TDI Full Cave Diver

TDI Full Cave Course

The TDI Full Cave Diver Course is the
highest level of cave diving training at TDI.
In this course, you will learn to safely dive complex cave systems.

What is the TDI Full Cave Course?

The TDI Full Cave Course is the most advanced level within TDI (Technical Diving International) cave diving training.

In this course, you will learn how to safely and efficiently navigate complex cave systems – far beyond the daylight zone and often with multiple passages, restrictions, and potentially difficult visibility conditions.

You will deepen your knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Navigating with double passages
(“Jumps” and “Gaps”)
complex dive planning including
gas management
Team communication and emergency strategies
Use of additional safety lines
Diving under simulated stress situations

The course builds upon the Cavern Diver and Intro to Cave Diver and completes the training to become a full cave diver. Upon successful completion, you are qualified to safely conduct challenging cave dives without direct ascent possibilities with an equally trained buddy.

TDI Full Cave Course Outline

Course Outline: TDI Full Cave Diver Course (4–5 Days)

Day 1 – Theory & Line-Handling

Review of content from the Cavern and Intro-to-Cave courses
Introduction to advanced navigation techniques
(Jumps, Gaps, Circuits, Traverses)
Dive planning (incl. gas management according to Rule of Thirds / Min Gas)
Setup and handling of complex line procedures on land
First dives focusing on navigation and precise line handling

Day 2 – Navigation Exercises & Stress Management

Dives with simulated Jumps and Gaps
Loss and recovery of the main line
Practice of emergency procedures
(Gas sharing, light failure, team separation)
Focus on team communication and positional discipline within the system

Day 3 – Circuit & Traverse Concepts

Theory: Planning and execution of Circuits and Traverses
Execution of a simulated Circuit
Review and reinforcement of navigation skills
Continuous fine-tuning of buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques

Day 4 – Complex Dive Scenarios & Final Exercises

Full cave dives with complex navigation
Integration of various emergency scenarios underwater
Analysis and feedback for each dive phase
Theoretical exam (if not already completed)

Day 5 (optional / depending on course progress)

Additional exercises, reviews, or substitute day in case of bad weather
Final dive with full implementation of all course content

Prerequisites for the TDI Full Cave Course

Minimum age: 18 years
Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
At least 40 logged dives
Intro to Cave certification, regardless of agency

Standard Equipment for the TDI Full Cave Course

Double tanks 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
Primary Reel 60 meters
Various Jump Spools
Arrows and Cookies
Wetnotes or Slate
Cutting Tool
5mm Neoprene
Standard Dive Equipment

Course Duration

At least 4-5 days

Included

All entries to the Cenotes
Breathing Gases
Water and light refreshments
Theory Session
Exam Fees