In reply to various comments about volunteers not wanting the expense of the 'proper' qualifications... If you contact the BCA Training Officer he will give you details of training grants available to voluntary organisations.
In reply to Bograt.....Masson Mine is not inspected on behalf of PICA. I believe that since the landowner is unknown or permission not obtainable, we could not use the inspection anyway.The Scouts have organised their own inspection as is their right. I'd love to speak to someone who can put PICA in touch with the owner as we may have demand to bring it into our inspection scheme.
Not sure if Masson comes within the PICA mines inspection remit, maybe someone can clarify?, its all to do with professionals earning money to take folks down old mines... Something the Scouts don't have to worry about, since they are all volunteers, and do not gain financially by their endeavours.
Do the scouts leaders explain to parents that they are taking their children into mines that the BCA LCMLA panel do not feel are safe for paying customers? I do love the idea your safer the more you pay.
When I did my ML and SPA assessments, the course leader was an MIA, but all of the other assessors with us had the ML and/or SPA qualification.
the standard of rigging seen on many occasions especially at swildons 20 is not good