Mountain Skills Syllabus

Syllabus for Mountain Skills

Navigation:

Map scales, symbols, grid references, relief depiction;
Ordnance Survey maps: reliability, suitability, comparison of different scales;
Simple measurement of distance on a map and on the ground;
Methods of calculated distance travelled and height climbed;
Feature recognition (distant and near), map setting and self location;
Use of a compass for following bearings, taking bearings and simple resections;
Navigation across country using map alone and using map and compass; • Simple navigation techniques (aiming off, hand rails, attack points etc.);
Route planning (choice, route recording, bad weather alternatives, escape routes);
Night Navigation.

Personal Equipment

Discussion (with reference to weight, bulk and cost) of outdoor clothing and equipment (including emergency equipment).

Mountain Hazards

Climatic hazards: temperature, precipitation, wind lightning, humidity, rain and snow.
Topographic hazards: dangerous types of terrain with a special emphasis on remoteness.

Personal Security on Steep Ground

Safe movement in ascent and descent of broken ground.
Route finding difficulties in ascent and descent.
Hazard avoidance.

Emergency Procedures

Procedure in event of an accident or incident;
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Mountain Hypothermia (Exposure); • Mountain Rescue Organisations: posts, teams and call-out procedures.

Format of Mountain Skills Course

BOS lays down the syllabus for the Mountain Skills Course. However, the Director of the course is delegated by the Board and is responsible for making all the arrangements for the course. Courses may be run over two weekends or as part of a five day course. It may also be run as part of a further education course. At the end of the training period candidates may sit a two day Mountain Skills test. Participants on the course will spend most of the day sessions in the hills under practical instruction and as such a reasonable standard of fitness is necessary. Most specialist equipment can be provided by the relevant centre.

The Mountain Skills Diary/Logbook

Upon completion of a Mountain Skills course a Diary will be given to you by the centre or the organisation. It provides you with a place to write down the skills learnt. Between the instruction sessions participants are expected to obtain suitable hillwalking experience and to keep a record of their activities. These activities along with some other requirements to gain personal experience outside the course with friends or other hill walking companions are detailed in the Diary. Once you get going you will be amazed at how quickly it fills up

The Mountain Skills Test/Assessment

The test is designed to consolidate the skills learnt during the running of the course and give the applicant the confidence to plan and follow a route in the Irish hills, to deal with unplanned situations that may occur, to navigate and get home safely even after dark! The test includes a written test followed by a practical test covering navigation by day and night, route choice, competence on steep ground and incident and accident procedure. The written test draws on a panel of similar multiple choice type questions. Copies of the full list of questions may be purchased form the MCI Office, Sport HQ, 13 Joyce Way, Park West Business Park, Dublin 12.
Prerequisites for Mountain Skills Test

Candidates should either:
a. Have attended a BOS recognised Mountain Skills Course
b. Present evidence of 14 separate hill walks of not less than 4 hours duration, in the year prior to assessment
c. Possess a valid First Aid Certificate (preferably Rescue and Emergency care - Emergency or Standard).
OR
a. Have attended some other course or Mountain Skills Training of be fully familiar with the BOS Mountain Skills syllabus and written paper.
b. Provide evidence if at least 30 days hillwalking experience over at least two years.
c. Possess a valid First Aid Certificate (preferably Rescue and Emergency care - Emergency or Standard).

How to apply to take the Mountain Skills Test

Applicants to take the test should be made directly to the course provider. The course may be based at an outdoor centre or NCVA Centre. Either way the course director must be approved to run the Mountain Skills Scheme and the Test as laid down by BOS. Note some providers are approved to run training only and some are approved to run both training and assessment. A full list is available from the MCI.

The Mountain Leadership Scheme

Upon successful completion of the Mountain Skills Test you will be eligible to enter the Mountain Leadership Scheme. This Scheme trains the individual to lead groups in both the Irish and British hills b building on the skills learnt in the Mountain Skills Scheme and combining it with modules on leadership while developing more advanced skills.

Further Reading

Mountaincraft and Leadership, Eric Langmuir
Mountain Navigation, Peter Cliff Mountain
Navigation Techniques, Kevin Walker Land Navigation, Wally Keay Mountain Safety, Kevin Walker
Irish Mountain Log

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