DPV (diver propulsion vehicle) Pilot
(Duration: 2 Days)
Minimum Prerequisites: Full Cave certification from a recognized certification agency and at least fifty logged cave dives beyond the cave diver level
The purpose of the DPV Pilot specialty course is to expose the trained cave diver to the basic fundamentals of safe DPV operation in underwater caves. This is achieved under the direct supervision of a qualified DPV pilot instructor. The student is able to build practical experience in the field under controlled conditions.
Safety practices, procedures, task loading, advanced gas management, basic maintenance/trouble shooting, and techniques common to most propulsion vehicles used in the unique cave environment are covered. Conservation considerations such as low impact operation are emphasized. Potential emergency situations are simulated and practiced.
A minimum of three cave dives utilizing a DPV, at two different cave systems are performed over a period of not less than 2 days. A minimum of four hours of theory will be covered during this course.
Certification is available from: NSS-CDS, NACD, IANTD.
STAGE DIVER
(Duration: 2 Days)
Minimum Prerequisites: Full Cave certification from a recognized certification agency
This course develops the participant’s skills and knowledge in extended penetration diving through the use of stage cylinders. Concentration is on practical application and experience. Longer dive exposure, decompression, task loading, more complex navigation, safety practices and procedures, conservation, advanced gas management, stage rigging, trim, streamlining, problem management, task loading, and psychological aspects are covered.
A minimum of four hours of theory is covered during this course. A minimum of three cave dives utilizing a "stage bottle" is performed at two different cave systems over a period of not less than two days.
SIDE MOUNT DIVER
(Duration: 3 Days)
Minimum Prerequisites: Full Cave certification from a recognized certification agency and at least fifty logged cave dives beyond the cave diver level
This course is designed to expose the experienced cave diver to alternative cylinder and harness configurations when back-mounted cylinders are not appropriate or available. Though considerably more complex than standard back-mount diving, side-mount has clear advantages. Only the side mount cave diver is truly self reliant. But, the inherent gas management, trim and complexity of diving independent cylinders presents a challenge to even the most experienced back-mount diver.
Safety practices, procedures, conservation, advanced gas management, equipment modification/philosophy, trim, streamlining, problem management, task loading, psychological aspects and how to build a "side mount rig" are all covered in this comprehensive program.
A minimum of three cave dives utilizing side mount configuration, in two different cave systems are performed over a period of no less than three days. A minimum of four hours of theory is covered during this course.
Certification is available from: NSS-CDS, NACD and IANTD.
UNDERWATER SURVEY
Duration: 3 days
Minimum Prerequisites: Full Cave certification from a recognized certification agency
This course is designed to provide the participants with the fundamentals of surveying underwater caves. It is intended to motivate more divers to survey caves, encourage the use of cave maps in dive planning, and increase the quality of published cave maps. Additionally, this course promotes standardization for all survey projects.
The program material reviews early surveys and the development of standards and procedures. All phases of the survey process, from conception to completion of a survey, are discussed. Topics covered in full detail include accuracy standards, composition of a survey team, use and fabrication of special tools, survey techniques and methodology, safety considerations, data recording and mathematical calculations, symbols, cartography, and copyright and publication.
A minimum of one open water survey dive and three cave survey dives are performed over a period of no less than three days. A minimum of eight hours of theory is covered during this course.
Certification is available from: NSS-CDS, NACD and IANTD.
CARTOGRAPHY
Duration: 2 days
Minimum Prerequisites: Underwater Survey Diver certification
This is a data management-oriented course and introduces the basics of underwater map presentation. The goal of this course is to develop an ability to complete the survey and map making process by actually producing a map.
This course includes a brief review or surveying technique, manual and computer aided data reduction, data verification and error correction, necessary materials and supplies, and data transformation into an actual map. Underwater activities are discussed, but no underwater skill training or evaluation is provided.
A minimum of sixteen hours of theory is covered during this course.
Certification is available from: NSS-CDS, NACD and IANTD.
TECHNICAL DIVER TRAINING
Training programs include:
- Equipment transportation to and from the dive sites (where applicable) refreshments
- lecture materials
- instructional fees
- certification fees (IANTD, TDI)
Training programs do not include
- Tanks and additional equipment (rental available if required)
- air/nitrox and O2 fills
- entrance fees to dive sites and
- personal transportation to and from dive sites
Available Courses:
- Nitrox [1 day]
- Advanced Nitrox [2 days]
- Gas blender [1 day]
- Advanced gas blender [1 day]
- Gas blender service technician [1 day]
Note: Deduct 15% of total cost for combined two or more Blending/Technician courses.
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