During a rope-to-rope transfer, you’ll move horizontally from one rope system to another while in suspension. The distance between the two sets of ropes can be at any distance. Four points of attachment are required to safely complete this maneuver. This occurs while you're in transition between one set of ropes and a second set of ropes. Because you're still reliant on both sets of ropes during the transition, you'll need one primary attachment and one back-up on each rope system. Techs should also understand how to use an appropriate knot and lanyard attachment as a secondary back-up, if necessary.
All levels are required to demonstrate competence while completing this rope maneuver.
On IRATA assessment day, your assessor will be watching to make sure that you:
- Protect against out-of-control swings by always using a minimum of four points of attachment (especially during wide rope-to-rope transfers).
This one point is really worth remembering.
We recently put together a list of the reasons L1 techs most often fail their assessment (you can read that blog here), and we found that accidentally going down to three points of attachment during this rope maneuver was a mistake that happened a lot. And this mistake is considered a major discrepancy – ie. an automatic fail. So don’t forget that one!
As with any maneuver, your assessor will also be watching that you’re able to complete the transfer fluidly, with no significant hesitations. We’ll give you enough time to practice during your training week (if you’re a level 1). You’ll get the hang of it fairly quickly. Just remember those four points of attachment.
Additional resources to check out
TACS 6.6.9 for the source material for this blog.
This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down IRATA’s syllabus and clarifying exactly what ‘demonstrating competence’ and ‘demonstrating awareness’ means, and what will be expected of you on assessment day. To access the IRATA study guides, click below:
