About the Course

The use of elevated anchors or Artificial High Directionals (AHDs) is a mandatory requirement of NFPA 1670 for rope technicians. Do you know how to successfully — and confidently — use this invaluable piece of equipment?

As with all anchor systems, we must have a complete working knowledge of force vector analysis and resultant management. Gin Poles with Tom Wood & Vertical Rescue Solutions was specifically designed around building a Monopod or Gin Pole and incorporates the necessary guying systems and separate anchor points needed to deploy this bomber anchor system. Elevated anchors are designed specifically for edge management or lessening edge trauma. The product referenced in this course is the TerrAdaptor from PMI-SMC.

Learn from One of the Best in the Industry

Learn more about Gin Poles expert instructor

  • Tom Wood

    Rigging Lab Academy Instructor | Training Manager for PMI's Vertical Rescue Solutions

    Tom Wood

    Tom Wood is the Industrial Project Manager for Harken Industrial. A 20 year veteran of the Alpine Rescue Team in Evergreen, Colorado, he also serves as a Terrestrial Rescue Delegate to the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) on behalf of the Mountain Rescue Association and is certified to American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level 2. Medically certified as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), he is a Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Level 3, a SPRAT Board member and a SPRAT Evaluator candidate. A National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) Practical Examiner, Tom is also a freelance writer, published author, and photographer. He has a degree in Photojournalism from Kent State University and is a former Combat Photographer for the USMCR. He lives with his wife Maren and their three children in Morrison, Colorado.

Course Curriculum

  • 1
    Unit 1: Welcome
  • 2
    Unit 2: Gin Pole Usage Overview
  • 3
    Unit 3: Gin Pole Componenents Overview
    • 3.1 Gin Pole Components Overview
    • 3.2 Video Tutorial: Guide to the SMC PMI and Skedco Gin Pole Kit
  • 4
    Unit 4: Gin Pole Support Legs, Part 1
    • 4.1 Mariners Hitch Leg
    • 4.2 Video Tutorial: Mariners Hitch Leg
  • 5
    Unit 5: Gin Pole Support Legs, Part 2
    • 5.1 Advanced Tech Haul System
    • 5.2 Video Tutorial: Advanced Haul System
  • 6
    Unit 6: Gin Pole Support Legs, Part 3
    • 6.1 Progress Capture Leg
    • 6.2 Video Tutorial: Implementing a Progress Capture in a Three-to-One Tensioning System
  • 7
    Unit 7: Gin Pole Support Legs, Part 4
    • 7.1 Truckers Hitch
    • 7.2 Video Tutorial: Optimizing Tension with a Trucker's Hitch in Rope Rigging

Added Perks

Additional features Rigging Lab Academy Members are enjoying

  • Certificate of Completion

    Download your personalized Certificate of Completion after completing the course.

  • 100% Self-Paced

    Go through the course material as fast or as slow as you'd like.

  • Private Discussion Board

    Ask questions, meet other students, and even chat with the course instructor.

What Students Are Saying

  • Very good

    Stephen Lawson

    Thanks for talking clearly and going over all the details, Tom!

    Thanks for talking clearly and going over all the details, Tom!

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