Cave1

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

The GUE Cave Level 1 class provides an introduction to diving in an overhead environment. The fact that our environment is full of flooded underwater caves hidden from sight makes cave diving exciting and adventurous. This unique environment requires proper training, and the GUE Cave 1 class provides divers with a thorough understanding of the cave environment as well as the potential dangers associated with cave diving. While the class prepares students to fully venture beyond the natural daylight zone, a conservative approach to gas management ensures that beginning cave divers stay within a limited distance from the entrance.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The GUE Cave Level 1 is the ideal training class for aspiring cave divers. It bolsters personal skills and awareness, and it gives divers the required knowledge to go out and enjoy cave diving with their teams.

New cave divers need to be aware of specific requirements--no natural light sources, closed spaces, the need to return to the cave entrance to finish the dive, and self-discipline to follow a line and navigate the cave properly.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Course outcomes include, but are not limited to: introduction to principles of cave diving and the skills and knowledge required for limited penetration into underwater caves; increasing environmental awareness; cultivating proficiency in dive planning and teamwork; promoting an understanding of cave environments; teaching stress management, navigation, standard and emergency procedures, cave diving techniques; and instilling an appreciation of the hazards of cave diving.

Applicants for a GUE Cave 1 program must:

  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Be physically and mentally fit.
  • Be a non-smoker.
  • Be able to swim.
  • Obtain a physician’s prior written authorization for use of prescription drugs, except for birth control, or for any medical condition that may pose a risk while diving.
  • Have earned a GUE Fundamentals - Technical certification.
  • Have a minimum of 100 logged dives beyond autonomous entry-level scuba diver.

The Cave Diver Level 1 course is normally conducted over five days. It requires a minimum of 12 dives (including 10 cave dives that are conducted in at least three different caves) and at least 40 hours of instruction, encompassing classroom lectures, land drills and in-water work.