Learning the SPRAT Curriculum: Rope to Rope Transfers

During a rope-to-rope transfer, you’ll move horizontally from one rope system to another while in suspension. The distance between the two sets of ropes must be greater than 2m. While in transition from one set of ropes to another, four points of attachment are required. You're going to be reliant on both sets of ropes during the transfer, and so you will need one primary attachment and one back-up on each rope system in both directions.

During your SPRAT evaluation, L1 techs and *L3 techs (see below) will be asked to demonstrate competence completing a rope-to-rope transfer, where the ropes are separated by more than 2 m (6.6 ft).

Please note, if you're completing a transfer between ropes that are more than 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, it is more efficient and safer to move from descent to ascent mode, than vice versa.

The SPRAT Evaluator will specifically be watching to ensure that you:

• Protect against out-of-control swings by always using a minimum of four points of attachment (especially during wide rope-to-rope transfers). 
• Use an appropriate knot or lanyard attachment as a secondary back-up, if necessary. You can use a mid-rope knot to establish a backup system if there are any rope or lanyard tangles in either rope system, or if you don't have a secondary back-up.

We recently put together a list of the reasons L1 techs most often fail their evaluation (you can read that blog here), and we found that accidentally going down to three points of attachment during this rope maneuver was a mistake that happened a lot. And this mistake is considered a major discrepancy – ie. an automatic fail. So don’t forget that one!

As with any maneuver, your Evaluator will also be watching that you’re able to complete the transfer fluidly, with no significant hesitations. We’ll give you enough time to practice during your training week (if you’re a level 1). You’ll get the hang of it fairly quickly. Just remember those four points of attachment.

Last point to consider -- there should be no more than a 30 degree angle from the fault line of the anchorage system when at the midpoint of this maneuver. The required interior angle should never exceed 120 degrees. If you're a L1, you won't really need to worry about this, but L3 techs should be aware for site planning purposes.

*This is one of 15 manoeuvres on the L3 syllabus (coloured grey) that are primarily there for review. On assessment day you will be tested on only 50% of these items.

Most Common Discrepancies to Avoid:

1.  Forgetting to attach transfer ropes before beginning the maneuver. A forgotten or dropped transfer rope(s) will result in a discrepancy (minor). 
2. Completing the transfer while ascending on a descender and/or descending using an ascender if done inefficiently. (minor)
3. Going down to less than 4 points of connection during the transfer (major).
4. No backup connection to far anchorage systems, off fall line from near anchorage systems set >20°

Additional resources to check out

7.10 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog.

7.10 of the SPRAT Certification Requirements for a concise evaluation breakdown. 

This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down the SPRAT Syllabus and clarifying exactly what will be expected of you on your evaluation day. To continue exploring this series and learn more about SPRAT's Technician Evaluation Form, please click below: