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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Plan and provide a guided rock climbing experience 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9286  Plan and provide a guided rock climbing experience 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Tourism Guiding 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  48 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2012-07-01  2015-06-30  SAQA 0695/12 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with a generic standard will be able to create and conduct a Guided Rock Climbing experience, within Southern Africa, that entertains and informs.

This unit standard in combination with other context expertise standard(s) will enable the qualifying learner to be a competent Rock Climbing Guide. In addition, they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of tourism, or to strive towards guiding standards and practice at higher levels.

Competent qualifying learners in Rock Climbing Guiding will provide safe and quality experiences and thus strengthen the profession and tourism in general. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner aspiring to qualify against this unit standard will have been assessed competent against the unit standard:

"Provide a guided single pitch rock climbing experience."

The ability to communicate effectively in spoken English will be an advantage as this is, in most cases, the medium of communication. It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will show competence in communication and numeracy equivalent to NQF level 4.

A learner aspiring to complete this unit standards must be in possession of a Level 5 (Basic Ambulance Assistant) First Aid certificate. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Guides to the scope and complexity of the specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are provided in ranges/points beneath each. These are prefaced by "for example" since they are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are intended only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a rock climbing experience. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Use a variety of sources to make short-term weather forecasts.
  • Understand macro and micro weather formations.
  • Organise catering, equipment and other technical support.
  • Consult with group members to assess needs, capabilities and experience.
  • Access permits, fees, registers and transport.
  • Communication systems and channels.
  • Administer legalities, insurance, group information and history. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Use a variety of sources to make short-term weather forecasts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Understand macro and micro weather formations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Organise catering, equipment and other technical support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consult with group members to assess needs, capabilities and experience. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Access permits, fees, registers and transport. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Communication systems and channels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Administer legalities, insurance, group information and history. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Set and review targets.
  • Apply positive decision making skills.
  • Delegate selected activities appropriately.
  • Apply flexible leadership styles.
  • Exercise proper group control and discipline.
  • Provide a safe and rewarding experience for each group member.
  • Impart technical skills and environmental awareness. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Set and review targets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Apply positive decision making skills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Delegate selected activities appropriately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Apply flexible leadership styles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Exercise proper group control and discipline. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Provide a safe and rewarding experience for each group member. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Impart technical skills and environmental awareness. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply a high level of rock climbing techniques. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Understand and apply a broad range of rock climbing techniques appropriate to the environment.
  • Demonstrate good climbing techniques and ability to move smoothly on rock.
  • Safeguard and manage a party on a rock climbing route.
  • Safely control a party in descent and retreat from a rock climb on steep and broken ground.
  • Double and single rope techniques
  • Rope management at stances and on route
  • Anchor systems
  • Methods of safe guarding descent
  • Choose climbs suitable to ability of participants
  • Conventional and unconventional belay techniques
  • Rescue techniques. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Understand and apply a broad range of rock climbing techniques appropriate to the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Demonstrate good climbing techniques and ability to move smoothly on rock. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safeguard and manage a party on a rock climbing route. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Control a party in descent safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Retreat from a rock climb on steep and broken ground appropriately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Demonstrate double and single rope techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Demonstrate rope management at stances and on route. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Anchor the systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Display various methods of safe guarding descent. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Choose climbs suitable to ability of participants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Demonstrate conventional and unconventional belay techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Demonstrate rescue techniques. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate a high level of mountain craft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Move a group over difficult terrain.
  • Respond to local hazards.
  • River crossings:
  • choose the best crossing points
  • preparation and safety precautions
  • crossing with and without a rope.
  • Move over steep terrain:
  • safeguard the party by use of a rope
  • movement on snow and ice.
  • Campsite selection and organisation.
  • Food preparation, planning and co ordination.
  • Personal and group hygiene.
  • Bivouac skills.
  • Environmental preservation considerations.
  • Apply a variety of walking skills (group & individual).
  • Understand and apply a variety of climbing skills. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Escourt a group over difficult terrain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Respond to local hazards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Choose the best river crossing points. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Demonstrate preparation and safety precautions when crossing with and without a rope. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Use a rope to safeguard the party over a rough terrain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Demonstrate correct ways of movement on snow and ice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Select and organise the Campsite Campsite. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Plan food preparation and co ordination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Supervise personal and group hygiene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Consider Environmental preservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Apply a variety of walking skills (group and individual). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Understand and apply a variety of climbing skills. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Choose and select appropriate equipment to suit various conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Select equipment according to performance of design, construction, materials, etc.
  • Care for and maintain equipment in accordance to manufacturers & field requirements. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Select equipment according to performance of design, construction, materials, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Care for and maintain equipment in accordance to manufacturers and field requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Navigate accurately in an unmarked and unknown area in all weather conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Use conventional and unconventional navigation equipment and techniques.
  • Calculate time and distances over ground with high level of accuracy.
  • Navigate efficiently in restricted visibility.
  • Route planning & recording.
  • Demonstrate methods of relocation.
  • Use terrain association & dead reckoning navigation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Use conventional and unconventional navigation equipment and techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Calculate time and distances over ground with high level of accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Navigate efficiently in restricted visibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Plan and record the route. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Demonstrate methods of relocation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Use terrain association and dead reckoning navigation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • In the event of an accident.
  • Improvised mountain rescue.
  • Deal with common emergencies.
  • Hasty search procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Arrange an emergency bivouac. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Improvise in the event of an accident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Conduct a mountain rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Deal with common emergencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Conduct hasty search procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of:

    1 Alternate and emergency planning
    2 Altitude and environmental related illnesses and their treatment
    3 Climbing grades (local and international)
    4 Climbing techniques
    5 Control infrastructures and access restrictions
    6 Environmental hazards such as flooding, lightning, loose rock, snow and ice and steep ground
    7 Food & nutrition
    8 Hasty search procedure
    9 Hygiene and disposal of waste materials
    10 Local fauna & flora
    11 Local rescue structures
    12 Lost person behaviour
    13 Methods of planning & recording routes
    14 Moral obligation and responsibility towards the clients
    15 Mountaineering Code of Conduct
    16 Mountaineering ethics.
    17 Navigation equipment
    18 Performance of design, construction, use parameters and materials used in common equipment
    19 Read and interpret route descriptions
    20 Rock types
    21 Safety chain and fall factors
    22 Styles of climbing i.e. traditional, sport, aid
    23 Theory of movement on difficult terrain:
  • Steep
  • Wet
  • Snow/ice
  • Loose
  • Dense vegetation
  • Low visibility
    24 Usage policy of mountainous areas
    25 Weather interpretation techniques. 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a rock climbing experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions.
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a rock climbing experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions.
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a rock climbing experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions.
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Apply a high level of rock climbing techniques.
  • Demonstrate a high level of mountain craft.
  • Choose and select appropriate equipment to suit various conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to the following specific outcome:
  • Choose and select appropriate equipment to suit various conditions. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Values

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:

    1. Respecting the natural and cultural environment.
    2. Accepting and maintaining a non-discriminatory attitude towards diversity including, for example: differences in gender, race, religion, physical ability and culture.
    3. At this level, it is expected of an individual to demonstrate a high level of personal, moral and professional integrity.

    Assessment
  • Mountain walking skills are not the main focus of this unit standard. The emphasis is on rock climbing skills.
  • Good leadership and social skills should include good judgement and decision-making ability.
  • Must show the ability to work under pressure and possess high levels of mental and physical fitness.
  • Navigation assessment must be rigorous and encompassing the full range of skills and techniques.

    Supplementary information

    As a general indication, the knowledge and insight expected at this level is unlikely to be obtained without at least 48 months experience with:
  • 5 quality mountain days leading a mixed ability group under supervision.
  • Learners must have lead or alternate lead 85 multi pitch climbs of which 20 must be country routes in 3 different mountain areas. Evidence of the multi pitch climbs should be included in a logbook as part of a portfolio of evidence.
  • The learners must be able to confidently and safely lead a SA climbing grade 17 or equivalent on traditional and sport equipment.

    Assessment should include a logbook as part of portfolio of evidence in all weather conditions and all seasons.

    A quality mountain day should include elements of planning, exploration and navigation. They should be reasonably demanding. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.