Multiple reports have been received by BCA regarding harness buckles on the newest model of Petzl caving harnesses that have orange coloured webbing, ie both the Super Avanti and Aven. The issue is that buckles on harnesses that are either new, or in relatively new condition, tend to work loose to the extent that they […]
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BCA statement on peer to peer training
Recently there have been some queries around training in the recreational environment. This highlighted that our outward facing information around training was not as transparent as it could have been, with several organisations in the recreational space believing they need the commercial qualifications administered by the Qualifications Management Committee. BCA have therefore put the attached […]
Please be aware of the recent request for inspection from Petzl regarding the Astro and Canyon Guide harnesses.
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Electronic Membership Cards
In preparation for 2024, the BCA has committed to adopting more environmentally friendly practices by reducing the distribution of plastic cards. Currently, the BCA sends out over 7,000 plastic cards annually, with the majority being club caving member cards. These plastic cards have a short lifespan of just one year and generate additional waste through […]
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The BCA needs a treasurer!
The recent issue which arose at York University Caving Club, where £5000 was potentially needed to meet requirements at their SRT training facility, brought the lack of a BCA Treasurer into sharp focus. There were suggestions that BCA should fund this if required. This overlooks the fact that BCA has no Treasurer to advise on […]
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Public Liability Insurance limits increased
Due to a recently settled claim under another NGB’s public liability insurance policy in excess of £10 million, Josh White, BCA insurance manager, has been in discussions with Howden, our insurance broker, about the possibility of increasing our maximums under our policy to ensure full coverage for members in the instance of a claim being […]
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Hidden Earth 2023
Hidden Earth, the long-awaited caving extravaganza, is finally making its grand return on September 15-17th, 2023. After the dreaded pandemic tried to keep us in the dark (which we’re often not opposed to), BCRA’s annual caving conference is back and will be held at the Gordano Sports Centre in Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7QR. For all […]
The 2023 BCA AGM was held by Zoom at 10:30 on Sunday the 11th June 2023. Dear Members, The British Caving Association would like to invite you to participate in this years AGM. The AGM was be held by video call at 10:30am on Sunday 11th June, and will be live-streamed online for those not […]
GPF and BCRA have joined forces to organise a few seminars aimed at any caver involved in exploring new cave passage on expeditions abroad. They are intended to be accessible to any caver regardless of academic background, and will cover the fundamental skills and knowledge required to document scientific finds on expeditions. The seminars will […]
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Suspension Trauma
Suspension trauma can occur if a caver is suspended in their harness without being able to move (due to injury or loss of consciousness). They should be rescued from the rope with haste and medical attention should be sought. Why does it happen? Symptoms Consequences How quick Action All cavers should consider their emergency procedures […]