PADI Tec Intro to Cave [Distinctive]
Enter the overhead environment, master guideline discipline, and build the foundation for safe cave diving
Duration
3 days, 4 cave dives
Max Depth
30m / 100ft
Level
Technical (Overhead / Cave Entry)
Next Step
PADI Full Cave Diver [Distinctive]
Overview
The PADI Tec Intro to Cave (Distinctive Specialty) course introduces divers to the fundamental principles of cave diving, focusing on guideline use, gas management, and team procedures within an overhead environment.
Training is conducted under strict limits, including no-decompression diving, single guideline use, and controlled penetration using the rule of thirds, ensuring a structured and safe introduction to cave diving.
Divers develop the ability to plan and execute elementary cave dives, manage gas and contingencies, and maintain control in an environment where direct access to the surface is not possible.
At N9BO℠, this course is positioned as the transition into overhead technical diving — where discipline, awareness, and procedural accuracy become critical.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Tec Intro to Cave (Distinctive Specialty)
- Level: Technical overhead / cave entry course
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 18, PADI Tec 45 Diver + PADI Cavern Diver (or equivalent), minimum 50 logged dives
- Ratio: Maximum 3 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Full technical configuration with dual cylinders and minimum one stage/decompression cylinder
- Depth / environment: Maximum 30m / 100ft, no-decompression diving, overhead cave environment with continuous guideline
- Format: Academic development + land drills + cave training dives
- Duration: 3 days with 4 cave dives and minimum accumulated bottom time of 100 minutes
What You’ll Learn
- Plan and execute introductory cave dives within strict limits.
- Apply the rule of thirds for gas management.
- Deploy, follow, and retrieve guidelines.
- Use line markers for navigation and team coordination.
- Perform emergency procedures including lost line, lost diver, and light failure.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold PADI Tec 45 Diver and PADI Cavern Diver certifications (or equivalent).
- Have a minimum of 50 logged dives.
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
This course is for technical divers who want to transition from cavern diving into true cave diving environments, while remaining within controlled limits.
Diving is conducted under strict constraints, including:
- Gas management using the rule of thirds
- No decompression diving
- Maximum depth of 30 metres
- Use of a single continuous guideline
- No restrictions or tight passages
No. This course focuses on introductory cave penetration within controlled limits, designed to build skills safely before progressing to full cave training.
You will complete four cave dives, practicing guideline work, propulsion techniques, gas management, and emergency procedures such as lost line, lost diver, and light failure.
No. This is an entry-level cave course designed to prepare you for more advanced cave training, not to cover all aspects of cave diving.
Ready to Enter the Overhead Environment?
Send us your certifications and dive history. We’ll guide you into cave diving with the structure, discipline, and control required for safe progression.
Go Pro with PADI Tec Intro to Cave Instructor
Advance into overhead environment instruction and train divers in cave procedures, safety, and technical team operations.
