Caving & Potholing

What is it?
Caving or potholing is the exploration of natural and sometimes mined underground systems and a main aim for participants should be to discover such places and learn about them. This is a group activity, but the group should be small, both for mobility underground and so that each person is an integral member.

Safety Message
All caving and potholing expeditions must be led by an experienced adult caver who has completed the Local Cave Leader Assessment Scheme or who holds the Cave Instructor Certificate, or an experienced person approved by the Operating Authority. Participants should receive adequate instruction on appropriate clothing and equipment use. Caves are a unique fragile environment, and any damage will have a lasting effect.

Ideas/Aims
• Be aware of and understand the need for ensuring that visits to caves cause no damage. Ensure the highest standards of behaviour and know the Conservation Code.
• Appreciate the importance of suitable clothing and personal equipment, such as boots, helmet, lighting, belt, and know what to look for when selecting it.
• Know about underground hazards such as deep water, rock falls, hypothermia, getting lost, and appreciate the difficulty of rescue after even a minor accident.
• Know about weather and flooding, particularly when to avoid caves with active streamways in times of rain or unsettled weather.
• Know what to do in the event of an accident or underground emergency. Have knowledge of basic first aid.
• Know what to include in group emergency equipment: First Aid kit, spare lighting, food, whistle, survival bags, etc.
• Have knowledge of and be able to call out the Cave Rescue.
• Have a basic understanding of cave formation and features.
• Be conversant with equipment for pitches and other obstacles: handlines, traverselines, lifelines, ladders, cowstails, harnesses. Be able to demonstrate how to tie appropriate knots, tie onto the rope and belay using the Italian Hitch method. (The extent to which this area is covered will depend on the caves available. Single Rope Techniques may be learnt but only if taught and supervised by an adult with the Cave Instructor Certificate.)
• Learn about and discuss the care and maintenance of equipment.
• Demonstrate commitment and improve skills by descending a variety of caves and by following an associated activity, e.g. cave photography, cave surveying, keeping a log, or learning more about the equipment used.
• Organise and lead at least one expedition of appropriate difficulty.

Review/Assessment
Participants must demonstrate to the assessor that they have the required knowledge relating to safety for this activity, i.e. the use of correct equipment for the task, and safety procedures in an accident. The participant should be able to successfully take part or lead a group on a caving/potholing expedition.

Governing Body/Organisation
National Caving Association, Monomark Home, 27 Old Gloucester St, London, WC1N 3XX