CAVERN DIVER (Duration: 3 Days) Minimum Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water Certification or equivalent, competence in buoyancy control and a minimum of 50 to 100 logged open-water dives. "Cavern diving" is defined as diving that takes place within sight of a natural light source (the sun) and within 200 linear feet of an open water surface. The Cavern Diver course is an entry-level program to the overhead environment. It is a comprehensive three-day program designed to develop the minimum skills and knowledge for cavern diving, and describes the dangers involved with cave diving. Conservation, dive planning, environment, procedures, techniques, problem solving, and other specialized needs of cavern diving are covered.

Problem solving in cavern diving skill development includes, but is not limited to body positioning (trim), buoyancy control, emergency procedures, line following, the use of reels, and propulsion techniques. Accident analysis forms the basis of this learning experience. Special emphasis on the unique environment includes silting, entanglement, disorientation, and equipment modifications. The Cavern Diver course is in no way intended to provide instruction for cave diving.

The candidate's skill is reviewed and basic cavern diving techniques introduced during a "check-out dive" in the open water. Then, a minimum of four separate cavern dives are conducted in at least two completely different cavern systems. These dives are designed to develop the candidate’s skill in the overhead environment while introducing them to the fascinating, exhilarating, and remarkably beautiful ambiance of the cenotes.

Knowledge development takes place in a non-stressful and relaxed atmosphere. Upon completion, the student is required to complete a written exam.

Certification is available from: NSS-CDS, NACD, and IANTD.

PRICES

STUDENTS TO PROVIDE:

	BCD, regulator, two small backup lights
	Exposure suit, mask, fins, dive computer, dive watch/computer or other timing device, cutting device

COURSE FEES INCLUDE:

	Equipment transport to and from the dive sites (originating at dive center).
	Classroom materials / student work book.
	Iced water.
	Personalized instruction.
	Single tanks and air.
	On site first aid and oxygen.
	Certification fees with one agency.

Additional Certifications @ $30.00 each.
Additional equipment hire available if required.
All prices in US dollars.  Government and local taxes included.
Site entrance fees are not included (average fee is $8.00 per site).
Additional days, if required, are prorated based on normal course fees.

INTRODUCTION TO CAVE DIVER
(Duration: 3 Days)
Minimum Prerequisite: Cavern Diver Certification

"Cave diving" is defined as diving that takes place either beyond natural light or beyond 200 linear feet from the open water surface.

This three-day program covers the basic principles of cave diving. Accident analysis forms the basis of the training. This course is aimed at perfecting basic skills and the mastering techniques and procedures required for the most elementary cave dives. Cave dives are planned around very limited penetrations so the diver may progress into cave diving at a conservative pace. The Intro to Cave Diving course is not intended to train divers for all levels of cave diving.

This course develops the minimum skills and knowledge required for limited penetration. Conservation, dive planning, cave environment, procedures, techniques, problem solving, and other specialized needs of cavern and cave diving are covered. The dangers of "unsafe" practices and more advanced aspects of cave diving are discussed.

Skills training in the Intro to Cave course includes, but is not limited to body positioning (trim), buoyancy control, emergency procedures, line following, propulsion techniques, the use of reels and problem solving. Special emphasis on the unique environment includes silting, entanglement, disorientation, and equipment modifications.

After an open water evaluation and a cave diving techniques and orientation dive has been completed, a minimum of four full cave dives are performed in a minimum of two different cave systems. These dives are designed to further develop the skill level and extend the cavern diver’s competence from the cavern into the "cave zone". Limitations are placed on distance, depth, passage size and complexity at this level. Nonetheless, a satisfactory level of competence and skill must be demonstrated in order to qualify for certification.

Knowledge development takes place in a non-stressful and relaxed atmosphere. Upon completion, the student is required to complete a written exam.

Certification is available from NSS-CDS, NACD, and IANTD.

PRICES

STUDENTS TO PROVIDE:

	Backplate, harness, wing, and regulators set up for twin tanks
	Primary canister light, two small backup lights, 400' primary reel, two backup spools at least 80' long each, line markers
	Exposure suit with pouch/thigh pockets, mask, fins, depth gauge, dive watch, other timing device, cutting device, decompression dive tables

COURSE FEES INCLUDE:

	Equipment transport to and from the dive sites (originating at dive center).
	Classroom materials / student work book.
	Iced water.
	Personalized instruction.
	Double tanks and air.
	On site first aid and oxygen.
	Certification fees with one agency.

Additional Certifications @ $30.00 each.
Additional days, if required, are prorated based on normal course fees.
Additional equipment hire available if required.
Site entrance fees are not included (average fee is $8.00 per site).
All prices in US dollars.  Government and local taxes included.

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APPRENTICE TO CAVE DIVER
(Duration: 3 Days)
Minimum Prerequisite: Intro to Cave Diver Certification

This is the third in a series of cave diver development training courses. Emphasis is placed on dive planning and skill refinement through actual cave dives. Techniques learned through the earlier Introduction to Cave Diving and Cavern Diver courses are critiqued and expanded. Exposure to different cave diving scenarios is the foundation of this training.

If deemed necessary, an open-water evaluation and orientation dive is completed to review cave diving techniques. A minimum of four full cave dives are performed in a minimum of three different cave systems. These dives are intended to further develop the skills of the introductory cave diver. Competencies are extended through exposure to more complex full cave diving techniques such as "jumps", "gaps", depth, limited decompression, increased distance and the full use of accessible gas in a set of double tanks.

Knowledge development takes place in a non-stressful and relaxed atmosphere. Upon completion the student may be required to complete a written exam.

The Apprentice Cave Diver course represents the first half of the training ultimately required to complete the Cave Diver level. This program introduces students to the fundamental principles of full cave diving, but is not intended to cover all facets of full cave diving. Upon completion of the course, a temporary training card is issued. Students are highly encouraged to move on to the next level of training before attempting to plan and execute more complex dives.

PRICES:

STUDENTS TO PROVIDE:

	Backplate, harness, wing, and regulators set up for twin tanks
	Primary canister light, two small backup lights, 400' primary reel, two backup spools at least 80' long each, line markers
	Exposure suit with pouch/thigh pockets, mask, fins, depth gauge, dive watch, other timing device, cutting device, decompression dive tables

COURSE FEES INCLUDE:

	Equipment transport to and from the dive sites (originating at dive center).
	Classroom materials / student work book.
	Iced water.
	Personalized instruction.
	Double tanks and air.
	On site first aid and oxygen.
	Certification fees with one agency.

Additional Certifications @ $30.00 each
Additional days, if required, are prorated based on normal course fees
Additional equipment hire available if required
Site entrance fees are not included (average fee is $8.00 per site)
All prices in US dollars.  Government and local taxes included.

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CAVE DIVER COURSE
(Duration: 3 Days)
Minimum Prerequisite: Apprentice To Cave Diver Certification

This is the fourth and final course in the cave diver development curriculum. Exposure to more sophisticated, demanding and complex cave diving scenarios is the foundation to "safe cave diving" at this level of training.

During the three-day agenda, complex cave dive planning and execution is emphasized. Techniques learned during the previous training levels are refined in more challenging cave diving environments. Specialized cave diving methods may be introduced at this level.

If deemed necessary, an open-water evaluation and orientation dive is completed to review cave diving techniques. A minimum of four full cave dives are performed in a minimum of three different cave systems.

Participants will perform and participate in line gaps/jumps, circuits, traverses, "Y’s and T’s", decompression procedures, restrictions, and low visibility situations. These dives are intended to bring together all aspects and facets of preceding training and experience. All limitations of the previous levels of training are withdrawn. Upon completion, the successful candidate will be qualified as a full cave diver.

Knowledge development takes place in a non-stressful and relaxed atmosphere. Upon completion, the student will be required to complete a written exam covering all earlier programs as well as newly developed academic knowledge.

Certification is available from NSS-CDS, NACD and IANTD.

PRICES:

STUDENTS TO PROVIDE:

	Backplate, harness, wing, and regulators set up for twin tanks
	Primary canister light, two small backup lights, 400' primary reel, two backup spools at least 80' long each, line markers
	Exposure suit with pouch/thigh pockets, mask, fins, depth gauge, dive watch, other timing device, cutting device, decompression dive tables

COURSE FEES INCLUDE:

	Equipment transport to and from the dive sites (originating at dive center).
	Classroom materials / student work book.
	Iced water.
	Personalized instruction.
	Double tanks and air.
	On site first aid and oxygen.
	Certification fees with one agency.

Additional Certifications @ $30.00 each
Additional days, if required, are prorated based on normal course fees
Additional equipment hire available if required
Site entrance fees are not included (average fee is $8.00 per site)
All prices in US dollars.  Government and local taxes included.

back to top