Cavern Diving (PADI)

[B Lo]

Does anyone know what specific equipment is required in order to obtain the PADI Cavern Diver specialty certification. I understand that there are particular items that are suggested, but I am concerned with what is actually required with regard to obtaining this certification. If there are any PADI instructors out there that happen to teach for this certification, I'd appreciate it if they'd chime in with their thoughts. Thanks!

 

[B Lo]

I would like to point out that I have reviewed the PADI website and seen that they list the following as required: "Basic Scuba Gear, lights, lines & reels"

I just can't imagine that's the extent of it - no hose length requirements, etc...

 

[vjanelle]

Talk to the instructor offering this. They may have requirements or suggestions or outright bans on things before being willing to let you do the course.

Things like suicide clips, etc.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

Perhaps you're confusing Cave Diving with Cavern Diving? Gear requirements for Cave Diving are much more stringent than Cavern Diving.

 

[Sas]

Perhaps you're confusing Cave Diving with Cavern Diving? Gear requirements for Cave Diving are much more stringent than Cavern Diving.

Depends which agency... the only extra things I was required to bring between Cavern and Cave were cookies and line arrows (oh and jump reel). But that wasn't PADI... Often instructors have their own requirements that they like so speak to the instructors you are considering.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Every cavern instructor (that I would consider taking a course with, that is) I have spoken with requires the same items that they do for cave with the exception of doubles. But they do require a h valve if using a single cylinder. It is still an overhead environment and stuff can still happen. I also understand that the cavern instructor must be full cave as well unless that has changed. I would not consider taking a course from someone who was not. That said I have no plans to do caves. Would love to take a cavern and intro to cave to help my wreck diving though.

If you really want a definitive answer from them just call them. It is an 800 number. ask for training and pose your question. I'd be interested in the answer as I'm sure others would. 1-800-PAY-PADI.

 

[AndyNZ]

I just can't imagine that's the extent of it - no hose length requirements, etc...

You have to remember what the Cavern diver course is - it's an introduction to diving in the overhead environment, with no restrictions and always with in the light zone.

You need three light sources, because you always have visual reference to the outside that means you need to carry two with you. You can kinda work with any torches, but you will find that the type of torch and the type of reel can make life either very easy or very hard.

Because there are no restrictions, it is very easy to do the required air sharing exercises using a normal reg and 40" octi. You will find that most instructors will counsel you about hose length. The skills on the course don't involved blind gas sharing exits - this is the only situation (other than restrictions) that a 40" octi hose will be a limitation. There is just no way of easily maintaining contact with your buddy, and with the line, whilst sharing gas using a standard 40" octi. When we teach Cavern courses we prefer students to have a 7' hose, but will generally provide regs for students to use. The skills on the line circuit are enough to convince someone of the value of a long hose.

The PADI Cavern course is a very well thought out course, with good content and structure that is entirely appropriate for the course goals. But, unfortunately, there was a period of time where instructors were approved to teach it having only done an Intro-to-Cave cert. That has now changed, new instructors have to be fully cave qualified and well "full cave kit" - but none of the old instructor ratings were rescinded. As a result, it is important to shop around and find a good instructor. Look for recommendations - but as a minimum, look for ones who are full cave qualified and cave dive regularly. These may be cavern instructors for other agencies (e.g. NACD) and may encourage you to do those courses instead - their opinions are valid, listen to the pros and cons they present and make an informed choice on the basis of that information. Other people who aren't full cave qualified, or don't teach Cavern courses simply don't have all of the facts. Find people who do.

 

[B Lo]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. To clarify a question that was posed earlier, I am indeed looking at Cavern training and am not interested in Cave training. I will do as Jim suggested and contact PADI for a more definite answer. Once I hear back, I will post to let others know. Thanks again!

 

[ianr33]

NACD cavern can be done in regular OW gear http://www.safecavediving.com/training.shtml

I doubt PADI is more restrictive though individual instructors may be.

My personal opinion is that a long hose and light with Goodman handle would be an excellent idea even if not required.

 

[aquaregia]

1-800-PAY-PADI.

Wow, that really is their phone number.