An introduction to the British Skydiving Operations Manual (Ops Manual) is an essential part of earning your B licence. You must be introduced to the Ops Manual to get your B licence signed off.
But what does that actually mean? The aim of this post is to shed some light on why this brief is so important and what the Ops Manual can empower you to do.
Why do we need to introduce you to the Ops Manual?
An introduction to the Ops Manual is important to ensure you know where to find key information related to skydiving progression, safety and lots more.
A quick ‘here’s the Ops Manual’ won’t cut it, either. It’s way more beneficial for your personal development to have a more comprehensive introduction to all the chapters of the Ops Manual, so you can easily navigate through it when you need to.
Key sections of the Ops Manual
While the Ops Manual is all important, some parts are certainly less relevant to you, depending on your interests (looking at you here, Section 9 – Flying!).
Unless you’re looking to become a jump pilot, you might not need the detail of Section 9 in your day to day skydiving life – though knowing that that is where information relevant to pilots is kept is still useful.
There are certain sections which will be useful on your skydiving journey more frequently, such as:
Section 1: Conduct and Control of Skydiving
This section is all about the conditions that must be fulfilled for skydiving to take place. We all talk about weather limits but did you know there are eleven conditions that need to be met before we can jump? You’ll find all of those in this section.
Section 2: Designation and Classification of Skydivers
This is where you’ll find the requirements for obtaining your A. B, C and D licences. It’s where you’ll find out that in order to get a B licence, you’ll need an A licence, 50 jumps, JM1 and CT1, for example. If you’re wondering what you need to do to wear a full face, or jump camera, this is the section you’ll need.
Section 3: Jumpmasters
This is where you can learn about the responsibilities of a jumpmaster. When was the last time you were JM? Do you know what your responsibilities are?
Section 4: Instructors
Feeling inspired by our incredibly wonderful team of skydiving instructors? You’ll find out how to join us here.
Section 6: Equipment
This section tells you everything you need to know about your equipment and what you’re required to have to jump. Lots of you asked whether you need a jumpsuit on over the summer – and this section is where that answer comes from.
Section 8: Skydiving Limitations
This outlines all limits to our jumping, including weather limits, opening heights and maximum altitude requirements.
Section 10: Safety
How to stay safe. Good stuff.
Section 12: Documentation
Everything you need to know about skydiving documentation – woo admin!!! There’s important stuff in here, like what form you need if you have a malfunction, how to maintain your own logbook and so on. This is good to know especially if you intend to travel, or become an instructor. Keeping on top of it regularly is much easier than trying to complete it all last minute.
Why is it a good idea to know the Ops Manual?
It’s a really good idea to know the Ops Manual well because the information contained in it will empower you to manage your own progression. By taking the time to read through the Ops Manual, you’ll get a much better understanding of what’s happening, as well as why.
As always, if you have any questions, please do ask an instructor – but now you know where you might be able to find the answers yourself.