Movement Belay Certification Movement Belay Communication and Commands 3

Question 1

When verbal communication is not possible due to noise or distance, what method should climbers and belayers use?

Accepted Answer

Pre-established rope tug signals

Answer

Shout louder

Answer

Wave both arms

Answer

Wait until climbing stops

Question 2

How many rope tugs conventionally signal 'I am off belay — you can take me off'?

Accepted Answer

3 tugs

Answer

1 tug

Answer

2 tugs

Answer

4 tugs

Question 3

If a belayer loses both visual and verbal contact with their climber, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Maintain brake position and wait for a rope signal

Answer

Release the rope to give slack

Answer

Immediately pull in all the rope

Answer

Call out 'Off belay' and stop

Question 4

What does two rope tugs from a climber at the top typically signal to the belayer?

Accepted Answer

Pull the rope up — I'm ready to rappel

Answer

Take — hold my weight

Answer

Slack — give me rope

Answer

Stop — I'm in trouble

Question 5

Why is it important that both partners agree on rope tug signals before starting a climb?

Accepted Answer

Tug signals vary by climbing gym and region, so confusion is possible

Answer

It is required by law in all US climbing areas

Answer

Tugs are only used by advanced climbers

Answer

Rope tugs are only used on multi-pitch climbs

Question 6

What is the safest practice when a belayer is unsure whether a tug on the rope was intentional communication or rope drag?

Accepted Answer

Respond with an identical tug and wait for clarification

Answer

Assume it was intentional and act on it immediately

Answer

Ignore it and wait for a clear verbal command

Answer

Pull in all the rope to investigate

Question 7

During the partner check, whose responsibility is it to verify the climber's harness and knot?

Accepted Answer

Both partners must check each other

Answer

The belayer alone

Answer

The climber alone

Answer

The route setter or staff member