Introduction course to cave diving - SNSI

This course is an introduction to the basics of cave diving using a single primary guideline. Introductory cave diving is the second level in developing techniques suitable for cave diving, directly based on the cave diving course. This introduction to cave diving is not intended to train divers for all facets of cave diving. The objective of this course is to improve the skills taught in the cave diving program, in addition to adopting additional techniques and procedures necessary for elementary cave diving.

Who is this course for:

• The certified SNSI Cavern Diver or equivalent who is interested in advancing with aerial diving and expanding their diving techniques, capabilities and much more!

Course prerequisites

(these requirements must be met before training begins):

• Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent
• Provide proof of SNSI Cavern Diver certification or equivalent

What you can expect to learn:

The SNSI Intro to Cave Diver course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Cave diving policy
• Gas management and management procedures to include different volumes
• Psychological considerations of cave diving
• Equipment considerations, including:
  • cylinder options
  • regulator options
  • Buoyancy compensator/harness options
  • proper weighting
  • coil options
  • equipment settings
• Communication (light and manual signals)
• swimming techniques
  • Body posture/balance
  • buoyancy control
  • next line
  • Propulsion techniques (finning)
• Physiology
  • breathing techniques
  • stress management
• cave environment
• cave conservation
• Problems solution
  • emergency procedures
  • equipment failure
  • siltation conditions
• accident analysis
• Cave diving etiquette
• Review of dive tables and decompression theory

Some of the necessary skills you will need to demonstrate include:

• Implement a guideline correctly
• Use line markers correctly
• Correctly follow a guideline with eyes open and closed (simulating loss of visibility)
• Air sharing with a friend with eyes open, following a guideline
• Share the air with a friend with the lights off and eyes closed, using touch contact while following the guideline
• Remove and replace mask while in contact with guideline
• Demonstrate conservation techniques, awareness and prior references
• Demonstrate light/hand signals and touch contact
• Demonstrate anti-siltation techniques
• Simulate a primary light failure and use the backup light to exit
• Demonstrate buoyancy control, proper trim and propulsion techniques

What's in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in single orientation cave diving activities without direct supervision, provided graduates meet the following requirements:

• Diving activities approach those of training
• Planned dives do not exceed the diver's current certification level
• Penetration is limited to the “rule of thirds”, OR 1/6 if using doubles to a maximum depth of 40 metres/130 feet.
• Proper cave diving equipment must be used
• Keep an ongoing orientation
• Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are eligible to progress to the next level of training in the air environment: the TDI Full Cave Diver course!

SNSI Introduction to Minimum Cave Diver Certification Requirements:

• Satisfactorily complete the SNSI Intro to Cave Diver course written exam with a passing score of 80%, followed by 100% remediation by the instructor
• Perform all land exercises and cave diving requirements efficiently
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment regarding dive planning and execution
• Maintain an adequate level of awareness and respect for the environment
• Log all training dives