabs.
Artificial surface may include:
portable or fixed wall
fixed tower or bridge
indoor or outdoor
top-rope set up.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
equipment failure.
Safety procedures 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 - organisation specific procedures including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F - friend - cross check.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
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
anchors
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 oriented
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - everything else including end of rope knots, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F - friend - cross check.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
layaways
pinch grips
smearing
underclings
layaways
side pulls.
Communication may include:
climbing calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Belaying position may include:
body position
stance.
Belay devices may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection.
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 processes to plan and select an appropriate route for the context and duration of the climb and provides a route description
selects and fits equipment, such as a harness, and carries out safety checks before demonstrating 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 receives feedback 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 climbing and belaying, using a top - rope set up on an artificial surface, on multiple climbs, that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as climbing and belaying techniques and feature description of the artificial climbing surface, to accurately plan the route for the climb
a suitable artificial single pitch climbing site for top- rope climbing, with features that allow participant to demonstrate simple climbing skills
a qualified leader
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 organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of skills and techniques, communicating, arresting a climbers fall belaying
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment misuse or change of route
third-party reports from a leader 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:
applies relevant processes to plan and select an appropriate route for the context and duration of the climb and provides a route description
selects and fits equipment, such as a harness, and carries out safety checks before demonstrating 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 receives feedback 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 climbing and belaying, using a top - rope set up on an artificial surface, on multiple climbs, that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as climbing and belaying techniques and feature description of the artificial climbing surface, to accurately plan the route for the climb
a suitable artificial single pitch climbing site for top- rope climbing, with features that allow participant to demonstrate simple climbing skills
a qualified leader
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 organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of skills and techniques, communicating, arresting a climbers fall belaying
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment misuse or change of route
third-party reports from a leader 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6094 | SROCLA001A | Demonstrate simple climbing skills on artificial surfaces | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF77 | SISOCLM001 | Top rope climb single pitches, artificial surfaces | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J755 | SIS20213 | Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |