SNAS - Singapore National Abseiling Standards

Overview

In the recent years, abseiling as a sport has gained rapid popularity.  It has progressed from a stand-alone activity into an integral part of outdoor education, adventure races and event environmental awareness projects.

Most enthusiasts were introduced to abseiling as part of their military training, rock climbing activities and as part of adventure education programme.  However, few actually participated in formal abseiling training with emphasis on personal competency and instructional training.

The proficiency course aims to equip abseil enthusiast and abseil leaders with sound technical knowledge and proactive attitude towards safety when conducting abseiling activities.

The proficiency course will be developed into three progressive levels;

Abseiling Proficiency Level 1 – An Introductory course

Course Objectives:

To equip the participants with the following skills and knowledge:

o       Essential knowledge on equipment used for abseiling activities

o       Able to set up their abseil system (proficient use of Fig. of 8 and karabiner for abseiling)

o       Able to apply proper abseiling command and perform a safe and controlled descent

o       Able to perform a self rescue technique (apply lock-on with leg wrap)

Topics Covered:

o       Basic knots and Rope works

o       Equipment and fitting

o       Abseiling with control (with proper command before and after abseiling)

o       Self Rescue Technique (Lock-On system with leg wrap)

Practical Assessment Components:

o       Proficient use of equipment

o       Safe and Control abseiling

o       Self rescue technique 

Training Hours: 

 o       1 Full Day

Abseiling Proficiency Level 2 – Advanced Personal Competency

Course Objectives:

To equip the participants with the following skills and knowledge:

o       Able to set up a fixed abseiling system

o       Able to perform a safe and control descend using other descending device eg (ATC, Tuber bars)

o       Able to demonstrate sound prussicking skills (ascend and descend)

o       Able to perform a self rescue technique (recovery from a loaded prussick)

Topics Covered:

o       Knots and Rope works

o       Abseiling with other descending devices and Munter/Italian Hitch

o       Prussicking skills

o       Rigging skills (fixed system)

o       Self Rescue Technique

o       Practical Assessments

Practical Assessment Components:

o       Rigging of fixed rope abseil system

o       Prussicking skills

o       Abseiling and Self Rescue Technique

Training Hours:

o       2 Full Days

Abseiling Proficiency Level 3 – A single pitch abseil leader

Course Objectives:

To equip the participants with the following skills and knowledge:

o       Able to set up a releasable abseiling system

o       Able to demonstrate efficient group management during an abseil activity

o       Able to demonstrate sound prussicking skills (passing a knot)

o       Able to perform a simple rescue techniques (assisted and unassisted hoist)

o       Able to apply to Risk Assessment and Management knowledge in an abseil activity

Topics Covered:

o       Knots and Rope works

o       Revision on essential knowledge on equipment used for abseiling

o       Prussicking (passing a knot)

o       Rigging techniques

o       Rescue of others

o       Risk Assessment and Management

o       Group Management

Practical Assessment Components:

o       Rigging of releasable abseil system

o       Prussicking skills

o       Rescue Technique

Written Exam Components:

o       40 Questions (MCQ, Fill In The Blanks and Short Essay)

Training Hours:

o       4 Full Days (3 training days and 1 assessment day)

End Of Course Report (Form Template)

Issue of Licence for Abseiling Proficiency Certification (APC) Level 3 holders

The APC 3 Instructor briefing was held on Sat, 6 Oct 2007.  The purpose for the briefing was to share with the APC3 holders on re-lisensing programme, standard for conducting the APC Level One and Two, process for issue of SMF abseiling certificates, royalties payable and etc.  For details on the briefing, please refer to the documents below:

Briefing by SMF - Mr Rasip Isnin - Secretary, Singapore Mountaineering Federation 

Briefing by OBS - Mr Noor Hisham - Vice President, Singapore Mountaineering Federation

Standard APC 1 Checklist - For Instructor's assessment use

Standard APC 2 Checklist - For Instructor's assessment use

Singapore National Abseiling Standards Instructors