Cavern Diving
Cavern diving is the exploration of a permanent natural overhead environment while remaining within the portion of the light zone, or within sight of the entrances. It differs from cave diving in that, while cave divers may penetrate long distances into the cave, cavern divers go no further than 130 feet from the surface. Additionally, cavern divers keep the entrance in sight at all times, and use a guideline so that, should sight of the entrance be accidentally lost, divers can immediately regain it.
These safety precautions allow for emergency swimming ascents and thus allow cavern divers to enjoy the same safety margins that are enjoyed by open water divers. This is also the primary reasons why cavern diving is considered a form of recreational diving and can receive recreational-level specialty certifications from agencies such as NAUI, SSI, PADI and SDI
Cave Diving
Cave diving is considered a form of technical diving in which specialized SCUBA equipment is used to enable the exploration of natural or artificial caves and beyond the realms of recreational diving. Cave diving is also one of the most challenging and potentially dangerous kinds of diving as it requires a greater level of skill, good dive planning, preparation, buoyancy control and the ability to problem solve and act quickly. Certification for cave diving is available only through cave diving organizations such as NSS-CDS, NCAD or technical diving associations such as NAUI, GUE and TDI.
Risks is cave diving are significantly greater, often requiring the use of specialty dive equipment or modifications to scuba diving equipment to reduce the risk. Cave divers normally use double tanks with special K-valve regulators that allow for shutting off a regulator should an o-ring rupture while continuing to use the second. Apart from powerful long lasting dive lights, cave divers also require reels and guidelines to navigate their way through the cave systems, and similar to wreck diving, the diver must ensure that none of his equipment can get snagged on an outcrop or while diving in confined spaces. Also critical is budgeting or planning air consumption, to give you enough air to return to the surface.
Despite the risks Cave and cavern diving is one of the most exhilarating forms of diving with no two dives being alike. Divers are taken to unique environments with clear water and stunning geological formations. Add to it the technical aspect and training involved; this form of diving is truly a rewarding experience for those who dare to try it.
Photos by: Michael Aston, emperley3
