Dynamic Directionals-One of the Great Inventions in Rescue and Rigging

Written By: Lance Piatt

Dynamic Directionals (a type of offset) are useful in adjusting the main line and belay from above the rescue page or in some cases, from across a gap or chasm.

The use of this system usually requires a fair amount of horsepower, at least a mechanical advantage of 6:1 or 9:1, but not always. As seen in a few of our Horizontal Rigging courses, a 5:1 was perfect.

For gaps, a minor dynamic directional anchor may not require a belay for the point of horizontal influence, however the belay option may be put into use based on the decision that the dynamic directional is indeed a critical safety element of the overall operation. The key question you must ask is, if the dynamic directional were to fail, would the the pendulum effect of the main line cause serious injury to the rescue load?

Note: The Dynamic Directional may also be controlled from the mainline side by utilizing a change of direction pulley at this location.

As always… rig safely and once the foundations are understood… be creative!

Peace on your days…

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About The Author:

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.

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