TDI Cavern Course
The TDI Cavern Course teaches you the fundamentals for safe diving in cavern entrances – always within sight of the exit. You learn how to handle lines, lights, and emergencies, laying the foundation for advanced cave diving courses.
What is the TDI Cavern Course?
The TDI Cavern Course is an introductory course to cave diving, where you learn to safely dive into the first section of a cave – the so-called “Cavern Zone“.
You always remain in the light zone and in direct sight of the exit. Among other things, you practice the use of guide lines, lights, and handling emergency situations.
The goal is to provide you with the skills and knowledge to safely conduct controlled dives in this special environment.
TDI Cavern Course Outline
Day 1 – Theory & Equipment Workshop
You start with a comprehensive theory session on dive planning, gas management, communication, line handling, and emergency management. Afterwards, we will look in detail at the specific equipment used in Cavern Diving – including all lighting systems, redundant breathing gas supply, and guide lines.
Day 2 – Open Water Skills
Before entering the cave, we will practice the fundamental techniques in open water: buoyancy, trim, precise movements, line work, light signals, and team communication. Emergency drills such as gas loss or loss of visibility are also on the agenda.
Day 3 – First Dives in the Cavern Zone
Before we make the first dives, we must first learn how to lay a permanent line in the cavern areas. The third day is dedicated to line work, team communication, and gas management.
Day 4 – Deepening & Final Dives
On the last day, exciting dives with scenario training are on the agenda – such as navigating in case of light failure when exiting the cavern zone or line entanglements. Finally, we will jointly analyze your progress and discuss your next possible steps in technical or cave diving.
Prerequisites for the TDI Cavern Course:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Minimum 25 logged dives
- Basic course in technical diving, from any agency
Standard Equipment for the TDI Cavern Course
- Twinset with manifold
or Sidemount equipment - Two separate regulators, one with a long hose (approx. 2m)
- Backup Mask
- Primary Light
- 2 Backup Lights
- 2 Computers or Bottom Timers
- Compass
- Safety Spool, 40 meters
- Arrows and Cookies
- Wetnotes or Slate
- Cutting Tool
- 5mm wetsuit
- Standard diving equipment
Course Duration
- Minimum 4 Days
Included
- All cenote entrance fees
- Breathing Gases
- Water and light refreshments
- Theory Session
- Certification Fees
Excluded
- Rental Equipment
- Certification Fees