ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUE (SKT)

Rope climbing technique is the core of professional tree care. Step by step – from your first climbing lessons to the rigging specialty course – you systematically build up your skills, laying the foundation for the further training levels ETW and ETT.

The basic concept

• SKT A – week-long course (Monday–Saturday, including certificate exam). Prerequisites: Basics of Tree Care (or horticultural/forestry qualification), valid occupational health examination** for "work at heights with risk of falling," valid 16-hour first aid certificate*
• SKT B – week-long course (Monday–Saturday, including certificate exam). Prerequisites: valid SKT A certificate, proof of chainsaw competence (or attendance of our chainsaw course), proof of 200 climbing hours (logbook), valid occupational health examination**, valid 16-hour first aid certificate*
• SKT C / Rigging specialty course – optional 5-day course including certificate exam. Prerequisites: valid SKT B certificate, valid occupational health examination**, valid 16-hour first aid certificate*, ideally at least 1 year of SKT B practical experience, course: rigging on a model

SKT A, B, and C must all be recertified every 3 years through a 4-hour rescue training session or a climb update.
Annual instruction is legally required by the legislator (ASchG).

*16-hour first aid courses can be taken at various rescue organizations (Red Cross, Order of Malta, Samaritans, etc.)
**The occupational health examination for "work at great heights with risk of falling" is performed by almost all occupational physicians – sometimes even general practitioners. The doctor's certificate must state that you are "fit for work at great heights with risk of falling." If you can't find a place to get examined, get in touch – we have a list.

To round off and refresh the training, we hold a Tree Symposium twice a year, as well as numerous additional courses and workshops throughout the year.