I got tired of being a dumb logger, so the last two days have been spent in another part of the country, trying to get through the ISA/ETW certification.
Even though I'm just a dumb logger, I've been doing all kind of treework, for a long time and had it as an interest outside of work as well.
So I didn't expect to have much trouble with the 8 practical and theoretical tests.
I was cruising through them, still not worried and even able to joke a bit ( Actually more than a bit, see below) with the cencors, so I felt that all was good.
When I did the oral test (Is it just me, or does that sound a bit dirty?) the first question I drew was : " Explain CODIT, what it is and what it does"
I have these two VERY serious gentlemen sitting there, waiting for me to expound.
One was a British observer, here to make sure the Danes don't slack off and lower the standards.
So, out of politenes to him, I spoke English ( American, actually).
Anyway, I looked down at the paper with the question on it, and started explaining how, back in the late 60es, when the Western European states started gettting together around a trade union, the EF, which later ( Unfortunately) turned into a political union, the EU ( Even though the original vote was about trade, and the populations of the various member countries, have NEVER been given the right to vote about the political union.........sorry, I disgress) The east block countries of course felt threatened by what they rightfully saw as a trade oriented parrallel to NATO and started their own trade union under the name of CODIT in order to be able to counter any western import taxes on eastern goods with taxes of their own, but turned the other way.
I looked up, and both of them looked like someone had hit them over the head with a brick
Honestly, you should have seen them, it was so funny.They honestly didn't know whether to shit or go blind.
Of course I went on to properly explain CODIT and all their other questions and passed that one with flying colors, like the rest of the tests. ( Not that dumb of a logger, after all
)
So the last test I'm missing, is the practical climbing test, which I figured was a piece of cake eaten on a walk in the park, since I've been climbing for 32 years, have a reputation of being able to do the bad ones and have been on several trips to the BIG trees. I mean, bring it on, boys!
I flunked it!
Turned out that 2 years ago , there had been a EU rule implemented, that all climbing gear had to be EU CE marked.
Since most of my gear is bought in the US, They wouldn't/couldn't let me climb on it. and had to fail me for showing up with gear that5 was not in compliance with current rules.
Richard fell by the same rule.
So, next summmer I have to go back and take a practical climbing test, that to be honest, I can pass with both hands tied on my back and a mid size heifer tied to my right leg in order to be a certified arborist.
Strange world, ain't it
