The TDI Stage Cave Diver Course is designed to teach trained cave divers how to extend bottom times and/or penetration distance through the use of stage cylinders. Divers will learn to plan dives that may incorporate longer bottom times, complex dive planning, and multiple methods of gas management. With respect to depth, gas mixes, and required decompression, course dives will not exceed the student’s current level of certification and experience level.

Who this course is for:

• The certified TDI Full Cave Diver (or equivalent) looking to extend their penetration limits

Course prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18
• Certified as a TDI Full Cave Diver, or equivalent

What you can expect to learn:

The following topics must be covered during this course:

• Motivations for extended time and penetration
• Equipment considerations
  • Cylinder sizes
  • Rigging
  • Streamlining
• Gas planning and gas management techniques
• Dive planning including decompression obligations
• Stage Diving techniques suitable for the cave environment
  • Dropping and retrieving of stage cylinders
  • Drop-off stations

Required skill performance and graduation requirements:

The student must perform the following S-drill and skills during all dives

• Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning
• Equipment check and equipment matching
• Bubble check
• Demonstrate specialized propulsion techniques in varying types of flow
• Demonstrate proper buoyancy control
• Demonstrate proper body posture
• Demonstrate proper stress analysis (detection and management)

The student must perform the following in-water skills during cave dives:

• Demonstrate proper use of stage cylinders
• Dropping and retrieval of stage cylinders efficiently while swimming

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in stage cave diving activities without direct supervision so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• Penetration is limited to the 1/3 air rule, or more conservative air-plan at instructor’s discretion.
• No equipment removal in cave with exception of stage cylinders
• Students are encouraged to gain experience before attempting to plan and execute complex stage cave dives
• Safety and decompression stops are completed as appropriate or necessary

TDI Stage Cave Diver minimum requirements:

• Perform all dive requirements safely and efficiently
• Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
• Maintain an appropriate level of awareness and respect for the cave environment
• Log all dives