The Local Cave and Mine Leader Assessment (LCMLA) Scheme provides an award recognising the competence of those wishing to take responsibility for others underground, for the benefit of employers or others in authority. To undertake the awards you must be at least 18 years old .The main considerations are equally the safety of the group and the conservation of a fragile environment.
Undertaking the Award
The three process diagrams below illustrate how the award can be undertaken, how a Mine award can be transferred to a Cave award (and vice-versa), and how the Vertical component can be added.
Course Descriptions
The following pages can be downloaded to help guide candidates through the various modules of the award scheme.
Cave Leader
Vertical Cave &/or Mine Leader
Mine Leader
Update Workshop
Recently completed a course?
Following a training or assessment course candidates are encouraged to complete a feedback form. T/As will normally provide these at the end of a course however if you’d rather complete a form online you can do so by clicking here.
Find a Trainer/Assessor
Resources for Candidates
- Minimum Impact Caving Guidelines
- BCA Access and Conservation page
- BCRA Cave Life website
- How To Print Your LCMLA or CIC Certificate
- Ropework for Cave/Mine Leaders
- LCMLA Water Safety
- Suggested Lifelining Systems
- Thunderstorms & Flash Flooding at Long Churn Caves
- UNDER REVIEW Jan 2024 Thunderstorms & Flash Flooding at Goyden Pot & Manchester Hole
- Weather and its Effects on Caves: A Guide for Cavers
- Caving Emergency Card
- Navigating Deep Water in Porth yr Ogof
- LCMLA Mining Terms
- Radon Underground
- Vertical Leader Ropework
- Tyrolean for Groups - Rigging Notes
- Cave & Mine Leader: Water Safety
- Caving Belts
- How To Print Your Certificate
- UNDER REVIEW Jan 2024 Historic document on Thunderstorms Flash Flooding at Goyden Pot Manchester Hole
The following documents have been created by the South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Groups (SWOPAG), although aimed at those working in South Wales the content is also applicable to all other caving regions. Copies of these documents can be downloaded here with thanks from SWOPAG
Log Book Pages (downloads)
Click on any of the following button to download blank log book pages
Core Skills Reassessment
Award holders are required to update their award through either attending an update workshop or completing a qualifying training or assessment course. Candidates who fail to update their awards within the appropriate period (5 years for LCMLA award holders and 3 years for CICs) must complete a Core Skills Reassessment to re-engage with the scheme.
To apply for a CSR click the following link (takes you to the Qualification Management System)
Info for Trainers/Assessors
Trainers/assessors can find guidance, documentation, and resources on the Trainers/Assessors Info page [password protected]