Joint Service Mountaineering Training Wing (Ripon)

Joint Service Caving Scheme

Cave Proficiency (CVP)

Course Description The Cave Proficiency is a 5-day training course to introduce Service personnel to the basics of caving. Emphasis is placed equally between aspects of safety, awareness of environment and the skills required to explore both non-vertical and vertical systems. It is the foundation course for all other caving courses.

Aim The aims of the Cave Proficiency course are to:

Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of caving.

To train candidates to become safe, environmentally aware and proficient cavers.

Pre-Course Standards Open to all ranks. Students must be physically fit.

Civilian Equivalent NCA Local Cave Leader Level 1 (Horizontal) Training.

Progression Further experience may be gained via trips with qualified leaders in caves compatible with the leaders logbook experience and the limitation of qualifications held. Membership of the CSCA enables personnel to develop in a controlled environment under experienced leaders and can provide duty status.

Foot notes Field Conditions Nil days per course.

Single Rope Technique Proficiency (SRT)

Course Description The Single Rope Technique Proficiency course is a 5-day training course in the specialised techniques of descending and ascending fixed rope systems in vertical caves. Additionally, rigging skills are also introduced. SRTP builds upon the foundation of safety and environmental awareness and is a foundation course for leader awards.

Aim The aims of the Single Rope Technique Proficiency course are to:

Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of caving.

To train candidates to be safe and competent in SRT progression and rigging skills.

Pre-Course Standards Open to all ranks. Candidates must be:

Physically fit with good upper body strength.

Hold CVP certificates or provide logbook evidence of six previous trips of which at least two must have included vertical techniques.

Civilian Equivalent NCA Local Cave Leader Level 2 (SRT Personal Skills Training Course)

Progression SRTP qualified personnel may participate in trips as a group member led by an appropriately qualified leader/instructor. Surface training under qualified guidance, in a controlled manner may also be undertaken. Joining the CSCA will enable personnel to gain further experience in a controlled environment and can provide duty status.

Special Note SRT is predominantly practical-based and highly technical and complex in nature. Personnel must practice the techniques and participate in rehearsals in order to maintain their proficiency levels and self-reliance or skill fade will occur. It should be noted that safety ropes are not normally used on routine SRT trips. Leaders and instructors taking SRT trips with SRTP personnel must familiarise themselves with individuals’ proficiency levels and current experience. If doubt exists as to individuals’ performances, they should not be taken underground until appropriate surface training/skills rehearsals have been conducted and satisfactory level of expertise demonstrated.

Foot notes Field Conditions Nil days per course.

Cave Leader Training (CVT)

Course Description The Cave Leader Training course is a 5-day course to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, safety factors and environmental awareness for cavers preparing for Cave Leader qualifications. The NCA Cave Leader Training Course Level 2 syllabus is incorporated into the CVT syllabus.

Aim The aims of the Cave Leader Training course are to:

Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of caving.

To train candidates in the techniques necessary to take groups underground, in both vertical and non-vertical caves, effectively and safely.

Pre-Course Standards Candidates must:

Be an Officer or NCO in rank.

Hold CVP and SRTP certificates or provide evidence of logbook experience of a minimum of 10 caving days in grade 2/3 caves.

For NCA candidates:

Be registered with the NCA scheme

Submit a current logbook with experience logged

Submit NCA logbook (not a copy) with the bid.

Civilian Equivalent CVT incorporates aspects of the NCA LCA Training courses Level 1 and 2.

Progression Candidates are expected to gain further experience prior to attending a Leader qualification course.

Footnote Field Conditions Nil days per course.

Joint Service Local Cave Leader (JSLCL)

Course Description The Joint Service Local Cave Leader course is a 5-day assessment course, which incorporates part of the NCA LCL Award assessment.

Aims The aims of the JSLCL course are to:

Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of caving.

To assess the candidate’s personal caving ability, technical knowledge and their ability to lead groups safely and effectively in named caves.

Pre-Course Standards Candidates must:

Hold CVP, gained within the last 3 years.

Be current members of the CSCA

Have logbook experience in:

All named caves for which they are seeking approval.

Assistant leader experience of at least six caves with groups comprising at least three different cave systems.

Personal experience in caves of a higher grade than those in which they hope to lead. A minimum of four trips at this level is required.

Civilian Equivalent JSLCL incorporates the NCA LCL Award.

Progression Having gained leading experience and further personal experience in vertical cave systems, personnel should apply for either CVT or JSCL Assessment depending on the status of their JSLCL qualification.

Footnote Field Conditions Nil days per course

Joint Service Cave Leader (JSCL)

Course Description The Joint Service Cave Leader course is a 5-day assessment of the candidates’ ability to lead trips in both non-vertical and vertical systems. Successful candidates may conduct Cave Proficiency courses at unit level as Distributed Training. There are no areas or named cave restrictions and the course incorporate a partial NCA LCL assessment.

Aim The aims of the JSCL course are to:

Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of caving.

To assess the candidate’s personal caving ability and techniques to safely and effectively lead groups in cave systems

Pre-Course Standards Candidates must:

Be an Officer or NCO

Have attended CVT within the last three years.

Have a personal commitment to caving. A minimum of one years-regular experience is required.

Provide evidence of at least 20 quality (high proportion of classic trips) days in at least two major caving systems.

Have a broad range of experience with instructed groups as a JSLCL or assistant to a qualified leader.

Recommended to have overseas experience.

Be a current member of the CSCA

Have attended SRTP and have received an endorsement to lead SRT trips.

For NCA qualifications candidates must:

Be registered with the NCA

Civilian Equivalent JSCL incorporates aspects of the NCA LCL Awards.

Progression Having gained sufficient experience at all levels of caving and particularly with SRT, personnel should apply for CVI assessment. Further foundation experience can also be gained from the improvised Cave Rescue (CVR) course.

Footnote Field Conditions Nil days per course

Joint Service Caving Instructor (JSCI)

Course Description The Joint Service Caving Instructor course is a 6-day modular assessment of the candidates’ ability to effectively instruct at all levels of caving within the service environment. Successful candidates may conduct Single Rope Technique Proficiency awards at Unit level as Distributed Training.

Aim The aims of the JSCI course are to:

Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of caving.

To assess and qualify Service Personnel who are sufficiently knowledgeable, environmentally aware, technically skilled and safe in instructing all aspects of caving.

Pre-Course Standards Candidates must:

Be an Officer or NCO.

Be JSCL qualified with an endorsement to lead SRT trips.

Have a wide and varied caving leader background with at least four years practical involvement (two years since successful JSCL assessment).

Have overseas caving experience.

Be a current member of the CSCA.

Civilian Equivalent There is no civilian equivalent

Progression This is the highest award within the JSAT caving scheme. Personnel should continue to broaden their experience with a view to qualify as NCA CIC. Further experience may be gained from attending the CVR course.

Footnote Field Conditions Nil days per course

Advanced SRT & Self Rescue Training (CVR)

Course Description The Advanced SRT & Self Rescue Training is a 5-day course for proficient cavers in the techniques and skills necessary to effect emergency assistance, and to broaden awareness of available options for improvised self-rescue within small groups. Coaching and development of individual rigging skills is included where appropriate. Endorsement to lead SRT trips is also possible to suitably qualified JSCVL candidates.

Aim The aims of the Advanced SRT & Self Rescue Training course are to:

Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of caving.

To familiarise candidates with the lightweight rescue equipment which is available for Service expeditions and to promote the skills and techniques of small group self-rescue.

Pre-Course Standards Open to all ranks, but candidates must:

Hold SRTP qualification.

Be physically fit.

Civilian Equivalent Advanced SRT & Self Rescue Training has no civilian equivalent.

Qualification Limitations and Ratios Advanced SRT & Self Rescue Training is a training course which includes endorsement to lead trips for suitably JSCVL candidates. It is particularly relevant for regular cavers or those planning/participating in an expedition in a remote area or f the world where formal rescue facilities do not exist. It is highly recommended as essential preparatory training for CVI assessment candidates.

Progression Candidates should continue to gain further caving experience

Footnote Field Conditions Nil days per course.