Technical Rope Rescue – Moab, UT | March 30 – April 2, 2026

NFPA 1006 Chapter 5.2 & 5.3 (Version 2021) Compliant

This is a land-based rope rescue course conducted on rock and terrain adjacent to water; it does not include in-water or live-current training, but is taught by water rescue professionals and considerations are discussed for all techniques over moving water.

COURSE DETAILS

PPE and Course Outline

WHO THIS IS FOR: This course is designed primarily for rescue agencies responding to surface water emergencies, with a focus on high-angle rigging fundamentals integrated with mountain rescue techniques.

ONLINE COMPONENT: No

NFPA 1006 & 2500 COMPLIANT: Yes – Chapter 5 Version 2021 JPR’s for Operations and Technician

COURSE FORMAT: 4-day NFPA Technician Level course. Additionally, there will be 10 hours of in-field training each day, making the total class length 40 hours.

WHEN: March 30 – April 2, 2026

WHERE: Moab, UT

FIELD SITE: Moab area – Manti/La Sal Forest (SSI is a special use permit holder)

ONLINE MODULE: No

MINIMUM AGE: 18

PREREQUISITES:

1. Proficient swimmer
2. Physically capable
3. Desire to learn
4. All of the necessary PPE
5. Meet all Essential Eligibility Criteria

GEAR FOR THIS COURSE:
The welcome packet details the gear you will need for this course. As an SSI student, you get access to student pricing in the SSI Gear Shop! Once you register you’ll have access to the shop through your SSI account.

ABOUT THIS COURSE:

Rigging for Austere Rescue is a land-based technical rope rescue course developed for rescue teams operating in challenging terrain adjacent to rivers and remote environments. The course emphasizes high-angle rigging fundamentals, integrating proven mountain rescue techniques to support access, stabilization, and evacuation above surface water hazards.

Building on core rigging principles, this program focuses on the practical realities of austere and complex rescue environments, where terrain, exposure, limited access, and environmental hazards drive decision-making. Instruction addresses the planning, construction, and management of rope systems used to support rescue operations conducted above the waterline, prioritizing system integrity, rescuer safety, and risk mitigation.

Training is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, scenario-based problem solving, and hands-on field application. Course length is typically five days, though modular formats are available to concentrate on specific system applications such as Tyrolean traverses, Kootenay-style highlines, or specialized access and evacuation techniques, depending on agency needs.

CERTIFICATION: Verification of Course Completion