BCA Cave & Mine Leader Training

Become a British Caving Association Cave / Mine Leader – in style!

Book Here

How Stean Gorge now offers the both cave training courses  & assessments from the British Caving Association’s, Local Cave & Mine Leader Scheme (LCMLA). The purpose of the scheme is to provide training & assessment for Outdoor Instructors, Practitioners & volunteers who wish to lead or take responsibility others underground.

Our cave training courses are based from our Outdoor Activity Centre right here at How Stean Gorge, Yorkshire. We are extremely fortunate to have such fantastic facilities in such a perfect location, which can not be replicated anywhere in the UK.

Our well-resourced base includes – (Onsite)

• 4 Caves all with up to date surveys (Tom Taylors Cave, How Stean Tunnel, Upper Eglins Hole & Cat Crawl)
• Licensed Cafe serving meals daily 9am – 5pm
• Campsite & Bunkhouse
• Glass Floored events & training room
• Quality changing & shower facilities
• Comprehensive Stores, with access to latest equipment for the duration of your course
• How Stean Gorge itself, one of Yorkshire’s most popular visitor attractions complete with SSSI status for its geology
• Refreshments, for the duration of your course

All these onsite facilities means there’s very little traveling required on any of our cave training courses. You will receive more time with your trainers during this important period, to hone the all important skills required which lead to a successful assessment.

Our offsite cave training courses – facilities & venues

• Scar House Bunk Barn
• The Upper Nidderdale Cave System, which has endless training possibilities in caves such as Goyden Pot, Manchester Hole, New Goyden, Limley & Church Pot, the list can go on. With many ongoing discoveries being made by the Black Sheep Diggers. All within 2 miles, of our site.
• Access to Stump Cross Caverns Cave System, including the vast well decorated passageways which branch off the main show cave

Prerequisites for your chosen training and/or assessment

Level 1 Training (max ratio: 1 to 6, minimum duration: 2 days)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • Aged 18+ with LCMLA Registration
  • Personal competence in cave and mine exploration
  • Typically: at least 12 cave or mine trips (see BCA website for exceptions)

Level 2 Training (max ratio: 1 to 4, minimum duration: 2 days)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • Aged 18+ with LCMLA Registration
  • Considerable Vertical Caving Experience
  • Competence at Basic SRT Progression
  • Successful completion of LCMLA Level 1 Training

Module 1 Assessment – Core Skills CAVE and/or Core Skills MINE (1:1 or 2:1 ratio)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • At least 30 trips in at least 10 different systems
  • Experience in at least 2 regions / types of mine
  • At least 5 “Quality Days” underground
  • Experience of leading under supervision
• Please note: the Trainer / Assessor who trained the candidate for Level 1 may not assess the candidate for Module 1.

Module 2 – Group Skills and Local Knowledge (1:1 ratio)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • At least 30 trips in at least 10 different systems
  • Experience in at least 2 regions / types of mine
  • At least 5 “Quality Days” underground
  • Experience of leading under supervision
• Please Note: this Assessment may be combined with Assessment of Module 4

Module 3 – Vertical Skills (1:1 or 2:1 ratio)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • LCMLA Level 1
  • An additional 30 underground trips in vertical cave systems
  • At least 5 additional “Quality Days” underground
• Please note: the Trainer / Assessor who trained the candidate for Level 2 may not assess the candidate for Module 3.

Module 4 – Group Vertical Skills and Local Knowledge (1:1 ratio)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • Module 3 within the previous 12 months
  • LCMLA Level 1
  • An additional 30 underground trips in vertical cave systems
  • At least 5 additional “Quality Days” underground

Module 5 – SRT for Leader Progression (1:1 or 2:1 ratio)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • LCMLA Level 1
  • An additional 30 underground trips in vertical cave systems
  • At least 5 additional “Quality Days” underground

Module 6 – Cave and Mine Transfer (1:1 or 2:1 ratio)

• Pre-requisites as per the local cave & mine leader handbook – including:
  • Existing Award Holder (Level 1 or Level 2)