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

Here is a summary of the IANTD “Cavern Diver” course:

Prerequisites: Before enrolling in the “Cavern Diver” course, you must be certified as an “Advanced Open Water Diver” or equivalent, and have some diving experience. It is important to feel comfortable and have good buoyancy control.

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

Confined Water Practice: Part of the course includes exercises in confined water to familiarize yourself with the equipment and skills specific to cavern diving. Among other things, you will work on using dive lights, propulsion techniques, and buoyancy control suitable for this type of environment. You will also learn to lay a guideline in the cavern, work in reduced and zero visibility, practice the “touch contact” in buddy teams, the “bump and go” technique, gas sharing under the overhead environment, etc. Finally, you will go under the ceiling and repeat all these exercises inside the cavern to validate your skills.

Cavern Dives: After training in confined water, you will conduct several cavern dives to rehearse and apply the skills learned, as well as become familiar with the cavern environment.

Environmental Awareness: An important part of the “Cavern Diver” course is learning how to preserve the fragile cave environment. You will learn how to minimize impact on rock formations, marine fauna, and flora while exploring these unique places.

Certification: Upon successful completion of the IANTD “Cavern Diver” course, you will receive certification allowing you to safely dive in caverns, following the safety rules and specific protocols for cave diving.

Note: The IANTD Cavern Diver course can be completed with a single tank, but given that you are in Mexico, where caves can be quite long and technical, I recommend doing it with double tanks or sidemount configuration. This will enhance safety and the execution of crucial exercises such as gas sharing. Additionally, if you are not already certified as a Sidemount Diver or Essential Tek Diver, these courses can be taken concurrently with the cavern course, over an additional one to three days, depending on your level.