Welcome to CSRTA
The Confined Space Rescue Trade Association (CSRTA) was established as a non-profit, member-led organisation dedicated to advancing safety, competence, and professionalism in confined space rescue operations across all industries. This Constitution and Bylaws outline the objectives, membership structure, governance model, and operational principles of the Association.
Our Commitment to Confined Space Safety, Rescue and Recovery
At the Confined Space Rescue Trade Association (CSRTA), the safety of confined space entrants is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the highest standards of training, operational competence, and rescue readiness across the industry.
Through collaboration with our members, regulators, and safety professionals, we work to ensure that all confined space activities are carried out in accordance with best practice, legal compliance, and continuous improvement.
By driving forward nationally recognised standards, supporting robust qualification frameworks, and advocating for the welfare of those working in high-risk environments, CSRTA stands as a voice for safety, professionalism, and accountability in confined space rescue.
Welcome to the CSRTA development pathway
Within the confined space rescue industry, initial certification plays an important role in establishing a common baseline of knowledge and understanding. As individuals move into operational environments, additional skills are typically developed through experience, exposure to real work activities, and learning alongside more experienced personnel.
This development has traditionally occurred through informal on the job learning, which, while valuable, can vary in structure and consistency across organisations and sites.
The CTRSA development pathway provides a structured and endorsed framework that supports this professional development. It is designed to complement accredited training by formalising workplace learning and supporting progression in line with national occupational standards and recognised industry practice.
Click here to download a PDF of how the pathway is structured
Verified Rescue Team Operator (VRTO1) Achievement and Progressions
VRTO1 – Verified Rescue Team Operator Level 1 is a focused, single-day course designed to build on existing accredited confined space qualifications.
It bridges the gap between formal certification and real-world confined space rescue practice. The course develops practical capability, operational awareness, and disciplined teamwork. VRTO1 supports safe and compliant working within established rescue and entry arrangements. Training is aligned with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, ACOP L101, and current industry guidance.
On completion, you will have obtained skills in:
- Understanding hazards, risk controls and environmental considerations including your legal responsibilities.
- Enhanced skills in fall protection, use of harnesses and associated legislative standards
- Basic knots in common use for confined space operations
- Mechanical advantage systems
- Atex Equipment
- Communication using the phonetic alphabet and lost communication procedure
- Operations including flowing water, identifying hazards and implementing risk controls
- Interpretation of Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) including how to review and update
Entry requires prior accredited confined-space and first-aid qualifications, plus medical fitness. VRTO1 is recognised as an operational module in its own right. It also provides a structured progression route into advanced rescue specialisms within VRTO2.
VRTO2 – Verified Rescue Team Operator Level 2
VRTO2 is an advanced progression for operatives who have completed VRTO1 and are moving into higher-risk rescue roles. It develops practical, technical, and medical capabilities beyond core confined-space qualifications.
VRTO2 is delivered through two specialist, single-day modules to support flexible development. Each module enhances real-world rescue competence in complex, demanding environments. Training reflects operational reality, not just procedural knowledge.
On completion you will have obtained skills in:
Confined Space First Response
- Critical incident decision making
- Working with other agencies
- Recognition and treatment of atmospheric injuries
- Recognition and treatment of chemical injuries
- Dealing with entrapment injury
- Prolonged medical care provision
- Obtaining basic observations, documentation and handovers
- Intermediate Life Support provision in low visibility or challenging conditions
- Trauma management within a confined space
Rope systems
- Plan, prepare and use:
- Access and egress safe systems of work
- Work restraint
- Work positioning
- Fall arrest
- Rope and mechanical advantage systems
- Powered rope systems
- Edge protection
- Selection and inspection of equipment
- Rescue of suspended casualties
- Advanced stretcher applications
- Phased rescues
The programme supports confident decision-making and disciplined team coordination. VRTO2 prepares operatives to function as senior members of a rescue team. Delivery is aligned with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, ACOP L101, and national standards.
Entry requires completion of VRTO1, advanced first aid competence, and medical fitness. Each module stands alone as a recognised qualification. Completing both modules awards full VRTO2 certification.
VRTO2 forms a clear pathway toward leadership and specialist rescue roles.
Specialist Endorsements – Single-Module Achievement
CSRTA recognises that not all roles require the complete VRTO2 programme. For this reason, each VRTO2 module can be completed as a standalone specialist award. Successful completion results in a formal CSRTA specialist endorsement.
Endorsements build on the VRTO1 foundation and confirm advanced, role-specific capability. They recognise either technical rope-based rescue skills or confined space medical competence.
Each endorsement is issued with a distinctive CSRTA badge for clear visual identification. This allows employers and team leaders to verify specialist strengths quickly. The modular approach supports targeted development aligned to operational needs. Operators can focus on mission-specific skills without unnecessary duplication.
Endorsements maintain safety-critical standards and regulatory alignment. They form part of a structured professional development pathway.
Operators may complete the remaining module at any time to achieve full VRTO2 certification.
VRTL – Verified Rescue Team Leader
VRTL denotes the progression from advanced rescue operative to full command and leadership in confined-space rescue operations. Delivered over 2 days it builds on the technical and medical competence developed through VRTO1 and VRTO2.
This role focuses on planning, coordination, and decision-making rather than hands-on task delivery. VRTL confirms the ability to lead teams in complex, high-risk environments.
Training reflects the realities of command under pressure.
Emphasis is placed on operational control, communication discipline, and legal compliance. Team Leaders are prepared to manage people, equipment, and overall rescue arrangements.
On completion you will have obtained skills in:
- Inspection and validation of rescue arrangements
- Conducting, recording and verifying the point of work risk assessments
- Briefing and de-briefing personnel
- Coordination of staff, clients, stake holders and external agencies
- Incident management and supervision of rescue teams
- Prioritisation of casualty extrication during multi-casualty incidents
- Leadership and management of incident response and investigation
The programme supports confident leadership during dynamic and evolving incidents. VRTL is aligned with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, ACOP L101, and industry standards.
VRTM - Verified Rescue Team Manager
VRTM represents the highest level of leadership and strategic oversight within confined space rescue operations. It progresses beyond team command into full organisational responsibility.
The role focuses on governance, planning, and assurance of safe rescue arrangements.
VRTM confirms its ability to manage complex, multi-site operations. Emphasis is placed on legal compliance, operational readiness, and resilience. Managers are prepared to oversee systems, people, and resources at scale.
Training reflects real-world decision-making in high-risk environments. The role supports confident leadership during major or multi-agency incidents. VRTM aligns with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and ACOP L101.
Entry requires advanced leadership skills and significant experience in confined spaces. Candidates must demonstrate strong technical and operational foundations. VRTM represents the strategic leadership pathway within the CSRTA framework.
This tiered structure reflects CSRTA’s commitment to flexible, progressive learning that recognises both broad and specialist competence. It enables organisations to structure rescue teams with the right balance of skills, ensuring that each operator is both safe and effective in their assigned role. Whether choosing a single specialism or advancing to full VRTO2 status, every pathway represents professional growth, enhanced capability, and formal recognition within the confined space rescue industry.
Flexible Development and Industry Recognition
The Confined Space Rescue Trade Association (CSRTA) plays a unique role in the confined space rescue industry, promoting the highest standards of safety, competence, and ethical practice.
As a not-for-profit body, our mission is to develop and uphold consistent, nationally recognised standards for training, certification, and operational readiness in the specialist field of confined space rescue.
We are committed to representing the sector with integrity, ensuring that rescue arrangements are robust, suitable, sufficient, immediate and compliant with UK legislation and rooted in real-world confined space operational needs.
Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, CSRTA is working to transform the confined space rescue industry into a safer, more accountable sector. We aim to inspire a culture that prioritises professionalism, continuous development, and the shared responsibility of safeguarding life in high-risk environments.
Our Mission Statement
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