Ladders are no longer the mainstay of techniques, only occasionally are they used. There are fixed ladders in Growling Swallet not only because the cave is filthy but also to save the effort of placing and replacing them on highly trafficked routes. To prepare for a vertical cave, a map is invaluable. Some cavers even take laminated copies of the map underground to aid in navigation. Speed itself is dangerous, rather it is efficiency which reduces the overall time spent underground.
Adequate preparation is therefore essential to vertical caving efficiency.
Most Tasmanian caves, can be done comfortably in a single day if the party is well organized. It is always worth carrying some food to offset the possibility of hypothermia. The caves of Tasmania are colder and wetter than elsewhere in Australia. With temperatures ranging from 4 C to 7 C appropriate clothing is critically important. Water-resistant overalls, made of sturdy material, are a necessity.