Trip Leader Requirements:  Access Committee draft 09/04

CCC members who desire to serve as Trip Leaders must meet the qualifications and be approved by the Access Committee.  The main function of the trip leader is not to be at the head of the group in the cave, but to insure that the trip is conducted in the safest possible manner and protect the interests of CCC and area landowners.  Trip leaders (TL) accomplish this by performing the following tasks.

Documentation:

There are three documents associated with each trip into the cave.  The first is the trip permit.  It is the TL’s responsibility to apply for the permit, allowing enough time to resolve any issues.  The TL should not apply until the minimum number (4) of cavers is available to make a trip in compliance with the safety policy.  The maximum number is eight.  If more than eight are going into the cave, a second TL and permit is required.  The TL should know the membership status of all participants to be current and correct.  This document can be filled out and submitted on the web site.

The second document is the sign-in sheet at the cave entrance.  The TL is responsible for listing the names of the actual trip participants and the times the group enters and exits the cave.

The third is the trip report, also available on the web site.  This provides details of the trip to CCC and data to the Access Committee.  The CCC requires that trip reports be completed before applying for another permit.

Safety and rescue:

It is the TL’s responsibility to read and understand the safety policy and make sure all participants have read and understood the policy.  The TL should advise the group on what first aid equipment is needed for the trip and discuss any contingencies with the group in advance.  The TL is responsible for procuring the group's access equipment for the entrance shaft (rope, carabiners, etc.) and that all participants have the proper gear individually to enter and exit the cave.  The TL must also be willing to handle emergencies in the cave and be knowledgeable in the use of evacuation devices in the entrance silo.  Periodic training will be made available by the Rescue Committee.

Landowner relationships:

It is the TL’s responsibility to assure the group does not offend a landowner or area resident by irresponsible or callous behavior.  All gates must be left opened or closed according to the landowner’s wishes.  All trash in the campground or cave entrance site must be removed.  A courtesy call on landowners is encouraged.

Maintaining Trip Leader status:

The TL is key to the success of CCC.  TLs must stay members in good standing of CCC and be willing and able to perform the duties required.  If the Access Committee has reason to believe a TL is in default, they can revoke the TL’s status until satisfied otherwise.