Training

All service personnel and MoD employees are entitled to attend training and assessment courses. These courses are run from the Joint Services Mountain Training Wing (JSMTW), Ripon, North Yorkshire. They provide high quality courses and produce safe and well-motivated cavers. The CSCA provides support, leadership, equipment and the opportunity for these cavers to continue with their caving activities.

The Joint Service Caving Handbook, JSP 432, has now been replaced by the Caving Aide Memoire and is available from JSMTW (R) on CD format.

Cave Proficiency (CVP)	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. (More info)
Single Rope Technique Proficiency (SRTP)	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. (More info)
Cave Leader Training (CVT)	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. (More info)
Joint Service Local Cave Leader (JSLCL)	The Joint Service Local Cave Leader course is a 5-day assessment course, which incorporates part of the NCA LCL Award assessment. (More info)
Joint Service Cave Leader (JSCL)	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. (More info)
Joint Service Caving Instructor (JSCI)	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. (More info)
Advanced SRT & Self Rescue Training (CVR)	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. (More info)

Personnel should apply for vacancies using the relevant application form in accordance with the current edition of JSP 419. Initial inquiries may be directed to the JSMTW(Ripon) prior to bids being submitted formally.

All the nationally recognised civilian qualifications are provided up to Cave Instructor Certificate (CIC). Membership of the CSCA is compulsory for all service cavers who wish to hold qualifications.

CSCA and JSMTW(Ripon)
The CSCA works with the JSMTW(Ripon) on all technical matters and in the development of caving within the services. The CSCA plays an active role in the development and application of new techniques and provides technical assistance and technical publications.