Safety First, Adventure Always
Training & Tour Safety
Since 1994, The Original Canopy Tour has pioneered the world's highest standards in zipline safety, training, and operations. Our commitment to safety is unwavering, and our training program is the most comprehensive in the industry.
Our Safety Philosophy
Original Canopy Tour Safety is based primarily on the philosophies and techniques used in high angle rescue safety. We are not about "men of steel" braving rock and ice; we're about moms and dads, kids, grandparents, and newlyweds having a wonderful experience on their holiday. We have a tremendous responsibility to these people. When we make safety decisions, we are morally bound to err on the side of caution. The redundancy of the "parachute-and-fire-extinguisher-for-every-passenger" approach may seem unnecessary to some, but when your grandmother is on board, it doesn't seem like enough. Our goal is to make sure the plane doesn't crash—this is 99% of what Original Canopy Tour Safety is all about.
World-Class Safety Standards
We pioneered the canopy tour industry and continue to set the global benchmark for safety excellence
Equipment Excellence
Only the best equipment of the highest quality available on the market, manufactured by reputable companies that meet or exceed UIAA, NFPA, or CE standards for climbing equipment. All materials and techniques are used within manufacturers' suggested recommendations and specifications.
Comprehensive Training
Our 200-hour training program plus 50-hour apprenticeship is the most thorough and intensive in the industry. System Operators are not just guides—they're professionals trained in all aspects of personal and client safety, working at heights, client psychology, and emergency procedures.
Rigorous Inspections
Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections supported by complete documentation. Tour elements are continuously monitored by System Operators, and complete franchise inspections occur every 6 months with constant communication and reporting.
Double Redundancy
All personnel connected to safety lines at all times. Double line redundancy crossover system used by System Operators on themselves and customers without exception. Customers never handle safety equipment directly—all connections managed by certified professionals.
System Operator Training Program
The most comprehensive zipline training program in the world—250 total hours of intensive preparation
Foundation & Equipment Mastery
Introduction to OCT philosophy, safety objectives, and comprehensive equipment training. Trainees learn personal safety rules, communication protocols, and begin skill development in controlled environments.
- Orientation & safety objectives
- Equipment introduction and general use
- Personal safety rules and checks
- Communication protocols
- Independent movement through tour (supervised)
Client Safety & Connection Techniques
Focus on working with clients safely. Extensive practice connecting clients to elements with safety checks, accident prevention, and proper use of ascending devices in low-level environments.
- Safety rules with clients
- Connecting clients with safety checks
- Accident prevention protocols
- Guide equipment setup
- Low-level practice environment
Inspection & Emergency Procedures
Learn equipment and tour area inspection protocols, client relations philosophy, public speaking, emergency procedures, and company policies while practicing all skills on the actual tour.
- Equipment inspection and care
- Tour area inspection protocols
- Client relations & public speaking
- Emergency procedures
- Send and receive clients on some elements
Advanced Skills & Client Relations
Master rope and tape work, knots, handling fearful clients, dissatisfied clients, and difficult situations. By week's end, trainees can send and receive clients on all tour elements.
- Rope and tape introduction
- Knot tying and care
- Handling fearful clients
- Managing difficult situations
- Full element proficiency achieved
Apprenticeship & Evaluation
50 hours of supervised work with real clients under the Chief System Operator. Final evaluation includes written exams (95% required for safety), practical exams (75%), oral equipment exam (75%), and subjective evaluation of attitude and safety awareness.
- Real tour operations with supervision
- Written exam on safety (95% to pass)
- Practical exams (75% to pass)
- Oral equipment exam (75% to pass)
- Final qualification by Chief SO
OCT Safety Standards
Comprehensive standards covering every aspect of tour design, construction, and operation
Design & Construction
Site selection to platform installation follows strict standards. Approved materials meet manufacturer specifications. Only the highest quality equipment from reputable companies.
Personnel Qualification
Only qualified System Operators and supervised apprentices work with clients. 200-hour course plus 50-hour apprenticeship required before working independently.
Security Procedures
Globally recognized high-angle industry techniques. Safety is the administration's top priority. Double line redundancy without exception for all connections.
Documentation
Complete records of all inspections with date, time, and inspector. Registry of equipment retirement and service cycles. Daily, weekly, and monthly reports required.
Equipment Lifecycle
Any equipment subject to shock loading, chemical exposure, or end of service cycle is immediately retired, marked indelibly, or destroyed to prevent reuse.
Environmental Care
Balance adventure with environmental responsibility. Platforms designed to protect trees. Education on local ecology integrated into every tour experience.
Core Safety Requirements
Non-negotiable safety protocols that every System Operator must follow
Safety Talk Mandatory
Qualified representative delivers approved safety talk to all participants at tour start. Clients must understand requirements for duration of tour.
Constant Connection
All personnel connected to safety lines at all times. No exceptions. Double line redundancy crossover system used universally.
No Client Equipment Handling
Customers never handle safety equipment. All connections, adjustments, and transfers managed exclusively by certified System Operators.
Continuous Monitoring
System Operators continuously inspect tour elements during operation. Immediate reporting of any concerns or irregularities to Chief SO or Master.
Equipment Storage
All equipment stored according to manufacturer recommendations. Protected from UV exposure, chemicals, and environmental damage when not in use.
Emergency Preparedness
All System Operators trained in emergency evacuation and rescue techniques. Crisis communication plan in place with clear chain of command.
Training Course Sessions
Five comprehensive modules covering every aspect of safe tour operation
Session 1: Equipment
Multiple modules covering all equipment used on and around tour areas. Learn efficient and safe operation with practice in low-angle and high-angle environments. Knowledge reinforced throughout 150-hour course and apprenticeship.
Session 2: Tour Area
Essential knowledge of tour layout, platform locations, cable systems, and environmental features. Foundation for all subsequent training and safe tour operations.
Session 3: Safety
The most important session—differentiates OCT from competition. Comprehensive safety protocols that can save lives. Conditions of employment depend on mastery of these rules. 95% exam score required to pass.
Session 4: Operations
How to work with and without clients. Focus on client care—the reason we have jobs. Without clients, there is no tour. Learn to balance safety with exceptional customer experience.
Session 5: Regulations
Company safety rules and regulations for smooth operations. Copyright-protected course material for OCT use only. Clear expectations for employment and professional conduct.
Advanced Training
Additional 50 hours covering first aid and high-angle rescue techniques. Required for Chief System Operator status. Conducted at location under experienced supervision.
Experience the Safest Adventure
With over 30 years of pioneering safety excellence and 500,000+ happy adventurers, you're in the safest hands in the industry. Every System Operator undergoes 250 hours of intensive training to ensure your experience is both thrilling and secure.
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