A two-day (16 hours) training course with a ratio of 1 trainer to 6 candidates. At least 6 hours should be spent underground. The training course can be undertaken in any caving region. We mainly use Derbyshire and the Yorkshire Dales. The training course will have some elements of personal skill development, however, will primarily focus on leadership skills and techniques appropriate for leading groups within the remit of this award. It assumes candidates will have the basic level of competence in caving.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. . 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 2Pre-trip checks Weather Forecast & Sources, Water Levels and Fluctuations – recent rainfall / catchment areas. Effects of Bad Weather – surface Access Procedures. Conservation Awareness – surface Destination Notes Cave Rescue Call Out Procedure Guidebook / Survey Information Navigation – surface Clothing – suitability for wet / dry venues Helmet / Belt / Boots – suitability Lighting – suitability / duration / maintenance etc Technical Gear – suitability / limitations / maintenance of rope / krabs / sling etc Underground emergency gear Spare Lighting – suitability / duration First Aid Kit Emergency Food Survival – shelter / warmth Knife Writing Material Underground hazards Pollution Weil's Disease Radon Gas Loose / Slippery Rocks Holes Deep / Fast Water Awareness of Flooding – speed of / likely effects Evidence of cave’s reaction to Flooding Difficulty of Rescue Statistics / Common Rescue Incidents Conservation & access Site Specific General Public Relations Cave environment Basic Surface Geology / Topography / Karst features Cave Development / Bedding & Joints / Passage Shapes Cave Deposits Temperatures / Draughts Flora & Fauna Fossils Formations (speleothems) Technical skills Surface navigation in Poor Visibility / Darkness Underground movement skills – over a variety of passage types Underground navigation / Survey interpretation / Timing Suitable Knots Selection and use of suitable Belay Points (natural and artificial including bolts) Lifelining rope only Lifeline using Italian Hitch / Slings / Krabs etc Assisted Handline / Hoist Traverse Improvised Harness – rope only / other Handlines – limitations / position of leader Unprotected Climbs – position of leader Use of Fixed Aids – chains / ladders / ropes Communications / Group Management Leadership / Judgement Accident & emergency procedures Incident Management Assessment / First Aid Treatment / Plan of Action Rescue Call Out Hypothermia – Awareness / Treatment / Action Light Failure Cancellation of Destination Note Overdue Problems Access to Dry Clothing

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