Vertical caving terminology and methods
When working around pitches, there is often a lot of noise from falling water and echos. Cavers must communicate over relatively long distances. The standard calls are intended to enable communication over these distances, with minimal chance of being misunderstood. It is important not to use the wrong calls, or to mix up calls. For example, "take in the slack" can leave a belayer questioning whether you wanted them to take in, or give you slack, and can result in dangerous confusion. "Help me" sounds a lot like rope free, and could also result in dangerous confusion. With bigger pitches, walkie talkie radios might be needed instead, to allow proper communication.
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