Cave Diver Level 1

Cave Diver 1

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.
  • For a full list of course prerequisites, click here.
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.

It was an amazing course. I was already a full cave diver for TDI and this course challenged me in a way that I wasn’t expecting. Real life scenarios with complex, under stress problem solving that made me rethink the way I was diving before.

Giovanni G., Cave 1

In the aftermath it was a real surprise which situations we could handle without any big problems and a lot of gas left in the D12 (only one Primary light working, one diver with a non fixable valve manifold, one diver (of course me) out of gas, and everything at the deepest part of the cave (St. Georges, 30m) with a little bit of narcosis). After the class I learned why it is good to have the strict rules as a Cave 1 diver, and things like complex navigation, jumps etc. are reserved for Cave 2 divers.

York G., Cave 1

It was an awesome experience! Visiting such environments requires absolutely well trained skills and teamwork. Our instructor taught a great class! After the class I got hooked and it had a great impact. I went to Zero Gravity in Mexico and met great cave divers where we could share the same awesomeness together! I can't wait to jump into the Cave 2 class.

Remy S., Cave 1

As with all GUE courses, the training was comprehensive and thorough. Regardless of the class outcome, GUE Cave 1 training was really a life-changing experience for me personally, and my diving. It really is a spiritual experience and makes one realize how special (and important) these cave environments are.

Ryan D., Cave 1

The GUE C1 training was an exceptionally well run course. My diving has certainly been impacted. My mindset changed to definitely putting more emphasis into team diving, and using the team's resources to problem solve and exit. Post class experiences have been positive.

Michael B., Cave 1

Superb course that re-framed, professionalized and made me rethink my approach to cave diving [I was already certified with another agency]. The course was sequenced logically, well run, adhered to standards, comprehensive, and appropriately challenging.

Pete H., Cave 1

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Cave Diver 2

As their experience expands, active divers soon realize that Level 1 certification should be augmented by more training. Then, as divers become more comfortable in cave environments, and as caves reveal their beauty, versatility, and complexity, divers long to penetrate further.

The GUE Cave Diver Level 2 class, which stands out in the dive industry as a full class of the highest quality is a logical next step.

Tech Diver 1

Recent increased ocean exploration at greater depths has revealed a variety of hidden treasures, including deep pristine reefs, well-preserved wrecks, and valuable historical artifacts. However, venturing deeper bears inherent risks that can be mitigated with proper training, knowledge, teamwork, and gradual experience.

The GUE Tech 1 course prepares ambitious divers to begin their path to technical diving safely, with confidence, and with a base of solid skills and knowledge.
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