Caving

Includes

  • National Parks
  • State Forests

Excludes

Caving at unapproved caving site, which includes all caving sites on private property.

Description

Traditionally  a recreational pastime exploring caves  systems, In contrast speleology is the scientific study of caves and cave environments.

Caving is a highly physical adventure activity conducted underground where natural processes have created passages and caverns of varying sizes and complexity.

There are different types of caving including:
• horizontal caving which may include crawling through narrow openings, fording streams and climbing up or down short rock faces
• vertical caving which involves the use of ropes or ladders to ascend or descend vertical drops, known as ‘pitches’. Vertical caving may involve extensive rigging, multiple pitches or advanced technical expertise.

Who Can Participate

  • Open to all
  • Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions.

Safety Rules

Trip planning needs to include:

  • Details of the intended activity should be left with a responsible person or the
    appropriate authority for the region where the activity is planned. This includes: a
    realistic expected return time for the intended activity and a time to instigate search and
    rescue procedures. A list of participants and emergency contact.
  • Research about the caving area, caves to be entered and equipment required for the planned activities Application for permits and land access as appropriate as per State requirements
  • Minimum required experience, training and fitness level(s) for party members
  • Risk assessment and emergency procedures to be followed
  • Minimal Impact Practices Guidelines must be adhered too
  • Check with your local state National /Park Ranger if activity is permitted. (example in case of recent flooding, landslides) or if permit is required.
  • Should there be inclement weather the LIC or activity provider will decide if the activity will stop.
  • Clothing minimum requirements, overalls, or long pants, long sleeved shirt, helmet and head mounted water proof torch.
  • Other clothing that you may wear depending on State thermals, gloves (gardening gloves are good), boots preferably water proof.

Supervision Requirements

Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance

Leader in Charge

  • The LIC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity.
  • The LIC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults. The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants.
  • The LIC must have an appropriate first aid kit suitable for the activity present at the activity venue.
  • The LIC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity.
  • The LIC or another Adult Leader is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity.

Activity Instructor

Many outdoor activity centres will use in-house instructor qualifications. If you are unsure if they are accepted or alternative qualifications are held, contact your State Outdoor Activities Manager to ensure the instructor’s qualification is suitable.

Recreational Caving Leader
A caving leader may demonstrate their competence through any one of the following:
• graduating with a Certificate III or IV in Outdoor Recreation or a Diploma of Outdoor Recreation, with specialisations in relevant caving units
• receiving a statement of attainment (that specifies the appropriate units of competency relevant to a caving guide) from a registered training organisation (RTO) delivering the Outdoor Recreation Training Package
• becoming a registered leader under the National Outdoor Leader Registration Scheme (NOLRS),  at one of the following registration levels appropriate to the activity context:

Caving Guide (Horizontal)
Caving Guide (Vertical Single Pitch)
Caving Instructor (Vertical Single Pitch)
Caving Guide (Vertical Multi Pitch)
Caving Instructor (Vertical Multi Pitch)

• demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the operator, skills and currency that meet the management training, leadership and safety requirements of the specific cave system being used, or
• being an active member of an Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) affiliated or corporate member club, and recognised by that club as a “leader”, able to verify through logbooks, testimonials and/or tertiary qualifications the attributes below.

Questions to be asked when looking for an Activity Provider

  • The Activity Leader/Instructor is to brief all participants on safety and the care of equipment prior to the activity.
  • It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant.
  • Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land and waterbodies. Examples are: National Parks, State forests
  • The ratified Activity Leader/ Instructor must have knowledge of the locality, facilities, and terrain and weather conditions of the area that the activity will be taking place.
  • Should there be inclement weather the LiC and ratified instructor will need to negotiate whether the activity should proceed or be postponed.
  • Activity Leaders/ Instructors must have a first aid kit and appropriate rescue equipment readily accessible to all participants.

Notification Forms Required

ALL FORMS CAN BE FOUND HERE

For Approval – Prior to the Activity

  • OUT 01 Camp /Adventure-based/Event: Notification /Application
  • 56B Risk Assessment and Plan (Outdoor Activities & Events & Camps)
  • Activity Provider Risk Management Plan

At the Activity

  • Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 for Youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
  • Girl Guide Incident Report

After the Activity

  • 03 Camp/Adventure-based/ Event Report

Last Modified: 09/09/22 at 11:29 PM