How to become a real cave diver

There are several approaches to learning cave diving, a specialized form of scuba diving that requires additional training and skills. Here is a general guide to becoming a cave diver:

For most open water divers interested in scuba diving, the CAVERN DIVER COURSE is a popular way to start learning. This program introduces divers to the cave environment, equipment and basic skills. Students learn how to use coils, lay and follow the running end on the surface, and begin to expand their comfort zone into the cave area. Students typically use caverns, stay within natural light, and develop buoyancy and swimming skills. In addition, emergency procedures, the cave environment, stress factors and many other topics are studied and practiced. The course usually lasts two days with a minimum of five cave dives. A cave diving course is a great way to determine if a diver wants to train continuously in cave diving.

The next level is the INTRODUCTION to the CAVE DIVING COURSE. This is a two day course with a minimum of five cave dives. It is preferable that students use two balloons so that there is enough volume. You can also use a side mount configuration. This course explores information from the Cave Diver course and goes into more detail about underwater skills, the use of reels and additional knowledge about cave diving in general. This level of training limits the diver: no decompression, maximum depth of 30 meters, no difficult dives.

A very popular approach to teaching cave diving is the CAVERN / INTRODUCTION to CAVE DIVING. This is a combination of two courses over four days with a minimum of 10 dives. This is considered an intermediate step towards completing a full cave diving course.

The third level of training is the FULL CAVE DIVER course. This is a minimum of four days with 8-10 cave dives. The training includes everything you need to be a competent and safe caver. All cave dives will be conducted using a wide variety of underwater cave conditions such as silt, halocline, muddy or low visibility, patterns, transitions, gaps, jumps, siphons, restraints, self-rescue, survey/survey methods and logistics. Topics discussed will include the fragile cave environment, accident analysis, stress management, psychological aspects, dive planning, air management, instructions and drums, instruction techniques and protocol, safe procedures, decompression theory and procedures, landowner relations, team management, use of oxygen. and controversial topics.

Due to the distance of the Dominican Republic, most students who are serious and dedicated to cave diving and become certified usually participate in the FULL CAVE DIVER course. This complete cave diving course includes a minimum of twelve cave dives of a minimum of 600 minutes on the bottom over seven to eight days of diving. The safe enjoyment of an underwater cave is based on thorough and comprehensive training. Students will participate in a minimum of twelve hours of lectures/discussions and must demonstrate satisfactory competence and knowledge of all topics and skills.