INTRODUCTION TO CAVE DIN:

Approximately 2 days (beyond Cavern Diver)

III. PREREQUISITE:

NSS Cavern Diver certification and proof of some form of advanced open water training or the equivalent.

IV. LECTURE:

A review of the Cavern Diver program with emphasis placed on the differing techniques and procedures used in a cave. An introduction to the basic guideline configurations typically found inside of popular cave diving locations. An increased awareness of the delicate nature of the cave system will be included. Additional techniques required to minimize potential damage to the cave system will be presented.

V. RECOMMENDED TEXT:

Basic Cave Diving - A Blueprint for Survival

VI. LAND DRILLS:

Use of a safety reel in lost diver procedures

VII. CAVE DIVES:

Four (4) limited-penetration cave dives in at least two (2) different locations, to include:

1. Sharing air and safety drill on each dive

2. Line following (eyes closed) using touch-contact method of communication

3. Air sharing in a simulated out-of-air scenario during exit from cave

4. Use of guidelines in caves

5. Additional techniques for achieving buoyancy, proper trim, and efficient conservation-minded propulsion

VIII. LIMITS:

1. Penetration is limited to one-third (1/3) of a single diving cylinder

2. Penetrations are limited to simple linear swims only--NO jumps, circuits, traverses, or mazes are allowed.

3. 100 feet maximum depth

4. 30 feet minimum visibility

5. No restrictions (any area smaller than that which can be negotiated by two divers swimming side-by- side)

6. No decompression diving

IX. EQUIPMENT:

Each student diver will supply all equipment listed for cavern diving with the following additions or exceptions:

1. Minimum cylinder size is 71.2 CF, with a minimum starting pressure of at least 2000 PSI regardless of cylinder size utilized.

2. Dual-orifice (Y) valve

3. Second single-hose regulator (equipped with 5 foot second stage intermediate-pressure hose; 7 foot hose recommended)

4. Third battery-powered diving light

5. Safety reel with minimum 75 feet of guideline

6. Watch (bottom timer), depth gauge, slate, pencil, and submersible dive tables for each diver

7. At least three (3) line markers (clothesline pins or plastic line markers)

8. One (1) primary cave-diving reel with approximately 400 feet of guideline per team

X. CERTIFICATION:

Applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years of age to participate in the training and may do so only at the discretion of the instructor. Applicants less than eighteen (18) years old but at least sixteen (16) years old may qualify for PROVISIONAL STATUS CERTIFICATION. This provision states that the adolescent diver must dive with an adult who is certified at least at the same level. Prior to the beginning of training, applicants under the age of eighteen (18) years old must supply to the instructor a notarized waiver signed by both parents or legal guardian.

XI. EQUIPMENT NOTATION:

This course is intended to be taught with students using single diving cylinders only. Student(s) may be allowed to use twin diving cylinders, but no certification may be issued to these students.