Description
Caverns exist in many areas where scuba divers venture – from freshwater springs to volcanic island walls and limestone coasts. In these locations you’ll find large, dark spaces that seem incredibly inviting, yet are potentially dangerous. The PADI Cavern Diver Specialty course gives you the knowledge and skills to explore caverns correctly – allowing you to enter far enough for adventure, but staying within the light zone for an easy exit to open water.
You need to be PADI Advanced Open Water Diver who is at least 18 years old to enroll in the Cavern Diver course.
Academic
Ready for a challenge? You’ll complete four scuba dives with the first focused on line handling, reel use and emergency procedures outside a cavern; and the next three dives put your new skills to use inside a cavern. You’ll also learn about:
- Other specialized equipment for cavern diving, such as lights and redundant breathing systems.
- Avoiding disorientation and anti-silting techniques.
- Dive planning, including depth and distance limits and air management for cavern diving.
Equipment
Along with your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a primary dive light and a smaller backup light, plus a line and reel. Your PADI Instructor or local dive center staff may suggest other gear appropriate for cavern diving, such as a collapsible snorkel that fits in your pocket or other technical diving equipment.
Getting Started
Visit your local PADI Dive Center or Resort to enroll in the course and schedule the first class session with your PADI Instructor.