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The Cavern Diver course is the first in a succession of programs designed to lead to full Cave Diver certification. Although some students enroll in this course as a means of enhancing their recreational diving skills, the majority take this and the Advanced Nitrox/Deco Procedures program specifically to prepare for Cave Diver training.
Cavern diving is defined as the penetration of natural overhead environments while remaining within sight of daylight. Our course, however, goes well beyond this, covering the fundamental knowledge and skills required to prepare for Basic, Apprentice and full Cave Diver certifications.
Students who successfully complete this course will have several options for continuing on to full Cave Diver status. Given our close proximity to one of the world’s most visited cave diving areas, it’s little wonder why this course is so popular with our more accomplished customers.
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Who Can Learn? This course has the following prerequisites:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a minimum of PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) certification. Enriched Air Nitrox strongly recommended.
- Although there is no required number of dives to get into this course, successful candidates typically have several dozen or more logged dives and exceptional buoyancy control skills.
- Be able to answer No to all questions on the PADI/RSTC Medical History form, or secure a physician’s approval for diving prior to the start of the course.
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What is Involved? This course consists of self-study, classroom discussions, skill-development sessions in the pool, and four or more training dives. It takes four evenings and at least two (very) full days. |
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Where Can You Learn? We conduct the classroom and pool portions of the course here at Diver’s Den. Training dives take place at the nearby Florida springs. |
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When Can You Learn? Cavern Diver courses take place bi-monthly. We spend Monday and Tuesday evenings in the classroom, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the pool, and all day Saturday and Sunday at the springs. Available dates include:
| Classroom/Pool |
Open Water |
| August 10-13 |
August 15-16 |
| October 12-15 |
October 17-18 |
| December 7-10 |
December 12-13 |
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How Much Does it Cost? The course fee is $395 and includes:
- All instruction.
- Self-study materials.
- Certification card processing.
Students are responsible for supplying:
- Personal diving equipment (see list below).
- All air or gas fills.
- Dive site admission fees.
- Transportation to and from dive sites.
- Accommodations and meals, as needed.
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What Equipment Will You Need? In theory, if you aspire to progress no further than the Cavern Diver level, you can take this course using little more than normal recreational equipment, plus a primary and backup light, and a personal safety reel or spool. Most students, however, take this course and the Advanced Nitrox/Deco Procedures program in preparation for Cave Diver training. In that case, you are best off using the same equipment you will need as a cave diver. That includes:
- Mask, fins.
- Adequate exposure protection.
- Dual cylinders with isolation manifold.
- Technical diving harness and air cell.
- Two high-performance regulators with DIN connectors, configured for cave diving.
- Either two mission-capable dive computers, or one computer and a back-up depth gauge and timer.
- Dive tables and slates.
- One primary (canister) and two back-up lights.
- Safety reel or spool.
- Two cutting tools.
The preceding list is not intended to be used as a checklist for purchasing the least-adequate items that marginally fit the description of what is needed. Every single piece of cave diving gear must meet very stringent and specific requirements. Do not purchase any equipment without first consulting our staff.
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Get Started Now: Reserve your space now…before someone else does. To do so, you can stop by the store, call us over the phone or E-Mail Us us. |
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