The NSS-CDS Cave Diver course is the second and final step toward full cave diving certification. Building upon the skills acquired in the Apprentice Cave Diver course, this program emphasizes advanced cave navigation techniques, including jumps and gaps, and introduces the theory behind complex circuits and traverses. Additionally, it integrates open-water decompression training into cave diving scenarios.

Course Structure

The course typically spans four days and includes:

• A minimum of eight dives.
• At least 360 minutes of bottom time.
• Training at a minimum of two different dive sites, distinct from those used during the Apprentice Cave Diver course.

Skills and Knowledge Development

Participants will:

• Reinforce and demonstrate proficiency in skills from the Apprentice Cave Diver course.
• Learn advanced navigation techniques, including executing jumps and gaps, and understand the theory behind complex circuits and traverses.
• Apply open-water decompression procedures within cave environments, if applicable.
• Engage in practical exercises simulating loss of visibility and other emergency scenarios.

Equipment Requirements

In addition to the equipment required for the Apprentice Cave Diver course, students may need to provide:

• One or more properly configured decompression cylinders, especially if the course includes planned decompression dives.

Certification Outcome

Upon successful completion, divers will be certified to:

• Plan and execute complex cave dives involving advanced navigation techniques.
• Apply decompression procedures within cave environments, if trained accordingly.

Course Name

NSS_CDS_4

Not included in package

Minimum required gear includes: - Mask and fins - Adequate exposure protection (typically a dry suit) - Doubles or sidemount cylinders - Backplate​/​harness and air cell (or sidemount harness with lift) - Two high-performance regulators - SPGs, depth gauges​/​computers - One primary and two backup lights - Reels​/​spools for navigation and safety - Line markers (arrows​/​cookies) - Two cutting tools - Underwater slate or wet notes