CDAA Cave Diver Course

Take your cave exploration skills down to the next level in real-life cave systems.

The CDAA Cave course advances qualified CDAA Basic Cave divers into more complex overhead environments, building on existing skills to safely explore cave rated systems.

This program introduces divers to cave sites featuring overhangs, silt, darkness zones, restricted passages not always large enough for two divers to swim side-by-side, and increased penetration distances, while remaining within a maximum depth of 40 metres and strict gas management limits.

Students will further refine equipment configuration, buoyancy, trim, propulsion techniques, communication, and team protocols, while developing competence in guideline use, navigation, jumps, and emergency procedures.

The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge, discipline and techniques required to safely undertake dives in CDAA-rated Cave sites and to confidently progress their cave diving journey.

TDI Cavern can be paired with CDAA Into to Cave for a nominal uplift for course materials and student registrations.

As you go through this training, you will enter environments that may include:

Zones of total darkness.
Unclear floors and low visibility.
Overhangs and restrictions.
Open spaces that were not always wide enough to allow two divers to pass together.
Greater Penetration Distance (CDAA Limit).
Maximum Depth 40m.

During the program, you will perfect and refine your abilities in:

Precision Bounce and Trim.
Technical Fining (Back Kick, Helicopter, Improved Techniques).
Team Communication and Procedures.
Advanced Navigation Guidance.
Multiple Jumps and Line Location.
Long Term Penetration Gas Management.
Lost Line Drills and Lost Diver Drills.
Emergency Response and Recovery Plans.

The CDAA Cave Course aims to develop the knowledge, discipline, situational awareness and technical skills required to safely dive in CDAA-rated cave sites. This is where divers become more than fans of the overhead sport and transform into objectively controlled and meticulous cave explorers.

Optional Upgrade:

Divers can also combine the TDI Intro to Cave certification with CDAA Cave Training for a nominal uplift for materials and registration costs.

Course Highlights

Developmental stages between cave and cave.
CDAA and TDI routes, which are offered.
Applicable to OC and CCR divers.
Real-world skill development in overhead zones.
Cave, sinkhole and cave site training at CDAA-rated locations.
Streamlined situational awareness, discipline and diver control.
Safe overhead navigation protocols using teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites to CDAA Cave diving?

The CDAA Basic Cave / TDI Cavern is an introduction to the overhead training program designed to introduce divers to the protocols and disciplines of CDAA Cave and is a prerequisite for this course.

Can I train on a rebreather?

CCR divers are also welcome as long as you have logged hours and a certificate from the specific unit you are in. Please consult with the team prior for more detail on the use of CCR.

What is Cavern training, Sinkhole training and Cave training?

Cavern: Daylight area, cannot be deeper than 20 meters.
Sinkhole: Sinkhole deeper than 20 meters with wide passages.
Cave: Darkness zone, cave navigation and safety protocols.

Is it possible to mix the CDAA and TDI certifications?

Yes. Both basic and cave level training have a TDI equivalent.

Is the course physically strenuous?

In overhead diving, one needs accuracy, composure, the ability to control buoyancy and feel comfortable in confined spaces. The training is developed progressively, and is aimed at control and safety.

In what location is the training conducted?

This training is provided in cave, sinkhole and caverns and conducted at various sites located in and around Mt Gambia SA.

Blue Water Ascent: Begin your cave diving adventure

Whether it is your first steps into the overhead diving arena or you are moving towards real cave diving, Blue Water Ascent offers a quality and structured training program that will not only advance your skill level but also improve your boundaries in a safe way.