“Off belay” is a climbing command that means “I am safe and you can take me off belay.” The command is said by the climber to his belayer after he is in a safe place, anchored to belay anchors, and no longer needs to be belayed from below.
“Off Belay” Used by the Lead Climber
It’s important for the lead climber to communicate when he reaches a belay ledge after leading a pitch. When you reach a belay ledge 150 feet up, it’s important that you let your belayer know when you’re safely tied into your anchors by yelling down “Off belay.” Then, after you have put your partner on belay with the climbing rope, you say to the climber below, “On belay.” When the climber below knows that he’s safe, he can take apart his anchor and begin climbing. The usual response after hearing the leader say “Off belay” is for the belayer below to shout up to the climber above: “Belay off.”
Keep The Lead Climber on Belay—Don’t Make Assumptions
It’s very important that the belayer always keeps the lead climber on belay until he is totally sure of the climber’s intentions. If wind or a rushing creek drowns out sounds, the belayer may not understand the commands or words the climber above is shouting down. In this situation, it’s best to be prudent and keep the climber on belay until you, the belayer, are absolutely sure that the leader is safe and “Off belay.” Accidents happen because of assumptions about what is happening out of sight and sound. Communicate with the right commands and stay safe.
