Training

We didn’t just “flatten” this curve, we crushed it
In the 1970s and 1980s, open-water diver fatalities in caves were alarmingly frequent. Then, within a short span of time, they all but disappeared. What did we do to make this happen?

RMV vs. SAC: What’s the Difference?
Few topics generate more confusion among divers and instructors than Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV) and Surface Air Consumption (SAC). This video tells you what you need to know in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Solo Diving Survey Results
Among the most surprising results of our July survey on cave diver behavior was the fact more than half of respondents say they solo dive in caves, at least on occasion. We decided to take a closer look.

Proud to be part of this team
Where have we been for the past month? Helping to breathe new life into a venerable organization.

Exciting times for the NSS-CDS
We promised you some big news by week’s end. It’s Friday, and here it is.

Don’t be a Cookie Monster
Why teach a simple procedure when you can baffle your students with a complicated one?

The rule no one violates (and why)
There are rules most cave divers follow and ones most don’t. The Rule of Thirds is one almost no one violates. Why is that?

Real cave divers, real behavior
Readers have been eagerly awaiting the results of the survey we launched last week on cave diver behavior. Here is the raw data.

Are you among the 300?
If you are among the 300 people who responded to our recent survey, you just made a valuable contribution to cave diving. And you didn’t have to die in a hail of arrows to do it.

“Yes, but do cave divers actually do that?”
There are many things we tell cave students they “should” or “must” do. But how closely do real-world cave divers follow these rules? We’re going to find out.

The end of Cavern Diver?
No, the Cavern Diver course isn’t going away. However, it’s role in cave diver training is changing. Often, it no longer has a role.

Eight questions to ask before your DPV class
DPVs can take your cave diving to a whole different level. But before you sign up for DPV Cave Diver training, there are eight hard questions you must ask.

“It seemed like a good idea at the time.” (It still is.)
We’re all familiar with the famous Grim Reaper sign. But do you know the story behind it? It’s cave diving history worth remembering.

How cave diving changed everything
Few things have had as much impact on the diving world as cave diving has. In fact, we pretty much changed the entire diving landscape.

Ten Ways to Help Protect the Cave
Any visit to an underwater cave causes damage. However, by diving conscientiously, you can keep this damage to a minimum.

New! SuperHiPerformance Cave Diving
Let’s face it: Cave diving has become boring. But don’t worry. We have a way to put the adrenaline back in. And all you have to do is risk your life.

Blinded by the slight
Remember that scene in Episode II where Obi-Wan tells Anakin, “This weapon is your life.” Well, in caves, the guideline is your life.

The most counterproductive word in diver training
Want diver training to stay locked in the past? Just use this word to save yourself from actually having to make a difference.

What really kills cave divers?
It’s the simple things we all too often overlook. Unfortunately, that’s what can get you killed.

Choose wisely
Choose your cave instructor as though your life depends on it. Because — guess what? It does.

See yourself and become a better cave diver
One of the fastest ways to improve everything from gear configuration to buoyancy, trim and propulsion is to see how you look underwater.