2 days 4 dives $600
This class allows you to plan and execute dives in overhead/caverns environments with the following restrictions:
- Maximum Depth does not exceed diver’s current certification level
- Penetration is limited to the “rule of thirds,” OR 1/6th if using doubles to a maximum depth of 40 m/130 ft
- Penetration is limited to 61 linear m/200 linear ft from the surface
- Proper cavern diving equipment must be used
- Maintain a continuous guideline
- No restrictions or areas where 2 divers cannot swim side by side
*The cavern diver course is not intended to provide instruction for cave penetration*
This is an introductory course aimed at the certified diver who is interested in moving forward with overhead environment diving and expanding their diving techniques and capabilities. It covers the proper planning, procedures, techniques and hazards of cavern and overhead environment diving within the limits of light penetration, and outlines specific hazards associated with cave diving.
You’ll learn the fundamental skills necessary for all further overhead training classes.
Course prerequisites:
Open water certification with 25 logged open water dives, minimum age 18 (15 with parental consent)
What will I learn?
Over a minimum of 4 dives and several theory sessions you’ll cover
- Policy and psychological considerations of cavern diving
- Gas management procedures – including matching tank volumes/dissimilar volumes and review of dive tables and decompression theory
- Equipment considerations – options for cylinders and gear; gear configuration; correct weighting and trim, options for reels
- Communication – both hand and light signals
- Land drills – deploying line, following line, simulating emergency procedures
- In water skills – buoyancy, trim, finning techniques, deploying and following a line
- Problem solving – including emergency procedures, equipment failures and dealing with silt
- Accident analysis
- Cavern diving etiquette
- Cavern environment and conservation