Major changes to Climb On Safely

[wagionvigil]

The new COS was released in the past week and is causing quite a stir in the Climbing Forums. The changes will definitely affect anyone doing Unit Climbing programs. 2 Qualified instructors are REQUIRED for all activites up to 6 participants then you MUST add 1 for every next 6 and so on. so for 7-12 you need 3 for 13-18 4 etc. Also what is a qualified instructor is spelled out. Fire,EMS and Military Are NOT on that list. Amount of training is also spelled out for instructors. These changes go into affect NOW. These are now closer to requiring the same standards at Unit and outfitter climbs as are required at a scout camp. I have always told people when doing COS to meet the same standards that a camp must meet and you will have no problem This includes outfitters.

[smtroop168]

When will they post this to the National Site? The info you have isn't there now. Says 2 for 10 and 3 for 20 etc under Qualified Supervision and no ratio under qualified instructors

The scouting forums are gonna light up very soon on advancement changes.

[wagionvigil]

here is an Update from the task force already LOL



So, we have revised the standard, effective immediately, the following
statement should be implemented and will be reflected in the next update.
The revised requirement is ²A minimum of two instructors must be on-site to
supervise any climbing or rappelling activity. The ratio of participants to
instructors must not exceed 6-to-1. The primary instructor must be at least
21 years of age, all instructors must be at least 18 years of age.²