LEAD CLIMBING

This endorsement is awarded to individuals who have a demonstrated capability in applying instructional skills within the context of lead climbing.PACI instructors with lead climbing endorsements are authorised to:

1. Conduct abseiling & top-rope climbing activities that do not lead to a formal qualification; and
2. Act as a guide within the scope of their endorsement where no formal training is to take place; and
3. Conduct abseiling training courses which lead to a formal qualification; and
4. Conduct top-rope climbing courses which lead to a formal qualification; and
5. Conduct lead climbing courses within the scope of their endorsement which lead to a formal qualification; and

Note: Instructors must have a multi-pitch endorsement before they may undertake multi-pitch lead climbing activities

Performance requirementsTo qualify, an applicant must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age; and
2. have a top-rope climbing endorsement or equivalent; and
3. Be in good physical condition for lead climbing and submit proof of medical fitness. If a medical examination is required, the form must be signed by a licensed physician and state that the applicant is fit for climbing. The physician signing the form must not be the applicant; and
4. Have been lead climbing for 12 months with proof of 40 ‘on-sight’ lead climbs of Australian grade 14 totaling 1400m actual climbing distance. In addition, evidence of experience on at least two different rock types (eg, Granite & Sandstone) is required. When determining minimum climbing experience: a. No individual route may be counted more than once; and               
   b. Competency in utilising at least two different types of belay devices is required:                           
   *Planular (e.g. Sticht plate)                           
   *Tubular (e.g. ATC, Pyramid, Bug); and
5. If applying for multi-pitch endorsement, at least 10 routes totalling 800m actual climbing distance are to have been multi-pitch lead climbs (safe ground could not be reached in one standard rope length); and
6. Have a current recognised qualification in senior first aid and CPR
7. Required skills:

-Select, use and maintain lead climbing equipment-Discuss the risks and hazards associated with lead climbing-Select, locate and assess a route as suitable for lead climbing-Prepare to ascend a route as a lead climber-Ascend a route using lead climbing techniques-Rig a belay anchor system-Escape from a belay anchor system-Safeguard a lead climber using a belay device-Ascend a route as a ‘second’ climber-Retreat from a climbing route using abseiling techniques

Renewal1. Annual submission of a completed, signed PACI Membership Renewal Agreement; and
2. Annual PACI membership fees paid.

* If the training provider is not yet competent in multi-pitch climbing, then instructional activities will be limited to single-pitch environments