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A policy statementa andvi guidelines on cavingn prepared by theg Youth Groups Liaison Committee of the National Speleological Society and the Boy Scouts of America Important Things to Know A. All , other than simple novice activities, should be limited to adults and young people Cavers live by this creed: 14 and older—members of Venturing crews Take nothing but pictures, or Learning for Life Explorer posts, and older Leave nothing but footprints, Scouts in troops and teams. “Simple novice Kill nothing but time. activities” means commercially operated excursions. Safety-conscious cavers always: B. Units (teams, troops, crew, posts) that • Wear a with a chinstrap include cave visits in their program, whether • Have a headlamp on the helmet for one trip or many, must adhere to the • Have two other working lights in their two-deep leadership policy of the Boy Scouts pack as backups of America (two registered adult leaders, or • Wear protective and gloves one adult and a parent of a youth member, one of whom must be 21 or older). These I. General Caving Policy leaders must be responsible, mature adults who are constantly present with the group. Caving can be a hazardous activity when the proper One cave trip leader must be qualified equipment, skills, and judgment are not used. through caving experience and must be Trips that are led by adults inexperienced in caving thoroughly versed in all established safety and trips containing large numbers of people practices, conservation measures, and compound the hazards already inherent in the courtesy to cave owners. activity and create a potentially dangerous situation.

2 C. In conformity with the BSA policy on the use II. Cave Safety of wilderness areas, all caving groups should be limited to eight to 10 people and two-deep A. Any cave trip must include a fully qualified leadership as required by the Boy Scouts of leader or adult assistants qualified to handle America for all trips or outings. Caving activi- all problems that might arise. These leaders ties for larger groups should not be conducted. should have had experience as active par- Each group should be organized to function ticipants in a competent caving group. They independently, i.e., plan its own trips on differ- must realistically evaluate their own knowl- ent dates, provide its own transportation and edge and experience and must never attempt food, and function as a separate and distinct to lead their group into a situation that is group. The only exception to these rules may beyond their capability or the capability of be trips to certain commercial where any member of the group. The overall capa- special provisions are made to furnish proper bility and pace of a caving group is always supervision by professional guides. that of the least able member of that group, and no member of the group should ever Note: Caving trips have been incorporated in be encouraged or permitted to attempt a the BSA’s Wilderness Use Policy, with a cross potentially dangerous act that is beyond reference to these guidelines. Copies of the their ability solely because the remainder of wilderness area policy statement are available the group has the necessary ability. from Outdoor Programs, S250, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, • The leaders must thoroughly comprehend Texas, 75015-2079. Find the policy online at that overwhelming difficulties may easily www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/20-121.pdf. result from the problems of fatigue, improper or faulty equipment, emotional D. Any Venturing crew wishing to learn about problems, physical limitations, or excessive work or pursue that activity eagerness or exuberance in members of as a specialty must do so under the spon- the group. Additionally, they must realize sorship and supervision of an adult cave that all of these individual problems are rescue group affiliated with the National often interrelated and that the occurrence Speleological Society. of any one of them can easily create a E. All Scout groups are required to have an situation that will lead to or accentuate any approved tour plan for all trips. Cave activi- or all of the others. ties are included under that plan. • The leaders must constantly remember F. The leaders and the individual members of the that any obstacle overcome on the way group must understand these basic practices into the cave will also have to be overcome and policies of caving, which are approved by on the way out, when the group is tired, the Boy Scouts of America and the National when the initial enthusiasm of some of the Speleological Society. In addition to under- group may have decreased, and when their standing these tenets, every participant in a alertness and physical abilities, as of caving trip must agree, without reservation, to those of their group, are at the lowest. follow all of the specific guidelines contained • The leaders must have adequate first-aid in the remainder of this publication. training and ability, and a comprehensive knowledge of the practices to follow in the event of an accident. Wilderness First Aid training is recommended for at least one member of the group.

• The leaders must keep their group together at all times.

3 B. All basic equipment such as clothing, boots, C. Except for groups composed entirely of lights, and spare parts for the lights, hard experienced cavers, the cave to be visited hats, and food should be appropriate for must not require the use of ropes, cables, the cave being visited. It is the responsibility ladders, or other devices. The safe of the leader to insure that all equipment is use of these aids requires extensive training adequate and in good condition. and practice under controlled conditions above ground, never in a cave. • The equipment and spares must never be makeshift or of questionable depend- D. Natural and fabricated hazards such as mud ability. The highest standards developed slopes, loose rocks, pits, deep water, complex by experienced cavers are to be met in all routes, old ropes, wooden ladders, and the categories of equipment. possibility of flooding are all dangers to some degree and must be approached with care • The use and repair of each item must be and judgment. If it appears that an accident understood and demonstrated by the may still occur in spite of preventive mea- entire party before entering the cave. sures, that area must be avoided entirely.

• Under no conditions should any member E. The strength, endurance, and specific abili- of the group be permitted to enter the ties of every member of the group must be cave if they do not have all of the required evaluated in advance and nothing attempted equipment in their possession. The shar- that exceeds anyone’s limitations. Climbing, ing of any equipment, such as lights, crawling, and route finding are not neces- between individuals must be prohibited. sarily inborn skills, and should be taught and tested before a cave trip is undertaken.

4 F. Every person on a cave trip should be aware in one moment of carelessness. Carelessness is of the necessity to constantly observe the regrettable and must be guarded against at all whereabouts and potential problems of other times. Deliberate vandalism, on the other hand, members of the group and be ready to is more than regrettable; it is literally a criminal provide any assistance necessary. The BSA act and must be forbidden. Every caver has an buddy system must be used. obligation to do his/her utmost to protect every cave he/she visits. G. Running, jumping, horseplay, and solo exploration must be prohibited—such The necessary degree of protection is relatively easy foolhardy actions jeopardize not only the to obtain, however, if everyone in the group agrees individual but also the entire group. to adhere to the guidelines contained in the policy on the use of wilderness areas adopted by the H. Caves are often cold and damp, and hypo­ Boy Scouts of America (see note under guideline thermia is a danger, especially on long trips C). Many of the specific points contained in that or trips requiring wading or crawling in water. wilderness policy are directly applicable to caving, Try to dress for conditions to be met; stay as and, besides providing protection for the cave dry as possible. Leave the cave immediately and its contents, adherence to these guidelines if any member of the group shows signs of will result in a safer, more enjoyable, and more such as uncontrollable shivering, easily managed trip. Cavers should leave abso- slurred speech, or loss of coordination. lutely no trace of their visit behind when they leave the cave. This means that they must leave every I. Specific information about the caving trip natural thing in the cave exactly as it was before must be left with a responsible person back they entered; it means removing everything that home at time of departure. This should they brought into the cave; and it means staying include location and length of time of trip, on the established trails through a passageway to expected time of return, list of participants, avoid increasing the number of disfiguring paths. and whom to contact for each trip member in case of emergency. A. Cave formations and minerals of any kind must never be removed from the cave for any pur- J. A record of every cave trip will provide valu- pose. Caving trips should never include cave able assistance to new leaders and cavers mineral or formation collections. They should alike. Full records of all caving accidents rather substitute underground photography or will provide the basis for a guide to the artwork for displays and science fair projects. development of a safe caving program. A complete report of any accident, regardless of B. Never touch a cave formation. Both mud severity, should be sent to the Safety Committee and the substances on a person’s skin will of the National Speleological Society, 2813 permanently discolor formations. Some cave Cave Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35810. Serious formations grow by means of complex accidents should also be reported to the chemical processes and, in addition to the director of Health and Safety Team of the discoloration, any deposit left on these Boy Scouts of America. formations from the contact can interfere with future growth. Some formations are III. extremely fragile and will require the caver to exercise great care in order to avoid In spite of the fact that most cave features are damaging them. If it is impossible to pass by made of rock, many of them are, in reality, fragile. these formations without causing damage, Once they are gone or damaged they can never then the group must give up seeing any part be recovered, nor can they be replaced with of the cave beyond that point. Damaging anything else. Every cave and its contents took tens formations to gain access to additional areas or even hundreds of thousands of years to form, of the cave is not an acceptable practice. and it can all be disfigured or completely destroyed

5 C. and all other forms of cave life must any way. The best course is to take pictures never be disturbed nor removed from the of them, if possible, and immediately report cave for any purpose. Many species of cave the findings to competent authorities, such life are rare and have been brought to the as a natural history museum, an archaeology verge of extinction by collectors and vandals. association, or the nearest chapter (called a During the winter months, hibernating bats ) of the National Speleological Society. should never be disturbed. Awakened too Many old bones and artifacts that have been often, they will use up their winter’s store in caves for extended periods of time will of fuel and die of starvation before summer. crumble when touched; if they are ever to be Most bats are extremely beneficial as insect removed, it must be by professional meth- eaters and should never be harmed. Some ods. Even if they are in good shape, touching caves have been designated as special or moving them could destroy the scientific habitats and closed to entry for all or a part information they hold while in place. of each year. E. The caver must never write, mark, or paint on White Nose Syndrome is killing many bats walls, ceilings, rocks, or formations of a cave. throughout the . Before going Some caves have had registers installed by caving, contact local wildlife experts and ask caving groups and visiting cavers are invited about the presence of White Nose Syndrome. to sign them to record their trip. Occasionally, it may be necessary to mark a confusing D. If the cavers should be fortunate enough junction so that the correct passage may to find animal bones or artifacts in a newly be found on the way out of the cave. For explored passage, they must be careful to this purpose, cavers should carry surveyor’s avoid touching or disturbing those items in “flagging tape” with arrows drawn on them

6 or, a better choice, small strips of reflec- The owners of the land on which the entrance is tive tape cut into the shape of an arrow. In located may exclude everyone from the cave if either case, the markers are placed in suit- they wish, and the rudeness and thoughtlessness able locations as the group enters the cave. of some cavers has caused the owners of some They all must be collected on the way out. popular caves to do just this. The following guide- Experienced cavers always follow the rule lines are important and should be understood that—without exception—arrows placed in and followed by all cavers. a cave always point to the exit, never in any other direction. A. Every group planning to visit a cave must obtain the permission of the owner before Using string to mark passages is not prac- entering the land. The best plan is for one tical. In a small cave the marking of pas- or two of the leaders to visit the owner sageways is seldom necessary. A large cave several days before the trip to obtain this would require a considerable amount of permission, or they may initiate contact string and it isn’t always possible to collect by letter or telephone. Some owners are all of it on the way out, resulting in litter. reluctant, however, to give permission in writing by answering a letter, so this meth- F. Personal sanitation requirements should be od may result in disappointment unless met before entering the cave, and appropri- the group has had previous contact with ate containers should be packed in and out of the owner. If the group is certain that the the cave in case of sanitation emergencies. owner will be present and permission will be granted, it is satisfactory to ask when G. Never leave used batteries in a cave, either. they arrive for the trip. In this case, one or Pack out everything taken into a cave. two members of the group should seek out H. Each caver should demonstrate personal the owner while the rest of the members interest in caves and appreciation for them wait. Do not assume that permission is by participating in, or even organizing, an automatic and begin unloading equipment occasional cave cleanup. The object is to and changing clothes during the waiting remove trash left by thoughtless visitors, period. Always wait for the owner to give his and to remove writing on walls through or her approval. If you find that the owner the use of water and stiff-bristled brushes. cannot be located and you do not have prior This makes an excellent group project permission for this specific trip, then you and teaches the value of conservation and must go elsewhere. respect for the natural environment of caves. B. Do not continually go back to the same well- known caves. Heavy traffic causes damage IV. Courtesy to Cave Owners to caves and puts a strain on caver–owner relations (commercial caves excepted). All too often cavers forget that a cave belongs to the owner of the land above it, and that they must C. After obtaining permission to enter a cave, depend upon the goodwill of the owner, who usually you must cross the owner’s land to usually has no interest in their activities. Cavers reach the cave. Remember that a farmer’s typically have nothing to offer the cave owner income depends on his crops and livestock. in return for hospitality and, in fact, quite often Don’t climb fences that may break under represent a problem for the owner in the event an your weight. Always leave gates exactly as accident occurs. In recent years, interest in caving you find them, either open or closed. If the has increased tremendously. Owners of popular entrance to the cave is covered with boards caves are besieged every weekend by cavers seek- or brush, make certain that it is replaced, ing entrance, and the result has been that many even while the group is in the cave. cave owners are becoming alienated to cavers.

7 D. Do not tease or chase livestock. Take special J. The NSS owns some caves and manages care not to startle flocks of poultry. They others through various internal organi- could run to one end of their enclosure and zations, designated preserves, and lease some of them might be killed or injured. arrangements with owners. The NSS com- mittee or person in charge of granting E. Be conscious of and avoid any action that access will know these BSA policies and might disturb or inconvenience the owner. guidelines, and will expect you to be in Keep noise to a minimum, especially late compliance with them. at night. Pick up all trash, even that left by previous visitors. Don’t build a fire. You K. Most states have some “show caves”—caves should never camp on the land unless the with commercially led tours and knowledge- owner extends the invitation. Don’t even able guides, complete with lights and easy ask. After you leave, there should be no sign paths and stairways. If members have no of your visit remaining on the premises. idea what a cave environment is like, the is a good place for a group to F. Ask where it will be convenient to park your start. Some of them will offer a special cars. Do not block lanes and driveways. “wild” tour for groups who want a bit more of a crawling and muddy adven- G. If it’s not late at night, stop on the way out ture. These commercial caves may have a and tell the owner that you are leaving. If it different set of rules and standards that they is late, leave a note. Remember that the have developed, and probably will charge owner’s schedule, particularly if that person modest fees. is a farmer, may not be the same as yours. If the home is dark, regardless of the hour, These rules could condense to a simple state- don’t disturb anyone. In either case, thank ment: Use common sense and treat the owner the owner at the time of leaving. Sending as you would like to be treated. If caving is to a follow-up letter including, if possible, pic- continue in this country, cavers must do all they tures taken in the cave, is also a good idea. can to make themselves welcome at each cave they visit. H. When obtaining permission to enter a cave, never underestimate the length of time to Those seriously interested in caves may affiliate be spent in the cave. If you specify an exit with a local chapter of the National Speleological time to the owner, never fail to leave the Society. Information about that organization cave within that time. Longer trips can be is available from the National Speleological planned for the future. Missing an exit time Society, 2813 Cave Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35810, causes unnecessary concern to the owner or http://www.caves.org. and, in extreme cases, needless efforts by law enforcement agencies and rescue teams.

I. Many undeveloped caves are owned by various government entities, such as state park services, the National Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, etc. Many of these caves are gated and/or have strict access policies requiring permits to be secured in advance. Before undertaking a trip, find out what those policies are. When there, be sure to follow all rules.

8 430-102 2011 Revision