for a verbal confirmation from the belayer that they are ready to begin. US terminology A climber is said to be 'on belay' when they are correctly attached to the rope and the rope is correctly attached to the belayer by an appropriate belay method. Commonly-used commands in US climbing communities are: At times, it may be impossible for climbing partners to hear one another, as in bad weather, by the sea, or near a busy road. Silent belay communication is possible by tugging the rope. These are not standardized and should be communicated between belayer and climber prior to the climb. Walkie-talkies can be used in areas where communication is limited. UK terminology When the climber is tied onto the rope and is ready to climb "Ready to climb" When the belayer has attached the rope to the belay device, and is ready to belay "Climb when ready" (or in recent years, "On belay" or "Belay ready") When the climber is about to start climbing, "Climbing" When the belayer is belaying, "OK" When the slack rope is taken in by the belayer and it becomes tight and therefore the belayer doesn't need to take the rope in any more the climber says "That's me" During the climb, the climber may ask the belayer for "Slack", or to take in the rope "Take in" (the command "Take in slack" is never used as it could be misinterpreted) If the climber is about to fall and they need the belayer to know & take in the rope, they may say "Tight" for a tight rope or "Take In" to take the rope in. When the climber is in a safe position independent of the belay "Safe" or "I'm safe". When the belayer has taken the climber off belay "Off belay" Warning shouts for falling objects, "Rock!"; when throwing a rope off the edge "Rope!"; when a rock has been dislodged and is falling "Rock!" Anchoring When top rope belaying for a significantly heavier partner, it is sometimes recommended that the belayer anchor themselves to the ground. The anchor point does not prevent a fall, but prevents the belayer from being pulled upwards during a fall. This is normally not used when lead belaying. To set up this anchor the belayer should place a piece of directional protection (i.e., a nut or cam) into a crack below their body, or tie themselves