# Communication on the Wall

Part of the Climbing Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/climbing/guide/index.md)

*5. Verbal Signals*

> **5.** Explain the importance of using verbal signals during every climb and rappel, and while bouldering. With the help of the counselor or another Scout, demonstrate the verbal signals used by each of the following:

This requirement covers the verbal signals used by four roles:

- **Climbers** (5a)
- **Rappellers** (5b)
- **Belayers** (5c)
- **Boulderers and their spotters** (5d)

"Slack!" You hear the shout from forty feet up, but wind garbles the next word. Was it "Slack" or "Take"? Those two commands do opposite things — one feeds rope out, the other pulls it tight. If the belayer guesses wrong, the climber could fall or get pulled off balance. Verbal signals are not suggestions. They are the communication system that keeps everyone alive.

## Why Signals Matter

Climbing is a team activity where two people — climber and belayer — cannot always see each other. The climber may be around a corner, above an overhang, or simply too far away for casual conversation. Wind, echoes, and other climbers add noise. Standardized verbal signals cut through all of this because:

- They are **short and distinct** — each command sounds different from the others
- They are **universal** — climbers everywhere use the same words
- They create a **confirmation loop** — every command gets a response

> **Safety First!**
>
> Never skip the signal exchange. Even if you can see your belayer clearly, use verbal signals for every transition: starting to climb, needing slack, ready to lower, and coming off the wall. Assumptions cause accidents. Signals prevent them.

## Requirement 5a: Climbing Signals

These signals form a call-and-response sequence between the climber and belayer:

| Who Says It | Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| **Climber** | "On belay?" | "Am I connected to the belay system? Are you ready?" |
| **Belayer** | "Belay on." | "Yes, I have you. The system is active." |
| **Climber** | "Climbing." | "I am about to start moving up." |
| **Belayer** | "Climb on." | "Go ahead, I am managing the rope." |
| **Climber** | "Slack!" | "Give me more rope — it is too tight." |
| **Climber** | "Up rope!" or "Take!" | "Pull the rope tighter — too much slack." |
| **Climber** | "Falling!" | "I am falling — catch me!" |
| **Climber** | "Lower!" or "Take!" | "I am done — lower me to the ground." |
| **Climber** | "Off belay." | "I am safe and no longer need the belay." |
| **Belayer** | "Belay off." | "The belay system is deactivated." |

> **Tip**
>
> Use your partner's name before the signal when there are multiple climbing parties nearby. "Alex, on belay?" is much clearer than a generic "On belay?" echoing off the cliff. This prevents dangerous confusion between teams.

## Requirement 5b: Rappelling Signals

Rappelling uses a similar system. The rappeller controls their own descent, but a belayer (or backup belayer) manages a safety line below.

| Who Says It | Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| **Rappeller** | "On rappel?" | "Is the belay ready for my descent?" |
| **Belayer** | "Rappel on." | "The fireman's belay is ready. Descend when ready." |
| **Rappeller** | "Rappelling!" | "I am beginning my descent." |
| **Rappeller** | "Off rappel." | "I am down and disconnected from the rope." |
| **Belayer** | "Belay off." | "The safety line is released." |

If the rappeller needs the belayer to lock the rope (stop their descent), the belayer can pull the rope taut from below — this is called a **fireman's belay**. The rappeller shouts "Stop!" if they need to pause.

## Requirement 5c: Belayer Signals

The belayer is the silent partner through most of the climb, responding to the climber's commands. But belayers also initiate signals when needed:

| Who Says It | Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| **Belayer** | "Belay on." | Response confirming the belay is active |
| **Belayer** | "Climb on." | Response confirming the climber can begin |
| **Belayer** | "Belay off." | The belay is no longer active |
| **Belayer** | "Watch me!" | "I see something — pay attention" (used for rockfall, etc.) |
| **Anyone** | "ROCK!" | "Something is falling — protect yourself!" |

The "ROCK!" signal deserves special emphasis. It is the one signal that everyone at the crag must know and respond to instantly. When you hear "ROCK!" — do not look up. Press against the wall, tuck your head, and let your helmet do its job.

![Diagram of a climber on a wall and belayer at the base with speech bubbles showing the standard call-and-response signal sequence](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/climbing/guide/climbing-verbal-signals?v=92a4b2b9)

## Requirement 5d: Bouldering and Spotter Signals

Bouldering has no rope system, so signals are simpler — but spotting communication is critical.

| Who Says It | Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| **Boulderer** | "Spot me." | "I am about to start. Be ready." |
| **Spotter** | "Spotting." | "I am in position and paying attention." |
| **Boulderer** | "Falling!" | "I am coming off — guide me to the pad." |
| **Spotter** | "Watch your left/right." | "Move your pad — the fall line is shifting." |
| **Anyone** | "Clear!" | "Move crash pads, I am jumping down." |

### The Spotter's Role

A spotter does not catch a falling boulderer — that would injure both people. Instead, the spotter:

- Stands with arms up, hands open, ready to redirect the climber's upper body
- Guides the climber's hips and shoulders so they land feet-first on the crash pad
- Keeps the landing zone clear of gear, water bottles, and other tripping hazards
- Moves the crash pad if the climber traverses laterally

> **Did You Know?**
>
> The call "ROCK!" is used even in indoor climbing gyms when someone drops a piece of gear. Carabiners and belay devices falling from height can cause serious injuries. The protocol is the same: shout "ROCK!" and everyone below takes cover. Yelling "heads up!" is actually counterproductive because people tend to look up — directly into the path of the falling object.

## Practice Makes Automatic

You will demonstrate these signals with your counselor or another Scout. Practice them until they are automatic — in a real situation, you will not have time to think. The signals should come out as instinct, not as something you have to remember.

> **Be Prepared! Miscommunication Scenario**
>
> You are belaying and hear your climber shout something, but wind makes it unclear. Did they say "Slack" or "Take"?
>
> - **Do not guess.** Shout back: "Say again!"
> - Keep the rope in its current position until the signal is repeated clearly.
> - If you still cannot hear, ask the climber to descend to where communication is clearer.
> - This is why some climbing teams establish a backup system: two tugs on the rope means "take," three tugs means "slack."

[Petzl — Climbing Communication](https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Signals-and-communication-while-climbing): Visual guide to climbing communication signals from a leading climbing equipment manufacturer.

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- Previous: [Emergency Planning](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/climbing/guide/req4d/index.md)
- Next: [Rope Care & Management](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/climbing/guide/req6/index.md)