PRE-COURSE READING
The following information is intended to answer most questions about the cost, duration of training, and how to prepare before starting a technical or cave diving course.
Of course, we remain at your disposal for any further questions, so don't hesitate to contact us!
PRICE OF TRAINING
Technical diving courses are charged on a per-day basis, as the courses are performance-based, and additional training days may sometimes be necessary.
The training fee is $300 USD per day, per person. (If two divers are taking the course, the daily fee is $540 USD, and for three students, it is $720 USD.)
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE, WHAT'S NOT?
The daily fee includes transportation to and from the dive site, instruction, and the use of properly rigged cylinders (80 cu/11 L aluminum), whether for sidemount or backmount configurations, with EAN32 as the standard gas.
It also covers weights and certain parts of the equipment if needed. Additionally, we always provide fresh drinking water, an O2 kit, a complete toolbox, and spare parts.
The daily fee does not include basic equipment (wetsuit/dry suit, fins, mask, computer, etc.), entrance fees to cenote parks, food, or the TDI e-learning codes.
DURATION (and the meaning of "performance based training")
The duration of the course and the number of dives required are performance-based. We train until you are fully prepared to plan and dive autonomously with a teammate, without supervision.
Merely performing skills is not enough. Students must demonstrate a high level of mastery in the following areas:
Merely performing skills is not enough. Students must show an overall high level of mastery in the following fields:
- fundamental skills (breathing, buoyancy control, trim, propulsion)
- dive planning (maps readings, orientation and route, gas needs & limitations, cave conservatism)
- awareness (self, global and situational awareness)
- team’s dynamics (active & passive communication, positioning, pacing & placing)
- mindset (positive non-egoic motivation, cave conservatism, cave etiquette, risk assessment)
- stress recognition & management (capacity of acting rationally under stress)
The evaluation of these qualities is, of course, somewhat subjective and reflects the instructor's perception. CDT Mexico instructors are highly experienced and specialize in teaching cave divers. We are attentive to and aware of the efforts our students put forth during this demanding course. While we set the bar high, we also guide and support you in reaching it in the shortest possible time, always prioritizing quality and safety.
“Train Hard – Dive Easy”
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE COURSE?
Preparing for a technical and/or cave diving course is essential to a successful experience.
Before enrolling, fundamental skills must be mastered and knowledge from previous levels is expected. What does that mean in practice?
Students must be able to control their position and remain static in the 3 dimensions, through
- controlled, slow and conscious breathing techniques
- buoyancy control using the wing/dry-suit with minimal use of lungs for micro-adjustment
- trimming body position, gear and configuration
- use of advanced propulsion techniques such as modified frog-kick, back-kick, and helicopter-turn
- self, global and situational awareness.
Additionally, participants should ensure that their equipment is well-maintained and that they are familiar with it. We can send you the gear list for your course upon request, or you can download it yourself here.
Most TDI courses include e-learning, which is a prerequisite for us. If you have already completed it, we will require a digital copy; otherwise, we will send you a TDI e-learning code, connected directly to CDT Mexico, with several benefits.
BEFORE STARTING THE COURSE / BOOKING
Students must complete the TDI e-learning before the start of the course (unless previously completed). The e-learning codes are paid in advance, along with a non-refundable down payment for one day of training, to secure the final booking.