Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:35 AM AWST

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Abseil single pitches in caves

Abseil single pitches in caves

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE003
State Code
OBF58
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2019
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/12/2019
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to abseil single pitches in caves. It also requires the ability to belay abseilers and to self-belay.It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during caving activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the cave abseil.
  • 1.1. Select clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment suitable for the cave abseil and conditions.
  • 1.2. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
  • 1.3. Confirm protocols for communications between abseiler and belayer.
  • 1.4. Interpret route description; identify position of natural features and the abseil route.
  • 1.5. Attach descending device to abseil rope and tie knots suitable for the established belay system.
  • 1.6. Complete equipment safety checks prior to abseiling or belaying.
2. Abseil vertical cave pitches.
  • 2.1. Use safety procedures at top of and throughout descent to minimise risk to self and others present.
  • 2.2. Use appropriate posture and abseiling techniques to execute descents.
  • 2.3. Safely approach, avoid or negotiate hazards to descend in a controlled manner.
  • 2.4. Maintain effective communication with belayer throughout descent.
  • 2.5. Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the cave environment during abseil.
3. Belay abseilers during cave descents.
  • 3.1. Avoid or negotiate hazards and use safety procedures to minimise risk to self and others present.
  • 3.2. Establish belaying position and attach self to anchor, as required, to allow effective and safe use of belay system.
  • 3.3. Maintain rope tension to minimise fall distance and ensure abseiler movement is not unduly restricted.
  • 3.4. Monitor abseiler progress constantly, and maintain clear communication with abseiler.
  • 3.5. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to belaying device and situation.
  • 3.6. Safely and efficiently secure abseiler using tie off techniques; release tie off and allow abseiler to continue.
4. Self-belay during cave descents.
  • 4.1. Attach self to suitable belay device for descent with back up to maintain safety in the event of a fall.
  • 4.2. Use appropriate posture and abseiling techniques to execute self-belayed descents.
  • 4.3. Control self-belay system to execute safe and controlled descents.
  • 4.4. Utilise features of back up belay system in the event of a fall to self-arrest, self-rescue and complete descent.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6329 SISOCVE302A Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves Unit of competency