Rope Calls
These are the calls used by the Eastern Region of the National Cave
Rescue Commission (NCRC).
- STOP
- Everyone stops what they're doing. Belayers belay.
- ROCK
- Some object is falling. Anyone in the fall zone should hide under their
helmets, trying to minimize their cross-sectional area. Do not look
up!
- ON ROPE (state which rope)
- "I am attaching myself to the rope. Everyone else stay off of
it." This is not a call for a belay.
- ROPE
- Shouted before throwing a rope off the top of a cliff as a warning to
people below. If thrower cannot see the bottom, wait 5 seconds before
throwing.
- ROPE _____ (e.g., "ROPE 2")
- "Yes, I heard your call for rope #2 and will keep it clear of
others." Position is from the left as you face the cliff.
- ON BELAY (stated by rappeller)
- "I need a belay on this rope." (never belay someone unless they
request it or are falling.)
- BELAY ON (stated by belayer)
- "You now have a belay."
- BELAY OFF (stated by rappeller)
- "Stop belaying. It's no longer necessary."
- OFF BELAY (stated by belayer)
- "You're no longer being belayed."
- RAPPELLING (stated by rappeller)
- "I'm coming down the rope now. Be ready to assist me as
necessary."
- RAPPEL ON (stated by belayer)
- "I understand you are rappelling and am ready to belay you as
needed."
- OFF ROPE
- "I am no longer attached to the rope and anyone else is free to
attach to it."
- TENSION
- Take up all of the slack and hold on--a possible fall is anticipated or
the rappeller is out of control. The belayer should echo this call back.
- CLIMBING
- "I am ascending now."
- CLIMB ON
- "Go ahead and ascend when ready."
- SLACK
- "Let off the tension (slowly). You are holding the rope too
tightly."
- EQUIPMENT
- Equipment is being lowered, attached to a rope and under controlled
descent or stopped. Stand clear of the fall zone.
- LOCKED OFF
- The climber is locked off and is not likely to fall.
- FALLING
- The climber feels himself/herself falling. The belayer should belay
immediately if not already doing so.
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Last modified: "95/10/19 21:32:42 by jcb"