Local Cave & Mine Leader : Level Two Assessments

Module 3 Vertical Skills

Candidates are assessed on ladder and lifeline rope techniques and their knowledge of equipment and its limitations. Personal equipment uses, rigging equipment uses, strategies for assisting party members in need of help, organisation of group abseils underground with a knowledge of hazards associated with vertical techniques in caves and mines. 

Pre requisites: Minimum 30 underground trips  in various locations, a good proportion should be as the leader under supervision.

Duration: Min 1 full day
Min Ratio: 1 to 1
Max Ratio: 1 to 2
Cost: £175 plus travel costs

Note: Modules 3 Vertical Skills and Module 5 SRT skills may be taken together if the candidate feels able.

All assessment courses are by arrangement, please contact me for details.

BCA Mandate: A minimum of one weeks notice is required for all assessments

Single Rope Technique progression for the leader Module 5 (optional)

The LCML scheme does not cover the leading and teaching of Single Rope Technique but assesses the personal skills of the leader in using this advanced technique as a personal protection system for use in possibly deeper and further systems.

Topics such as personal equipment and pitch rigging fluency will be assessed along with improvised equipment and assistance in the event of necessity.

Pre requisites: Module 3 Vertical Skills. Minimum 30 underground trips in various locations, a good proportion should be as the leader under supervision.

Duration: Min 1 full day
Min Ratio: 1 to 1
Max Ratio: 1 to 2
Cost: £175 plus travel costs

Note: Modules 3 Vertical Skills and Module 5 SRT skills may be taken together if the candidate feels able.

All assessment courses are by arrangement, please contact me for details.

BCA Mandate: A minimum of one weeks notice is required for all assessments

Group Leadership Module 4

With a novice group, the candidates are assessed on good judgments of the group’s abilities and suitability of the venue. Pre trip preparation and organisation. The competency of any assistance, fluidity of rope work skills, venue access, conservation and general party management underground.

All utilised equipment is the responsibility of the aspirant leader.

Pre requisites: Module 3 Vertical Skills. Minimum 30 underground trips in various locations, a good proportion should be as the leader under supervision.

Duration: Min 1 full day
Max Ratio: 1 to 1
Cost: £175 plus travel costs

Note: Modules 3 Vertical Skills and Module 5 SRT skills may be taken together if the candidate feels able.

All assessment courses are by arrangement, please contact me for details.

BCA Mandate: A minimum of one weeks notice is required for all assessments

DEFINITION OF QUALITY DAYS UNDERGROUND

A quality day should satisfy at least 4 of the following criteria: –

  • Exploration of a new route or cave (new to the candidate that is)
  • Exploration of caves with a streamway that responds to rainfall.
  • Incorporates at least 4 to 5 hours of underground exploration.
  • An experience that develops an individuals caving knowledge, skills and awareness.
  • Incorporates caving skills above the level of the candidate’s qualification.
  • Of the candidates own making i.e. the candidate is to lead the trip, or it is one done with peers and not led by an external source.
  • For level 1, involves the application of vertical skills, digging or exploration.
  • For level 2 an extension of vertical skills, digging or exploration.