Who confirms readiness for lowering after a climber signals readiness?

• A. The climber confirms with a shout only.
• B. The staff member near the rope confirms by nod.
• C. The belayer confirms with controlled lowering.
• D. Nobody needs to confirm; it's automatic.

Answer: (C)

The person who controls the rope is responsible for confirming readiness to lower and doing it in a controlled way. After the climber signals that they’re ready, the belayer verifies the setup and then initiates lowering in a steady, controlled manner. This keeps the descent smooth, predictable, and safe, with the belayer maintaining tension and braking as needed.

Verbal shouting by the climber isn’t a reliable confirmation on its own, and a staff member’s nod doesn’t authorize the descent unless the belayer is the one actively managing the rope. There’s no automatic process here—the belayer’s controlled lowering is the confirmed cue to begin.