Safe Cave Diving: A Structured Approach

1. Planning and Preparation

• Equipment Checklist: Ensure all essential gear is prepared:
  • Fins, boots, wetsuit
  • BCD/harness and weights
  • Primary and backup lights (1 primary, 2 backups)
  • Dive computer and cutting tools (knife, shears)
  • Emergency reel, guideline reel for jumps
  • Directional markers and wet notes
  • Mask (primary and backup)
  • Twin cylinders or sidemount tanks with properly functioning regulators
• Dive Site and Team Preparation:
  • Review the site layout, potential hazards, and emergency exits
  • Discuss the dive plan, including gas management (Rule of Thirds)
  • Conduct pre-dive safety checks with the team

2. Executing the Dive Safely

• Entering the Water and Buddy Checks:
  • Conduct an in-water buddy check before descent
  • Confirm gas supply, valve operation, and light function
• Guideline Management:
  • Establish a continuous guideline from open water to the cave line
  • Follow the 3Ds: Tie-offs for distance, direction, depth changes
  • Place directional markers effectively for easy identification on exit
• Buoyancy, Trim, and Propulsion:
  • Maintain a controlled position in the water column to prevent silting
  • Use appropriate propulsion techniques for cave environments
• Turning the Dive and Exit Strategy:
  • Monitor gas consumption and turn at the appropriate third
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings to recognize exit landmarks
  • Follow the guideline out at equal or slightly increased speed

Handling Cave Diving Emergencies: Risks and Responses

1. Common Cave Diving Risks

Navigation Errors:

• Going the Wrong Way:
  • Ensure clear marking of all Ts, jumps, and directional markers
  • Develop a strong mental map of the cave on entry
  • In zero visibility, follow the guideline through touch contact
• Missing Diver:
  • Follow lost buddy protocols (search for a brief period before exiting)
  • Leave a marker to indicate exit direction
• Missing Line:
  • Conduct a controlled search, referencing a fixed point
  • Avoid unnecessary movement to prevent further disorientation

Equipment Failures:

• Gas Supply Issues:
  • Regulator Malfunction: Switch to backup regulator or feather valve if possible
  • Tank Leak or Valve Failure: Perform appropriate shutdown drill
  • Complete Gas Loss: Initiate gas-sharing protocols with a teammate
• Light Failures:
  • If primary light fails, switch to one of the two backups
• Entanglement:
  • Use cutting tool to free self while maintaining contact with the guideline

2. Sidemount vs. Backmount Emergency Response

Backmount System:

• Gas shutdown drills involve reaching behind the head to manipulate valves
• Manifold failures can result in total gas loss
• Team reliance for problem identification due to limited personal visibility

Sidemount System:

• Independent cylinders prevent complete gas loss in one failure
• Regulator and valve shutdown drills are simpler and more self-sufficient
• Feathering a failing valve is easier due to front-mounted cylinders

In conclusion, cave diving safety revolves around strong preparation, effective navigation, and mastery of emergency protocols. Sidemount offers a more self-sufficient approach, while backmount systems rely more on team-based solutions.