Post by dougsanders on Dec 4, 2013 7:34:22 GMT -8
This is 2nd of 3 related posts. It looks at content ideas for the draft 9 Pre-Trip Principals. See the introductory post '9, 10, 11' for overview.
As mention in the introductory post, planning, preparation and other pre-trip activities can make or break a trip. As a SAR person it is remarkable how many trips are set-up to fail before the party leaves town.
The Climbing Code doesn't directly touch upon planning or preparation.
NEED/JUSTIFICATION: The FOTH Chapter on Leadership formally introduces the topic of trip planning. However, it may not be for several years before a climber goes through leadership training. Until then the new climber has little formal education into what goes into a successful outing. There is an implied presumption that the new climber will do all their trips within the Mountaineers framework, needs to know very little about planning and preparation, and won't learn or imprint from their experiences good or bad. This is a bit out of touch with today's reality.
9 Pre-Trip Principals
1. Research: Understanding what the trip entails by reviewing maps, guidebooks, trip descriptions and reports. Check current road, trail and route conditions.
2. Plan: Itinerary, schedule, meeting location, timeline, alternate routes, time to alert authorities, trip specific equipment, etc. Written, communicated within the group, and left with responsible people.
3. Leadership: Leader needs to be capable and qualified. There maybe a need for a competent assistant to whom tasks can be delegated to and and with whom the leader can consult on key decisions.
4. Safety Margin: How much extra is built into the trip? Extra food, clothing, equipment, time, skills, weather, options, flexibility, etc.?
5. Equipment: 10 Essential Systems and trip specific equipment.
6. People: Making sure they have the necessary fitness, skills, equipment and experience. Minimum party size of 3 unless compensating arrangements to deal with emergencies are made. Compensating arrangements could include being in a well traveled area, on a low lethal hazard trip or having communication with others.
7. Weather: Acceptable forecast window long enough for time-line with some extra for emergencies. Consider setting up an alternate trip with a more favorable expected forecast should the forecast for the original trip become poor at the last minute.
8. Communications: The capability to summon emergency assistance such as 9-1-1 with a PLB, satellite phone, or other device. If the group may spread out this also includes devices like walkie-talkies to communicate between the sub-groups, or front and end of the party.
9. Putting it together: Does it add up favorable? Are there areas of weakness? Can the plan be improved? Unfavorable elements may jeopardize the trip and increase the probability of an accident.
As mention in the introductory post, planning, preparation and other pre-trip activities can make or break a trip. As a SAR person it is remarkable how many trips are set-up to fail before the party leaves town.
The Climbing Code doesn't directly touch upon planning or preparation.
NEED/JUSTIFICATION: The FOTH Chapter on Leadership formally introduces the topic of trip planning. However, it may not be for several years before a climber goes through leadership training. Until then the new climber has little formal education into what goes into a successful outing. There is an implied presumption that the new climber will do all their trips within the Mountaineers framework, needs to know very little about planning and preparation, and won't learn or imprint from their experiences good or bad. This is a bit out of touch with today's reality.
9 Pre-Trip Principals
1. Research: Understanding what the trip entails by reviewing maps, guidebooks, trip descriptions and reports. Check current road, trail and route conditions.
2. Plan: Itinerary, schedule, meeting location, timeline, alternate routes, time to alert authorities, trip specific equipment, etc. Written, communicated within the group, and left with responsible people.
3. Leadership: Leader needs to be capable and qualified. There maybe a need for a competent assistant to whom tasks can be delegated to and and with whom the leader can consult on key decisions.
4. Safety Margin: How much extra is built into the trip? Extra food, clothing, equipment, time, skills, weather, options, flexibility, etc.?
5. Equipment: 10 Essential Systems and trip specific equipment.
6. People: Making sure they have the necessary fitness, skills, equipment and experience. Minimum party size of 3 unless compensating arrangements to deal with emergencies are made. Compensating arrangements could include being in a well traveled area, on a low lethal hazard trip or having communication with others.
7. Weather: Acceptable forecast window long enough for time-line with some extra for emergencies. Consider setting up an alternate trip with a more favorable expected forecast should the forecast for the original trip become poor at the last minute.
8. Communications: The capability to summon emergency assistance such as 9-1-1 with a PLB, satellite phone, or other device. If the group may spread out this also includes devices like walkie-talkies to communicate between the sub-groups, or front and end of the party.
9. Putting it together: Does it add up favorable? Are there areas of weakness? Can the plan be improved? Unfavorable elements may jeopardize the trip and increase the probability of an accident.