
BEFORE THE COURSE
What to Expect & How to Prepare
Training Philosophy
Preparation & Expectations
This page explains how CDT Mexico approaches training, what we expect from students before arriving, and how to prepare for a technical or cave diving course.
If anything remains unclear, we’re always available to answer questions directly.
Training Philosophy
Our teaching philosophy is built on attention to each diver’s specific needs, ensuring high standards, safety, and progression through a current and evidence-based approach. Every diver is different, and instruction is adapted to individual experience levels, learning styles, and objectives.
All TDI and SDI courses are performance-based. Training duration and the number of dives are determined by the diver’s actual progress and demonstrated ability—not by a fixed schedule.
Our goal is to develop skilled, confident, and autonomous divers who can plan and execute dives safely with a teammate, without supervision. Evaluation is necessarily instructor-dependent and based on consistent, repeatable performance in real dive conditions.
At the same time, instruction is patient, structured, and supportive. We take the time needed for divers to understand, integrate, and stabilize skills—this is not a boot camp, but a professional training environment.
Instruction at CDT Mexico is direct and non-nonsense. Every procedure is explained, justified, and tested in the water. We focus on current, efficient techniques, minimalist and functional configurations, and streamlined procedures that demonstrably work in real cave and technical diving—not on habits followed simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.”
As we often say: “To do less, you need to know more.”
Efficiency is not simplification by omission, but the result of understanding.
We guide and support students toward the required objectives in the shortest reasonable time, always prioritizing quality, safety, and long-term competence.
Our mission is simple: to educate divers who are not just certified, but genuinely prepared for the realities of technical and cave diving.
Train hard – dive easy.
Performance-Based Training
Students are evaluated on their ability to consistently demonstrate:
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Control of fundamental skills
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Consistency
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Proper dive planning and execution
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Equipment configuration and familiarity
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Problem-solving under task load
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Self, team, global, and situational awareness
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Sound judgment and conservatism
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Respect for protocols and the environment
Performing a skill once is not sufficient.
Skills must be stable, repeatable, and integrated into real dives.
Evaluation is necessarily subjective and reflects the instructor’s professional judgment.
Standards are high, but instruction is supportive and focused on helping motivated students reach those standards efficiently and safely.
Fundamental vs Non-Fundamental Courses
Fundamental Courses
Examples include:
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Intro to Tech
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Sidemount
These courses are designed to teach and build fundamentals.
For these programs:
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Buoyancy, trim, propulsion, and awareness are learning objectives
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Students are not expected to arrive with mastery
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Time is allocated to develop skills progressively
All Other Courses
For non-fundamental courses:
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Core skills are considered prerequisites, not course content
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Training focuses on refinement, complexity, and stress management
Fundamentals are taught in fundamental courses.
Fundamentals are required for higher-level courses.
Training is performance-based, not time-based.
The goal is autonomous, competent, and conservative divers.
Skill Areas Evaluated During Training
Students are evaluated across multiple, interrelated domains:
Fundamental Skills
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Breathing control
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Buoyancy and depth stability
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Trim and body position/posture
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Efficient propulsion techniques
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Problem-solving
Dive Planning & Execution
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Map reading and route planning
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Gas planning and limitations
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Conservatism and margins
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Environmental awareness
Awareness
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Self-awareness
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Team awareness
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Global and situational awareness
Team Diving
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Communication (active and passive)
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Positioning and spacing
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Pacing and role management
Mindset
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Non-egoic attitude
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Etiquette
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Risk assessment
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Respect for the environment and protocols
Stress Recognition & Management
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Ability to remain rational
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Appropriate task prioritization under stress
Equipment Readiness
Proper equipment preparation is essential for efficient and safe training.
Technical and cave divers are expected to arrive with functional, appropriate, and well-maintained equipment, and to be fully comfortable using it.
Key expectations:
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Divers should own their primary equipment whenever possible
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Equipment must be correctly configured and familiar
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Students must be able to manage equipment independently
Sidemount Equipment
Owning a sidemount system is strongly recommended, as it is highly personalized.
Renting a sidemount system typically requires up to half a day for setup and adjustment.
Sidemount systems can be purchased through CDT Mexico.
Rental Equipment
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Regulators
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Primary and backup lights
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Backmount wings and backplates
Not available for rent:
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Dive computers
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Fins
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Exposure suits
Course-specific equipment lists are available on the website and should be reviewed before arrival.
→ Equipment Lists
Health & Medical Fitness
Divers are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to dive.
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A medical questionnaire can be provided if needed
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A physician’s clearance may be required based on medical history
Training environments are physically and mentally demanding.
Fatigue, stress, and task loading are part of the learning process.
Accommodation & Transportation
Choosing suitable accommodation is an important part of preparation.
Recommendations:
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Staying close to the training area reduces fatigue and commuting stress
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Please review the map to understand our location
Transportation:
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Pickup and drop-off are provided in the area between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal
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Pickup outside this area is not available
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Taxi transportation can be arranged at the diver’s expense
Stay & Dive Packages are available for streamlined logistics.
Practical Preparation Tips
To get the most out of your training:
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Arrive rested and hydrated
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Avoid scheduling flights immediately after training
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Plan buffer days when possible
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Review previous course materials and procedures
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Ensure all equipment is serviced and familiar
Prepared students progress faster and enjoy the training more.
Important Confirmation
By booking a course, students confirm they have read and understood:
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Course descriptions
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Pre-course preparation requirements
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The performance-based training model
Pricing, deposits, and cancellation policies are detailed on the Course Prices & Policies page.




