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Combined Services Caving Association (CSCA)
Welcome to the CSCA, where you can find out news and information on the association, how to join and forthcoming events.
Combined Services Caving Association (CSCA) Logo
History of the CSCA
The Army Caving Association (ACA) was founded in 1977. In 1991 it brought together caving in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy with the Army and became known as the Combined Services Caving Association (CSCA). A change in constitution made it easier for members of the three armed services in the United Kingdom to come together for joint caving activities.
Members of the British Services have been involved in caving going back to at least 1910 when the famous caving pioneer Dr E A Baker was trapped by floodwater in Eastwater Swallet in the Mendip Hills with a party from the Northamptonshire Regiment. Baker's writings at the time include numerous references to participation of various members of the Army in his trips to Yorkshire Dales and Ireland.
Photographs exist showing members of the armed forces dressed in bowler hats with candles and wearing boots and knee-length puttees descending caves such as Noon's Hole in Northern Ireland. After the Second World War, the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst Caving Club operated out of Fountain Cottage, Priddy. It was responsible for introducing several generations of army officers to the sport of caving.
Extra Net Site
The 'Extra Net Site' maintains details of all activities that the CSCA are involved in. It provides service cavers information about dates, locations, and provides joining instructions.
The 'Underground Forum' provides cavers the ability to discuss caving related matters.
The site provides access to CSCA publications.
In order to gain access to event details and the Underground Forum it is necessary to register and be issued a password (See Related Links - CSCA 'Extra Net Site').
Provide a link and support for cavers in the three services
As there a so few cavers between the three services, rarely will one unit have sufficient active cavers or a qualified leader to enable personnel to go caving. The CSCA can put an individual in touch with other cavers in their area and with the nearest qualified leader or instructor. Within the CSCA there is a wealth of knowledge and experience with a number of individuals having over 25 years of active caving.
The CSCA has detailed knowledge of all types of caving from exploring deep alpine cave systems to cave diving; from teaching advanced techniques to the routine caving conducted on external leadership courses. The CSCA is able to support members with expeditions and cave related projects.
Organize meets and expeditions for members
Few other caving clubs rival the CSCA for expeditions, matched only by national expeditions, most of which have included CSCA members. The association has participated in or has organised major trips (i.e. Gouffre Berger, Low's Gully in Malaysia and some pioneering exploration in Mexico, Belize and Thailand).
The CSCA runs expeditions for novice and intermediate cavers which has included Jura, Vercors and Grande Chartreuse in France. It ha s also mounted expeditions to Canada, USA, Jamaica, Peru, Brunei, Java and Sardinia.
See our Expedition Reports using the Publications link on the Right hand side of the page under Related Pages
Contributes towards cave research
The CSCA is involved in radon research. Several members who are now professionally employed as outdoor instructors for various establishments have conducted - and continue to conduct - their own radon surveys.
Provide advice on caving to the MOD, military units and individuals
The CSCA will provide advice and practical assistance to the MOD, military units and individuals. It has provided experienced cavers to assist with accident investigations. It has conducted local caver leader assessments on behalf of Joint Services Mountain Training Wing (Ripon) (JSMTW(Ripon)) in a candidate's local area and has provided external assessors to Qualify staff at the school.
The CSCA has frequently been asked for advise by units planning summer camps and has been able to put them in touch with service cave leaders and instructors who are able to give them direct assistance. The CSCA has also given advice and practical help to a number of individuals preparing for cave leader and instructor assessments.
Aims and contacts of the CSCA
- The CSCA will:
- Promote caving within the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in the UK
- Provide opportunities service cavers to widen their experience
- Provide opportunities to gain leadership qualifications
- Represent the interests of CSCA members on the regional and national bodies
- Provide a link and support for cavers in the three services
- Organize meets and expeditions for members
- Contributes towards cave research
- Provide advice on caving to the MOD, military units and individuals
For general inquiries and information:
CSCA
c/o S J Whitlock
ACDS Log Ops
Mail Point 2309
NB 2 Abbey Wood
BRISTOL
BS34 8JH
CSCA Enquiry Form
CSCA Events
All CSCA Events are detailed in the Extra Net Site (See Related Links)
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