Scuba limits and horizons are continually expanding. Improvements in equipment (e.g. high performance regulators, larger capacity cylinders, new generation drysuits, computers and a host of ancillaries) facilitate longer, more comfortable and undoubtedly safer diving. Combine the above with curiosity - the human instinct to explore beyond the established frontiers - and naturally enough we can understand the growing interest in the truly fascinating world of cavern and cave diving.

Open virtually any diving magazine these days and there is surely at least one article relating to cavern, cave, mine, or wreck penetration. There was a time not so many years ago when cave diving was openly frowned upon - one of the major international diving bodies even went so far as to dissociate itself completely from all such activities, virtually banning all reference to such practises in its manual. Today, by comparison, the subject is no longer 'hush hush' and is instead viewed as an acceptable area of sporting interest.

Apart from the improved safety arising from general developments, the acceptance of cavern and cave diving has come about largely as a result of the determined efforts of the various training organisations. Faced with the rapidly growing table of accident statistics and the inevitable backlash from both landowners and public bodies in the 1970s, groups such as the American NSS CDS (National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section) and the NACD (National Association for Cave Diving) formulated an appropriate course structure to ensure a safe introduction to the activity. Since then other training agencies such as PADI, TDI and IANTD have adopted this basic format and, while there may be slight differences in approach worldwide due to local environmental conditions, the philosophy and basics of each course are much the same.

Up until but a few years ago any diver who ventured into any rocky tunnel was referred to as a cave diver. The Americans, faced with the ever increasing popularity of diving at the warm, clear springs of Florida, quickly found themselves embroiled in major problems - novice divers were dying in some alarming incidents. The likes of the late Sheck Exley analysed the various accidents as best they could and came to the conclusion that there was clear need for a preliminary course - the Cavern Course - before individuals embarked upon cave diving in the internationally accepted sense. The term 'cavern' was therefore coined in America to describe the new course developed by the dive training organisations in Florida. Analysis of past cave, mine and wreck diving fatalities has shown a number of factors to be involved:

1) Lack of training and awareness of the environment.
2) Lack of, or problems with, guideline.
3) Mismanagement of one's air reserves.
4) Depth.
5) Lighting or other equipment problems.

So what is cavern diving? Firstly Cavern diving is not cave diving. It does involve penetration of a cave but only for a limited distance, to a limited depth and all within the daylight zone. And to dispel those myths with which many divers are still deeply ingrained this foundation course does not involve any restrictions or 'squeezes'. At all times it is possible for two divers to swim side by side. The cavern course therefore is a course aimed at raising the individual's environmental awareness without subjecting him or her to the many additional concerns and real hazards experienced in the zone of permanent darkness. As such cavern divers use their normal equipment, with which they are fully familiar and confident (the configuration may be modified slightly in the interests of safety).

They concentrate primarily upon the essential environmental requirements. Another point worth stressing at the outset is that Cavern diving does not require nitrox, more than two cylinders at the very most, or the host of other gizmos and gadgets which seem to be the badge of the 'tech diver'. It does however require an awareness and respect which follows naturally from the right attitude, training and experience.
Today the recreational diver should be aware that there is a clear distinction between cavern diving and cave diving. It is possible to gain first-hand experience of this unique underwater world without subjecting oneself to all the inherent dangers of the true cave environment. One thing is certain - cave diving is dispassionately unforgiving. It must be approached with all due care and attention.

When it comes to the subject of cavern and cave diving it is the likes of the Balearic Islands, Florida and the Dordogne which figure prominently in the various dive magazines. Overseas, as one may well imagine, the water is warmer (20 degrees centigrade in Florida!) and the visibility somewhat better than here in the UK. The Mediterranean, where a variety of different sites may be found to suit all abilities, generally continues to be a major attraction for British divers.

Cavern diving courses are available here in the British Isles. At the present time only the TDI Farrworld course is conducted in home waters - other organisations commit their clientele to lengthy time slots overseas. The Farrworld course is a two-day programme involving theory and diving on both days. There are superb, idyllic caves for cavern diving off the western coast of Ireland, but as far as Britain generally is concerned diving at coastal sites is far too weather dependent to allow for lengthy pre-planning. A far better option is that of diving caves inland. At these sites the water temperature may vary considerably - from 4 to 14 degrees centigrade depending upon the season - but in the summer months the prime site, Porth yr Ogof in the Brecon Beacons, is rarely less than 12 degrees. At such times the visibility can be superb although heavy rain can lead to significant reduction. As with any maritime location, ultimately all sites are weather dependent and very heavy rain will lead to flooding and the abandonment of all diving.

Inland caves may not host such a wealth of marine life as say the west of Ireland but certainly in this clean, fresh water the diver will encounter all manner of life forms, including some very large trout! The depth of water in which the training takes place is surprisingly shallow. The cavern course at Porth yr Ogof has a five metre maximum, which means that you can dive for a comfortably long period on smaller cylinders than one might normally use in the sea and still not run any risk of decompression. This advantage is further complemented by the wonderful scenery in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, together with ample car parking (safely supervised) and relatively easy access to the water. All told this is an ideal training venue and it gives a tremendous insight to the esoteric underground world. For anyone intent upon ultimately progressing along the avenue of wreck penetration the skills associated with line laying, line following and recovery are heavily stressed and will prove immensely beneficial.
Beyond the cavern course individuals may progress at their own pace into specific cave related activities, starting with the introductory cave diver course and progressing to full cave. Where one undertakes this training - with which agency - will determine how long the certification process will take to achieve.
Individuals with considerable experience and qualification may gain exemption from the cavern course and access the introductory level directly.

If so inclined, and at the instructor's discretion, these divers can progress to full cave certification within the space of eight days of enrolment. This 'fast track' approach may be acceptable somewhere like Florida where environmental conditions are fairly uniform. There is, however, much to be said for a slower approach. A period of reflection and consolidation between courses is highly desirable and this is the approach that is taken by Farrworld in Britain. It allows for subtle refinements to one's kit and configuration and also to read up and practice the various skills learned at each stage of the progression.

In this age of global travel and activity divers need to be aware that environmental conditions vary immensely worldwide. As such cave divers must keep an open mind and be prepared to modify both kit and approach as and when required. Environmentally, the British venues may not be as inviting as say the blue holes of the Bahamas or the warm clear springs of Florida; but there is little doubt that the training conducted here and the lessons learned are every bit as valid. The dive environment at this level varies considerably. On the one hand there are spacious cave passages which naturally takes the cavern course that one step further. In this area again the water temperature varies, as does the visibility.

However, perhaps the finest diving in the British Isles as a whole is that which may be undertaken in various old, abandoned mines. It is emphatically stated at this point that mine diving should not be undertaken without specific, specialist training. These sites often possess gin clear water and an interesting array of old artifacts which makes the diving very spectacular. On the other hand without the necessary 'awareness' the diver will lay his or herself open to a greater degree of potential risk than that involved in cave diving.

There are relatively few 'safe' mine diving sites in the British Isles. The Silica Mines of the upper Neath Valley in South Wales are certainly the finest, although it is a fairly strenuous 600 metre walk to reach the place. Floating gracefully through these is a wonderful experience, but given both the complexity and the depth of the site this is not a place for the inexperienced, other than under close supervision. The iron mines of the Forest of Dean possess a totally different character, presenting the diver with more rounded tunnels and rather more colour.

The passageways here vary immensely in both size and depth but under optimum conditions the visibility is as good as anywhere in the world. The water temperature is about nine degrees and the water levels fluctuate by over 10 metres depending upon the season. The Noxon Park iron mines are difficult to find and frequently involve an underground hike of some 200 - 300 metres to reach the dive base. Both the mines briefly described above may be dived with conventional equipment configuration.

Cave diving can therefore be undertaken at some superb sites across the UK and one need not be a super fit 'ironman' to dive these places. These sites are certainly not as numerous as the altogether more committing places frequently tackled by the caving fraternity. Yes, there are hundreds of caves where you can really struggle carrying diving equipment to the most distant depths of the earth, but hopefully the discerning reader will appreciate that while this may be the ultimate enjoyment for a minority, there are tremendous recreational options open to the majority. The key to these options is training and experience.

Likewise the certification gained will open the door to those exotic dream locations you've always fancied diving. You may not want, or ever intend, to pursue a career diving in caves or mines but if nothing more you will have a refreshing experience of a wholly different environment. And the next time you dive a wreck you will be just that little bit more aware of what dangers await the unwary. There is no doubt that some of the lessons learned on a cavern course will be immensely beneficial in the area of diving which you enjoy the most.

Cavern diver certification is an eminently achievable objective for the majority of divers, but for a truly rewarding experience you must filter the information available. You have to decide what you would like to do, where you would like to do it, then find the person who will provide the most professional tuition. During a dive, when you are rather more tense than you had anticipated, it's very reassuring to know that the person you are with is giving you 100 percent of their attention, rather than wondering if they are preoccupied with some other concern.

In conclusion a cavern diver course provides a structured, well supervised introduction to diving in natural overhead environments, with any number of new skills being taught and practised. Cavern diver certification is an internationally recognised qualification and as such divers with this card will be allowed access to similar sites worldwide - it is the first important step in a series of programmes leading to Full Cave certification. For further details contact Martyn at 'Farrworld' - Tel/Fax 01873 811085

By Martyn Farr.