ASF Australian Cave Rescue Commission

The ASF Australian Cave Rescue Commission was established at the January 2000 ASF Council Meeting.

There were several reasons why such a body was formed, some of which are:

There was no Australia wide coordination of cave rescue arrangements. The ASF, as an Australia wide body, has undertaken the role of establishing an umbrella organisation to correct this shortfall. The National Speleological Society in the US has coordinated cave rescue through their Australian Cave Rescue Commission which can liaise at State and Federal levels. Similarly the ASF is in the position to represent cave rescuers at these levels across Australia.

From an international perspective overseas organisations recognise the NSW Cave Rescue Squad as the only cave rescue organisation in Australia and are surprised that there is no national cave rescue structure. This perception should be broadened as part of the commissions aims.

The NSW Cave Rescue Squad, although long established, did not believe that the establishment of national cave rescue organisation should fall to them however the NSW Cave Rescue Squad is enthusiastic about the concept and will be available to assist in any way with the formation and operations of such a group.

It is the Australian Cave Rescue Commission's belief that representation from all like organisations Australia wide is essential for a true National Commission.

The aims of the Australian Cave Rescue Commission are to:

• provide standards based training to enable Cave Rescue Organisations

• to achieve accreditation facilitate the exchange of information and training between State bodies

• provide contacts for manpower and equipment for extended cave rescues Australia wide

• provide a national framework for other State Cave Rescue organisations

• encourage an ethos of minimal impact cave rescue training1

• facilitate the establishment of Cave Rescue organisations in States where such organisations do not exist

• organise national cave rescue workshops attached to the biennial ASF Conferences

• spread the self-rescue ethos amongst other caving groups

• enhance first aid skills of cavers and other caving groups

• plan for worst-case scenarios across Australia

• establish relations with overseas cave rescue organisations

• arrange for overseas response in countries such as Indonesia and New Guinea

• educate government bodies and management authorities about cave rescue

To further the aims above and help protect Australia's caves the NCRC, in conjunction with the NSW Cave Rescue Squad, has produced the Minimal Impact Rescue Code.

Should you require further information please contact either NCRC Chair, or the ASF Safety Convenor.