This largely practical training course would take place over a minimum of 2 days involving both surface and underground sessions. At least 6hrs of the training course should be spent underground. Up to 4 candidates may attend this course with one Trainer/Assessor. The course is recognized nationally, and so can be attended in any caving region. Candidates are expected to be comfortable exploring vertical caves and mines with some SRT competence, although an element of SRT training will be included in the course. Training courses will focus on some personal skill development however will primarily focus on the specific skills required by a leader to manage a group in vertical terrain through both abseil and ladder, including an understanding of incident prevention and management. The training course will cover the key areas of the assessment syllabus listed below, Day 1The training course will cover the key areas of the assessment syllabus listed below, with a tailored focus on areas candidates typically have difficulty with or identify with the Trainer/Assessor as requiring further input. QMC have prepared some resources that may support a candidate, these are available on the BCA website. Trainer/Assessors may offer resources and guidance for a candidate to help further their knowledge however candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the syllabus prior to attending a training course so they can identify areas they are unfamiliar with and address these with their trainer.Day 2Core Skills Vertical equipment Leader’s personal equipment –suitability / care Choice and suitability of equipment for group members’ use – harness / cowstails / descender etc Knowledge of ppe regulations and equipment standards Ropes – types / construction /longevity / usage / storage / care etc Karabiner / maillons – types / usage/ limitations etc Ladders / spreaders / tethers – types/ construction / linkage / limitations /coiling / storage etc Descenders / ascenders / pulleys / belay devices etc – types / usage / limitations Bolt hangers – types / usage / limitations Knots Use of an appropriate range of knots, Knowledge of suitability / limitations, Rigging Equipment preparation / packing Rigger protection – methods and their advantages / limitations Natural anchors – suitability and use Artificial anchors – pre-use checks Knowledge of fall factors Traverse lines Belay systems – construction using rope / slings – alignment and forces– sharing loads Pitch head – approach / ease of access / position of leader etc Ladders – use of spreaders etc. / deployment etc Group abseil rope Lifeline – incl. Double lifelining Lifelining methods Belay methods and devices – use and limitations Position of leader Safety of group members – waiting / to & from pitch head Efficiency / fluidity of lifeline technique Double lifelining Communication Descent / ascent Group ladder climbing- pros and cons / hazards / style Group abseiling – pros and cons / hazards Lowering – pros and cons / hazards Leader personal safety – ladder / abseil Emergency vertical techniques Improvised harness – rope only / slings & krabs Use & limitations of waist belay Chosen belay method or device – ability to lock off / ability to lower off / ability to convert to hoist etc Ladder problems and solutions Abseil problems and solutions Lowering problems and solutions Traverse problems and solutions Assistance to exhausted ladder climber Hoist of exhausted / injured group member – with assistance / without assistance Conversion of hoist to lower.

 
Inclusions
What you'll need
🧤 Warm Clothing
☂️ Waterproofs
🍴 Food
🥤 Drink