NAUI Cave I course?

[CaveMD]

To me the NAUI Cave I sounds like a lot off rush on skills. In one class you are already using 1/3rds and making navigational decisions. I think that training organizations like the NACD, NSS-CDS (who are cave diving specific) gradually present skills to give students a chance to learn. I think that NAUI may have missed the point more knowledgable training organizations on cave diving have made. I have no doubt that NAUI Cave I is intense, but I think it gives inexperienced divers too much, too soon. After one class it is conceivable that these students have the ability to get 2000'p in a cave and make navigational decisions. This just doesn't seem the be a good idea to me. I am getting ready to take my intro to cave class on October 23rd-24th. If I pass the class I plan on making many intro level cave dives to give myself the proper time and ability to gain experience. I will need this experience to become a better/safer cave diver. It will also allow me to go further with my training if I choose to go to apprentice in the future. When it comes to cave diving I think slow and steady is far better than rushing.

Cave I is not intended for the recreational diver thinking about trying tech out for a while. The instructor doesn't have to pass you if he doesn't think you're up to it.