The many recent articles on cave, and cavern
diving have excited a great deal of interest
in this thrilling diving experience. However,
because cavern diving is actually technical 
in nature, the average open water diver typically
has no information regarding safety standards
or how to choose a guide for these dives.

In this article, I will give you the basics of what
you need to know before going on that first cavern 
dive, how you would get the proper training for a 
cavern or cave certification, and who is qualified
to guide or to certify you in this specialized diving
adventure.

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CAVERN DIVING is the first level of diving in
an overhead environment. You as a diver will be
in OPEN WATER gear and need only an OPEN WATER
CERTIFICATION. Some equipment modification may 
be necessary.  If you go with a Trained Professional
Guide, no additional certification is needed.
 

 Limits for a Cenote Cavern Diving TOUR


Maximum Depth          100 ft.
Maximum Penetration    200 ft. from light and air
Minimum Lights           2 Lights per Person
Minimum Visibility      40 ft. at beginning of Dive


A cenote dive or cavern spring dive designates that
the dive is inland rather than sea access. A cenote is
what might be called a "sinkhole" in the United States.
It is a window to an underground river. A cavern is the
first room of a cave and is illuminated by natural 
light. Not all caves have cavern zones. There are
also some caves that are in open water (sea caves).
 
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The CAVERN DIVING TOUR is the OPEN WATER DIVER'S
first experience with an overhead environment and
the special skills involved in this kind of diving.
For example, you may be dealing with both fresh and
salt water on the same dive.The halocline is
where the salt/fresh water meet in swirls. There can
be temperature differences between the 2 types of water
as well as differences in visibility. 

Cavern dives are done during regular daylight hours.
When the natural light ceases to enter the Cavern Zone,
then it becomes a cave. Cavern dives should begin no
later than 1 - 2 pm so that the requirements for 
natural light are satisfied.       

Cavern Diving Certifications typically can be completed
in 2 days. Skills for handling reels, running line,
stress tests, bouyancy, special fin use are all covered
and practiced. Cavern Diving Certifications are offered
thru many certifying agencies. If you plan to go on to 
a Full Cave Certification, consider getting your Cavern 
Training through the N.A.C.D. (National Association for
Cave Diving) or NSS-CDS (National Speleological Society
- Cave Diving Section) so that your training is readily
accepted for the next level. In any case, cavern diving
tunes your bouyancy and refines your diving skills so
that you become a much better open water diver, even 
if you go no further in your cavern training.  

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  Next and most important question:

   WHO CAN TAKE YOU ON A CAVERN DIVING TOUR ?????

There have been lives lost by innocent OPEN WATER
DIVERS simply because they did not know the proper
questions to ask. Those divers lost their lives 
because their guide did not have the proper 
training or experience to run a tour dive of this
nature. You as an OPEN WATER DIVER would not 
necessarily know what is required and that is
the problem. There will be those who will take
people into CAVERNS with no special training,
equipment, or experience. Their only motivation
is to make money. IT IS YOUR LIFE !!! Do NOT 
hesitate to ask for proof from your potential 
guide. That person should hold a C-Card in FULL
CAVE and have the equipment corresponding to 
that level of training: DOUBLE TANKS, DOUBLE 
REGULATORS, MULTIPLE LIGHTS, CAVE REELS, and 
knowledge of the system to be used for the tour.
Cenote diving can be an amazing experience, but
safety must take priority. Ask those questions 
BEFORE you go diving in Caverns to make sure
your guide is qualified.

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Do not confuse Cave Diving with Cavern diving. 
CAVERN DIVING is recreational and can be done 
by any CERTIFIED OPEN WATER DIVER, if accompanied
by a qualified guide.

CAVE DIVING is for FULLY CERTIFIED CAVE DIVERS.
This activity is much more equipment intense.
It usually takes a full week to complete the 
training. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ONE QUALIFIED
TO TAKE YOU ON A CAVE DIVE UNLESS YOU ARE TAKING
OR HAVE COMPLETED A CAVE DIVING CERTIFICATION. 
CAVE DIVING goes beyond the guidelines for Caverns.
Your limitation is set  by your training, equipment
and abilities.  Cavern diving is more or less an
introduction to the world of CAVE DIVING.  ANYONE
with an OPEN WATER Certificate and a desire for
adventure can participate in a CAVERN DIVE.
CAVE DIVING is strictly for those who hold a 
certification at that level. 

Hopefully, this will answer most of the questions
that you need answers to. But if it does not, please
do not hesitate to write and I will be more than 
happy to assist you.



Written by Charles T. Jones
Cavern Insructor NACD
Assistant Cave Instructor NACD
Former N.A.C.D. Regional Safety Officer 
for the Island of Cozumel, Mexico
Master Instructor PADI