No dive light allowed?

[Soggy]

Really? I know the NACD class can be taken in doubles (using a sixth of gas instead of a third).

I plan on only diving doubles and following the rule of 1/6ths until full cave. Better to be well versed and confident in the set-up ....and smart enough to follow the rules and not dive beyond my training.

~Miranda

I believe that NACD is the only agency left holding onto this antiquated rule. Technically, you can take the intro class in doubles, diving 1/6ths, but after you are certified (in doubles), you have to go back to diving a single tank to 1/3rds, which could easily lead you further into the cave than doubles on 1/6ths.

When and if I decide to do full cave, I will not do it with NACD because I abhor the rule so much. I will also vow to 'violate standards' and dive doubles (to 1/6ths) when I do cave dive.

 

[cinder4320]

<Confused> Isn't the rule though with other agencies not NACD? NACD allows you to wear doubles in the class.

Miranda

 

[brutus_scuba]

I think rules preventing the use of STANDARD pieces of diving equipment are misguided and dangerous. Period.

I can understand a rule banning a diver from carrying a spear-gun into a marine sanctuary, but to ban lights and gloves is just stupid. Punish the people who mis-use their equipment, but don't punish the whole population! I can be a good boy without someone always trying to be my babysitter.

-Ben

Ben,

Let me start off by saying I"m cavern certified only cavern certified (as far as that genre of diving goes) and have no expierence in a cave. I have done dives at Ginnie in both the ball room and in the cavern section of the devils ear, and even though I realize the ball room is open to OW water divers lets still use our standard definitions for cavern and cave zones. (By these definitions there are actually cave zones inside the ballroom). There is nothing around or near those dive sites that could be better enjoyed with a light that do not require you crossing into the cavern zone. Ginnie is not punishing you by asking you not to take a light.

 

[Soggy]

<Confused> Isn't the rule though with other agencies not NACD? NACD allows you to wear doubles in the class.

Miranda

NACD allows you to do the class in doubles, but after class you are required to dive in a single. If your instructor is also a full cave instructor, they can give you a discretionary apprentice card which expires after like 60 days that allows you to dive in doubles.

 

[Meng_Tze]

But a properly trained diver will know that, which is what his point was, I think.

OW divers venturing into overhead environments is not indicative of the training they received. Nothing to do with that at all.

It is the choice, lure or whatever at a personal level.

Training is training, what you do with, how you apply that training: THAT is the deciding factor.

 

[H2Andy]

<Confused> Isn't the rule though with other agencies not NACD? NACD allows you to wear doubles in the class.

NACD allows you to do the class in doubles, but after class you are required to dive in a single. If your instructor is also a full cave instructor, they can give you a discretionary apprentice card which expires after like 60 days that allows you to dive in doubles.

yes, this is what i did ...

you just get a series of waivers (for lack of a better word) until you complete apprentice, and then can dive doubles

this is a hotly debated issue, and there are good arguments on both sides

 

[in_cavediver]

NACD allows you to do the class in doubles, but after class you are required to dive in a single. If your instructor is also a full cave instructor, they can give you a discretionary apprentice card which expires after like 60 days that allows you to dive in doubles.

I may be in the minority here but I cosider the H-valve vs doubles debate for the intro level to be a very minor issue. Personally, I did several dives at the intro level in doubles into peacock just prior to my cave class. Never gave it much thought. Neither did anyone else. (though, that was 5 or 6 years ago back when you could get in and out of olsen and use scooters). Rules have changed since then...

 

[Soggy]

I may be in the minority here but I cosider the H-valve vs doubles debate for the intro level to be a very minor issue.

Maybe. I have very strong feelings on the issue and it's probably better that I don't talk about it.

 

[in_cavediver]

Maybe. I have very strong feelings on the issue and it's probably better that I don't talk about it.

Actually, I'll say my views. Its pretty easy. The choice of gear has little bearing on safety (H/Y vs Doubles). Its how well you use your gear in your dive that matters.

 

[Bob Vincent]

I live in St. Louis and we are close to Bonne Terre Mine. They have a no light policy also, for the last um-teen years. Guided trails are lead by DM's with lights. There are overhead lights that are dim, but you can see well enough. Same thing here no light and one usually won't venture into the dark. The Mine has a lot of places they don't want anyone near/in. Some entrances are grated off not to allow entrance. I was lucky enough to have a friend that Instructed for the dive shop that owns the mine and were lucky enough to see places in the mine no one sees except staff. But think if you're rear end was on the line you'd do the same thing.