IANTD Intro Cave CCR Diver – Minimum Duration of 3 Days

The “IANTD Intro to Cave CCR Diver” program (International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers) is a specialized training allowing CCR cavern divers to get initiated into cave diving. Unlike cavern diving, cave diving involves the exploration of areas beyond the reach of natural light, with no direct access to the surface. This requires advanced technical skills and specific training.

Here is an explanation of the typical content of the IANTD “CCR Intro to Cave Diver” course:

Prerequisites: Before enrolling in the “CCR Intro to Cave Diver” course, you must be qualified as a CCR cavern diver. However, if your level permits, you can consecutively take cavern diving and CCR intro to cave courses.

Advanced Theory: The “CCR Intro to Cave Diver” course includes in-depth theoretical training on specific aspects of cavern diving. This encompasses understanding cavern diving safety rules, CCR cavern dive planning, navigation techniques in underground environments, advanced team communication protocols, emergency and rescue procedures in confined spaces, as well as considerations related to reduced visibility.

Confined Water Exercises: Part of the course may involve confined water exercises to reinforce specific cavern diving skills, such as propulsion in confined spaces, the use of guideline reels, and tactile communication with your buddy in zero visibility conditions.

Cave Dives: Subsequently, you will conduct multiple cave dives to familiarize yourself with the underground environment and perform “critical” exercises like line loss, buddy loss, line breakage, etc. You will also work on repositioning, group communication, and more.

Environmental Awareness: An essential part of the “CCR Intro to Cave Diver” training is learning to preserve the fragile cave environment. You will learn how to minimize the impact of divers on rock formations, marine fauna, and flora while exploring these unique environments safely and efficiently.

Rebreather Specific Cave Exercises: Finally, you will perform cave-specific CCR exercises, such as bailout calculations, semi-closed circuit operations, work with the HUD in a black mask, and more.