Articles About Cozumel
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. ************************************ 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). ************************************ 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, buoyancy, 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 buoyancy 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. ************************ 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. ************************ 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 |
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