TDI Intro to Cave
The TDI Intro to Cave Course is your entry into the world of technical cave diving. You will learn to safely penetrate the initial part of a cave – always with direct line of sight and within clearly defined limits.
What is the TDI Intro to Cave?
The TDI Intro to Cave Course is the second stage in cave diving training and builds directly upon the Cavern Diver Course. In this course, you will learn to penetrate a cave beyond the daylight zone – but still within clearly defined safety limits.
You will practice handling guidelines, navigation strategies, emergency procedures, and perfect your buoyancy, finning techniques, and communication with your dive buddy. The course remains deliberately conservative: diving is only done along the main line, no side passages, no complex penetrations.
The focus is on safety awareness, teamwork, and precise control – and on laying a solid foundation for advanced cave training such as the Full Cave Diver.
TDI Intro to Cave Course Outline
Course Outline – (2–3 Days)
Day 1 – Theory & Open Water Skill Training
- Review of Cavern Knowledge & Introduction to New Cave Protocols
- Gas Management (e.g., Rule of Thirds), Navigation, Communication
- Setup and Handling of Main Line and Spools
- Open Water Dive to Refine Buoyancy, Trim, Fin Kicks, and Team Communication
Day 2 – Cave Dives & Line Work
- First Penetration Dives Beyond the Daylight Zone
- Setting and Following the Main Line
- Exercises on Vision Loss, Gas-Sharing, Turnaround Points, and Emergency Procedures
- Focus on Teamwork and Safe Navigation
- Lost Diver Procedure
Day 3 – Further Cave Dives
- Additional Cave Dives for Reinforcement
- Scenario Training with Simulated Problems
e.g., Line Loss & Light Failure
Prerequisites for the TDI Intro to Cave Course
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Minimum 40 Logged Dives
- Cavern Certification, regardless of agency
Standard Equipment for the TDI Intro to Cave
- Double Tank 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 60m
- Arrows and Cookies
- Wetnotes or Slate
- Cutting Tool
- Wetsuit 5mm
- Standard Dive Equipment
TDI Intro to Cave Course
Course Duration
- Minimum 2-3 Days
Included
- All cenote entrance fees
- Breathing Gases
- Water and light refreshments
- Theory Session
- Exam Fees
Excluded
- Rental Equipment
- Certification Fees