The PADI TecRec Full Cave Diver distinctive specialty course is the third stage of training in the series of PADI’s Cave Diver distinctive development program. Advanced cave dive planning, the practical execution of different types of cave systems and scenarios divers encounter are presented. Emphasis is placed upon dive planning and skill perfection through actual cave penetration, provided that cave divers adhere to the following limits:
1. Penetration is limited to the ‘Rule of Thirds’ in terms of gas management (1/3 of a single diving cylinder).
2. 40 metres maximum depth.
3. No equipment removal in cave.
4. Safety and decompression stops as appropriate or necessary.
5. Maintain a single continuous guideline.
6. Proper cave diving equipment is used.
The objective of this course is to expand and increase complexity of previous skills accomplished in the PADI Cavern Diver and PADI Intro to Cave Diver distinctive program. This cave diving course is not intended to prepare divers for evaluating all facets of cave diving.
Course goals are to:
- Perfect the skills taught in the cavern and intro to cave diving program, in addition to the adoption of advanced techniques – such as decompression schedules – required for cave dives.
- Teach the appropriate techniques – along with the right attitude – to dive safely in a cave environment similar to the one the student diver has received training in.
- Focus on advanced cave dive planning.
- Train student divers in the proper procedures, techniques and hazards of cave diving to a maximum depth of 40 meters.
- Dual-orifice (Y) or (H) valve, double cylinders, or dual valve manifold
- Two independent first and second stage regulators (one regulator equipped with a long hose)
- Minimum one stage/deco cylinder
- Submersible pressure gauge
- Weight system
- Buoyancy Compensator (BCD) with power inflator or sidmount (if certicated)
- Exposure suit adequate for diving environment
- 2 Mask and fins
- NO snorkel (if snorkels are used for the trip from the shore or boat to the cavern entrance, they must be removed and clipped to the guideline, stowed inside wet suits or BCDs prior to entering the cave)
- Two line cutting devices
- Three battery powered lights; 1 primary and 2 back-ups, each with a burn time suitable for the planned dive time
- Safety reel / spool with a minimum of 37 metres of guideline. A second safety reel/spool is recommended
- One primary reel for the team with length appropriate for intended dive
- Reel(-s)/spool(-s) with sufficient guideline for planned jump(-s) or gaps(-s)
- Three directional line arrows
- One non-directional line marker
- Computer, watch or bottom timer and depth gauge
- underwater slates with pencils