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CAVE DECOMPRESSION DIVER

The specifics of deco in caves
In a Nutshell

The TDI Cave Decompression Diver Course is designed for certified cave divers who want to expand their capabilities by incorporating decompression procedures in the cave environment. Whether you are already decompression certified or new to decompression diving, this course will provide the necessary skills to safely plan and execute staged decompression dives in caves.
 

For divers with existing decompression training, the course refines gas management, decompression strategies, and emergency protocols specific to cave diving. If you are new to decompression, additional training will ensure you build a solid foundation in staged decompression theory and procedures before applying them in an overhead environment.
 

You'll gain a deeper understanding of the physiological and psychological challenges associated with longer dives and greater distances. With a strong emphasis on precision, problem-solving, and safety, this course prepares you to explore deeper and more demanding cave systems with confidence.

Training Pathways

Pathway 1 – Already Decompression Diver

Minimum duration: 4 days

For divers who are already trained in decompression diving and are certified cave divers.

This pathway focuses on:

  • Integrating decompression procedures into cave dives

  • Managing decompression gases in an overhead environment

  • Navigation through intricate cave systems under decompression constraints

  • Runtime planning and execution

  • Failure management with decompression obligations

Pathway 2 – New to Decompression

Minimum duration: 6 days

For certified cave divers who do not yet hold a decompression certification.

This pathway includes:

  • Decompression theory and physiology

  • Gas selection and decompression planning

  • Progressive exposure to staged decompression

  • Skill development before adding overhead complexity

  • Gradual integration of cave-specific decompression procedures

Who This Course Is For

This course is intended for active Stage Cave divers who already demonstrate:

  • Control of fundamental skills with additional cylinders

  • Competent guideline handling and complex navigation

  • Effective gas planning with multiple cylinders

  • Consistent emergency procedure execution in overhead environments
     

Students must be able to manage increased exposure time, decompression obligation, and elevated task loading.

Prerequisites

Pathway 1

  • TDI Decompression Procedures Diver (or equivalent)

  • TDI Stage Cave Diver (or equivalent)

Pathway 2

  • TDI Stage Cave Diver (or equivalent)

Skills & Challenges Ahead

The Cave Decompression Diver Course develops the ability to manage longer bottom times, staged decompression, and increased operational complexity inside caves.
 

As dive exposure increases, so do:

  • Cognitive workload

  • Physiological stress

  • Psychological pressure

  • Dependency on precise planning and execution
     

Training exposes divers to these factors progressively, emphasizing structure, discipline, and error prevention.

Training Content (overview)

In-water training includes:

  • Refinement of fundamental cave skills under decompression constraints

  • Advanced gas management and decompression strategies

  • Complex navigation while carrying and managing decompression gases

  • Problem-solving scenarios with decompression obligations

  • Emergency procedures specific to cave decompression diving

Land-based training covers:

  • Planning and execution of staged decompression cave dives

  • Decompression theory and application

  • Gas requirement calculations using maps and software

  • Emergency management related to decompression in caves

  • Team coordination during extended dives

  • Thorough briefings and debriefings to reinforce every exercise

Academic presentations explore:

  • Physiological and psychological effects of decompression

  • Risk assessment and mitigation

  • Stress recognition and control

  • Cave conservation and best practices

Course Combinations
 

Minimum durations shown

Cave Deco (already deco)

4 days

Stage Cave + Cave Deco

6 days

Cave Deco (new to deco)

6 days

Stage Cave + Cave Deco

8 days

Divers who have not trained with CDT Mexico previously, or who have been inactive beyond defined timeframes, may require a 1-day skills assessment.

Get Ready

Training is not about collecting a card.
It’s about earning real autonomy, safety, and confidence.
The objective: divers who can plan and execute dives independently.

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