About the Course

An understanding of mechanical advantage systems — in raising and lower modes — is crucial to all rope rescue technicians. Dealing with Mass and Force is aspects of consequence if not considered during operations. Working with tensioned anchor systems, guying systems, high directionals, load positioning and litter movement all come into play when building mainline systems. If these are areas of concern for you — or simply areas in your rigging and rope rescue knowledge that you'd like to strengthen — this course is for you. 

What You'll Learn

Join us inside Mainline Systems where we'll dive into must-know material on:

  • Understanding the effects of gravity and friction on mainline systems

  • Mechanical Advantage Theory

  • Terms and definitions of mechanical advantage systems

  • Types of pulley systems

  • How and when to use Long Line MA Systems

  • How and when to use Block and Tackle Systems

  • Calculating tension force using the T-Method

  • And more!

Course Curriculum

  • 1
    Unit 1: A Brave New World
    • 1.1 Understanding Your Mainline Systems
    • 1.2 Pre-plan the Working Line
    • 1.3 Analyzing a Rope Rescue System
    • 1.4 The T-Method For Calculating Mechanical Advantage
    • 1.5 T-Method Calculation Within a Dynamic System Safety Factor
    • 1.6 Determining Potential Forces in a System
    • 1.7 Shock Loading
    • 1.8 Actual Mechanical Advantage
    • 1.9 Selecting a System Safety Factor
  • 2
    Unit 2: Mechanical Advantage and Pulley Systems
    • 2.1 Pulley Systems And A Few Differences In Set Ups
    • 2.2 Video Tutorial: Mechanical Advantage, Part 1
    • 2.3 Video Tutorial: Mechanical Advantage, Part 2
    • 2.4 Video Tutorial: Mechanical Advantage, Part 3
    • 2.5 Video Tutorial: Raise Systems During a Two Rope Offset, Part 4
    • 2.6 Video Tutorial: Revealed Concepts of Mechanical Advantage
    • 2.7 Video Tutorial: Theoretical Mechanical Advantage
  • 3
    Unit 3: Moving Systems
    • 3.1 Guiding Wisdom of Raising Systems & Mechanical Advantage
    • 3.2 Mechanical Advantage Systems
    • 3.3 Safety Check
    • 3.4 Operating a Haul System from an Operations Perspective
    • 3.5 Very Cool Systems - Floating the Litter Using an A-Frame and Gin Pole Trackline
    • 3.6 Very Cool Systems - Dynamic Directional Offset System Using an A-Frame and Natural High Directional
    • 3.7 Very Cool Systems - Trackline Skate Block Using Gin Pole/Monopod AHD
    • 3.8 Very Cool Systems - Team Scenario - High Angle Two Rope Lower to a Trackline
  • 4
    Unit 4: Lowering Systems Low to Mid Angle
    • 4.1 What is a Lowering System?
    • 4.2 Low Angle Rope Rescue Overview
    • 4.3 The Low Angle Lowering Operations
    • 4.4 Low Angle Rope Rescue Systems
    • 4.5 Low to Steep Angle Litter Trackline Lower Evacuation
    • 4.7 Lowering Systems and Gear Options
    • 4.8 Clutch Lowering Systems
    • 4.9 MPD Lowering Systems
    • Using the CMC 3D
    • Using the Brake Bar Rack
  • 5
    Unit 5 Lowering Systems - Mid to Steep Angle
    • 5.1 Mid to High Angle Rope Rescue Overview
    • 5.2 High Angle Rope Rescue System
    • 5.3 The System Broken Down Into Segments
  • 6
    Unit 6: Twin Tension Rope System
    • 6.1 Mirrored or Two Tension Raising Systems
    • 6.2 Twin Tension Rope System Lowering Options Using an Auto Lock System
    • 6.3 Twin Tension Rope System Lowering and Hauling Options Using an Auto-Lock Device
    • 6.4 Video Tutorial: Mirrored Skate Block Overview
    • 6.5 Video Tutorial: Mirrored Skate Block Top Anchor Considerations
    • 6.6 Video Tutorial: Mirrored Skate Block-Configuration of the Bottom Anchor System
    • 6.7 Video Tutorial: V Anchor System for Mirrored & Twin Tension Systems
    • 6.8 Video Tutorial: Twin Tension Mirrored System in Class 4 Litter Movement
  • 7
    Unit 7: Winch & Capstan Part 1
    • 7.1 Winch & Capstan
    • 7.2 Video Tutorial: Harken Riggers Winch General Information
    • 7.3 Video Tutorial: Loading the Harken Riggers Winch
    • 7.4 Video Tutorial: Harken Riggers Winch Moving from Descent Mode to Raise Mode
    • 7.5 Video Tutorial: Skyhook Rescue Systems Spec Ops Winch
    • 7.6 Video Tutorial: Industrial Track Line: Bottom Section - Skyhook Winch
  • 8
    Unit 8: Winch & Capstan Part 2
    • 8.1 Harken Riggers & LockHead Winch Introduction Part 1 - Raise and Lowering
    • 8.2 Harken Riggers & LokHead Winch Introduction Part 2
    • 8.3 LokHead and Riggers Winches: Usage Techniques
  • 9
    Unit 9: Wrap Up
    • 9.1 Wrap Up
    • 9.2 Mainline Rescue Key Terms

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

  • Great course

    Gabriel Jimenez

    I can remember so many things with this course. Thanks for all the support!

    I can remember so many things with this course. Thanks for all the support!

    Read Less

  • Rigging the Hauling System

    John Lindstrom

    In video 6.4 Pat Rhodes demonstrates the proper method of rigging a block and tackle (Aztec) with the pulleys at right angles to prevent the lines from cross...

    Read More

    In video 6.4 Pat Rhodes demonstrates the proper method of rigging a block and tackle (Aztec) with the pulleys at right angles to prevent the lines from crossing and creating friction. In video 6.5 the slack line instructor rigs the pulley in the same plane, and ends up with a rope crossing another. When I teach block rigging I always start with the blocks at right angles (Pat’s method), and immediately anchor the rope to define whether the MA will be even or odd. I finish with the attachment of the progress capture device.

    Read Less