IANTD CCR Cavern Diver – Minimum Duration of 2 Days

The “IANTD Cavern Diver” course is a specialized training designed to introduce CCR divers to cavern diving. A cavern is a partially or completely water-covered area with one or more entries and exits. Unlike cave diving, cavern diving is limited to the area visible from the surface where natural light is still present.

Here is an overview of the IANTD “CCR Cavern Diver” course:

Prerequisites: Before enrolling in the “CCR Cavern Diver” course, you must be certified as a “Recreational CCR Diver” or equivalent and have some experience with closed-circuit rebreathers. It is important to be comfortable with the rebreather and to have good buoyancy control.

Theory and Knowledge: The “CCR Cavern Diver” course includes a theoretical component where you will learn the basics of cavern diving. This will cover understanding the specific safety rules for cavern diving on CCR, dive planning, gas management, navigation techniques in underground environments, and team communication.

Confined Water Practice: Part of the course involves exercises in confined water to familiarize yourself with the equipment and specific skills for cavern diving, such as using dive lights, propulsion techniques, and buoyancy adapted to this type of environment. You will then learn how to place a line in the cavern, work in reduced or zero visibility, practice “touch contact,” the “bump and go” technique, gas switching under the ceiling, bailout procedures, etc., before moving under the ceiling and repeating these exercises in the cavern.

Cavern Dives: After the confined water training, you will perform several cavern dives that will allow you to repeat and practice the skills learned, as well as become familiar with the cavern environment.

Environmental Awareness: An important part of the “CCR Cavern Diver” course is learning to preserve the fragile environment of the caverns. You will be taught how to minimize impact on rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites, etc., while exploring these unique places.

Certification: After successfully completing the IANTD “CCR Cavern Diver” course, you will receive a certification that allows you to dive safely in caverns, adhering to the safety rules and specific protocols for this type of diving.

Note: The IANTD CCR Cavern Diver course can be conducted using a single tank as a bailout and diluent source, but given that we are in Mexico and the caverns and caves are quite long and technical, I recommend doing it with twin tanks or in sidemount. This will enhance safety and facilitate the completion of crucial exercises such as gas switching. Additionally, if you are not yet certified as a Sidemount Diver or Essential Tek Diver, this course can be taken simultaneously with the CCR Cavern course, over one to three additional days depending on your level.