Welcome to the Pacific Cave Diving web site
Thanks for stopping by. My name is Robert Berg. I am a recreational, technical, and cave diving instructor. I've created this web site to be a reference and guide for you if you're considering cave diving in Guam, or the Western Pacific. If you are not cave or cavern certified and you're considering diving some of the caves on Guam, Please get proper training first. There are more than 580 recorded cave deaths, all but a few were completely preventable. Using data collected from each of the fatalities, The cave community developed the five rules of accident analysis. Not knowing these rules puts your life in a significant amount of danger.
Cave diving is not all doom and gloom though. The cave environment provides us with spectacular opportunities for discovery and exploration. I have mapped new passages in well known caves here on Guam, There are still allot of discoveries left for you. I will be holding cave safety and slide presentations at some of the local dive shops, just check my calendar. Please feel free to contact me by email
We shall not cease from exploration, and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. T.S. Elliot
Why would someone go into those caves?
That is probably the most common question asked of me when suiting up for a dive. Unfortunately it's also the hardest to answer. There are probably as many reasons for cave diving as there are cave divers. I guess the main reason I got into cave diving was that I saw the skills that cave divers had, I wanted to be that good. I quickly discovered the beauty and enjoyment to be had inside the bowels of the Earth. Cave diving requires the most demanding skill sets, the most discipline, and probably the most gear in all of the SCUBA community combined. There are allot of good reasons for cave diving, but there are also bad reasons for it as well. If you are a dare-devil, out to prove something, or lack diving discipline, you don not belong in a cave. We don't dive caves because they are dangerous, we carefully plan and execute cave dives trying to mitigate the dangers at every step.
Is cave diving dangerous:It absolutely can be either safe or insanity; it depends on how YOU approach it. Cave diving has an exemplary safety record for PROPERLY TRAINED cave divers. Those who enter a cave or cavern without proper training are STUPID, INCONSIDERATE, AND ARE BOUND TO BE A STATISTIC. There are about 580 cave related deaths in the IUCRR (International Underwater Cave Rescue and Recovery) database. A large number of these deaths have been "open water instructors" and so called "tech divers". Cave diving requires cave training. No amount of open water experience can prepare you for the hazards of overhead diving. Your wreck specialty class does not prepare you for overhead diving. The only certification agency teaching a real wreck course is IANTD, the rest basically teach you how to dive a metal reef.
A properly trained cave diver is typically in more danger driving to the dive site rather than the actual dive. Cave diving definitely has it's hazards, but with proper training most of these hazards can be mitigated. I know that there are dive operators here on Guam that promote cave and cavern dive sites, (without offering any training) But with your help, I will change that. Any dive shop or dive boat that offers to take you to a dive site that you are not qualified to dive DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY. If you decide to pursue cave diving, please seek out cave training.
How much does it cost?Sorry, I don't run monthly specials offering cave classes for $99. (I've never understood why dive shops would promote open water certification classes for $99. You might just as well advertise classes complete with mediocre training, overworked instructors, and minimal standards compliance).
Cave certification is largely divided into four levels. The first level is "cavern" certification. This class gives you the basics for all the rest of your training. This class is two days long and costs $350 which includes your workbook. The second level is "basic" cave. It takes two days and costs $500. The third level is "apprentice" cave. This class will be available in the Fall of 2008. The fourth level is "full" cave. This class will be available in the Fall of 2008. Unfortunately the cost of the course is the least expensive portion of cave diving. Cave diving is a gear intensive endeavor.
The gear required for "cavern" diving is largely the same as your standard open water "kit". There are a few modifications necessary including minimizing the "dangles" and breathing the long hose (it's not meant to be kinky). You'll also need your own safety reel and a cutting device (not a leg sword), a primary and backup light. Budget about $300 in gear for the cavern class. The gear required for basic cave and beyond is much more intensive. You will need either a set of "doubles" or a single with an h-valve, in dependant first stage and second stage regulators, a primary and safety reel, a canister style primary light and 2 backups. Budget between 2 and 4 thousand dollars for gear for the rest of your cave training. You will want to purchase a "back plate and wing" style harness as early as possible so you can get comfortable with it. Before purchasing ANY gear for your cavern and cave training, ask me for my opinion!! The local dive shops in Guam have absolutely no idea what is necessary and proper in a cave.
How long does it take:Each of the four cave levels are designed to take two days each. Some people will find that combining two levels for a four day class is easier to schedule. That is perfectly acceptable, but remember that your skills have to meet fairly stringent standards. Typically students that request this kind of schedule combine the cavern and basic class, and later the apprentice and full classes. I don't teach the 8 day full cave class (commonly referred to as zero to hero) because I feel that you should have time to develop your techniques and skills. A saying i'm fond of is: "training + experience = judgment".Some instructors give "lip service" to the saying: "training is purchased, certification is earned" . Let me assure you that if I write you a cave certification, You've earned it.
Your progession is completely dependant on your proficiency in the water. This needs to be addressed on a student by student basis. Some "tec" divers can progress fairly rapidly (some), and some advanced open water divers that are more "natural" in the water and respond better to instructions can progress at an accelerated rate. It doesn't really matter, I will work with you until you get it right.
What are the prerequistes:First you have to start with the "cavern" certification. If you already posess a cavern card from an agency other that the NSS-CDS or NACD, you will porbably have to repeat the class. Unfortunately many recreational training agencies offer the cavern specialty using inadequately trained instructors and less than stringent standards. "Cavern" is the foundation that your entire cave educaton will be based upon. To enroll in a cavern class you must be 18yo, advanced open water, and have at least 25 dives. I know that it doesn't seem like a stringent screening process, however your comfort and skill in the water are the biggest criteria. Your attitude is atleast as important as well. For a more complete description of the classes click : CAVERN, BASIC CAVE, APPRENICE CAVE, and FULL CAVE
Cavern Diver. This course develops the minimum skills and knowledge for cavern diving and describes the dangers involved with cave diving. Planning, environment, procedures, techniques, problem solving and other specialized needs of cavern diving are covered. Problem solving in cavern diving includes, but is not limited to, body positioning (trim), buoyancy control, emergency procedures, line following and propulsion techniques. Accident analysis forms the basis of this learning experience. Special emphasis on the unique environment includes silting, entanglement, disorientation and equipment modifications. The Cavern Diver Course is in no way intended to provide instruction for cave diving.
This course level is an entry-level program for those interested in cave diving and is also a safety program for open water divers.
This course develops the minimum skills and knowledge required for limited penetration cave diving. Dive planning, cave environment, procedures, techniques, problem solving and other specialized needs of cave diving are covered.
Required topics include:
A. The NSS-CDS organization, limits of training and course completion requirements.
B. Conservation.
C. Landowner relations.
D. Accident Analysis.
E. Underwater cave formations and terminology.
F. Types of underwater cave entrances.
G. General and specific hazards of the cavern/cave environment.
H. Equipment.
I. Trim and propulsion.
J. Guidelines and line-laying.
K. Dive planning and procedures.
L. Communications.
M. Psychological aspects and stress control.
N. Problem solving and emergency procedures.
O. A final review and individual student critique to aid the student in their continuing education.
The participant will be encouraged through this training to develop a clear understanding of the safety limits of the Cavern Diver level of training and will be expected to dive within the scope of these limits both during and upon successful completion of this training:
A. Daylight zone of cavern and within sight of the surface entrance.
B. Penetration is limited to one-third (1/3) of a single diving cylinder or one-sixth (1/6) of a twin cylinder configuration.
C. Minimumof a 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. tank with a starting pressure of 2000psi/140
bar.
D. 200 feet/60 m maximum distance from surface.
E. 100 feet/30 m maximum depth.
F. 40 feet/12 m minimum starting visibility with 4 students and
30 feet/9 m minimum starting visibility with 2 students and
20 feet starting visibility with 1 student.
G. Penetration in the daylight zone only (on a primary reel), no traverses, dives start and stop in same place, no complex navigation.
H. No decompression.
I. No restrictions (areas too small for two divers to pass through together).
J. No original exploration.
K. No goal oriented dives.
Each diver shall be equipped with at least the following:
A. Mask and fins (straps taped, if required), but no snorkel.
B.. Minimumof a 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. tank with a starting pressure of
2000psi/140 bar.
C. First and second stage regulators with additional second stage on a long intermediate-pressure hose (7 foot/2.1 m hose is recommended), submersible pressure gauge and power inflator for buoyancy compensator.
D. Two battery-powered diving lights.
E. Safety reel/spool with at least 100 feet/30 m of guideline. (Instructor may dictate line volume in excess of 100 feet/30 m if local conditions dictate).
F. Dive computer or timing device, depth gauge, slate, pencil and submersible dive tables.
G. Knife configured so as to minimize entanglement. A small knife or a “Z” knife type line cutter is preferred.
H. Proper exposure suit.
I. One (1) primary line reel (minimum 350 feet/110 m) per team. At the Cavern level only, the instructor may supply each team with primary reels for use during the course, but shall emphasize the need for each Cavern Diver to obtain their own primary reel prior to conducting any post-course dives.
Basic/Intro. Cave Diver. This course covers the basic principles of actual cave diving. Accident analysis forms the basis of training. Basic/Intro. Cave Diver follows the Cavern Diver courses as the Cave Diving Section’s second step in the development of safe techniques for cave diving. The basis of this course is aimed at continuing development of basic skills and the refinement of techniques and procedures required for the most elementary of cave dives. Cave dives are planned around very limited penetrations so that the diver may progress to cave diving at a conservative pace. The Basic/Intro. Cave Diver course is not intended to train divers for all facets of cave diving.
Classroom includes a review of the Cavern Diver Program, as required, with emphasis placed on the differing techniques and procedures used in a cave including the below-listed topics (some of which may have been covered in whole or part in the Cavern Diver course). Classroom is defined as any place time is spent presenting information, instruction or evaluations out of the water.
Required topics include:
A. The NSS-CDS organization, limits of training and course completion requirements.
B. Conservation.
C. Accident Analysis.
D. Types of underwater cave entrances.
E. Guidelines and navigational concerns.
F. Dive planning and procedures including gas management and the calculation of dissimilar volume matching of team member breathing gas cylinders.
G. Communications.
H. Psychological aspects and stress control.
I. Equipment
J. Trim and propulsion.
K. Problem solving and emergency procedures.
L. A final review and individual student critique to aid the student in their continuing education.
The participant will be encouraged through this training to develop a clear understanding of the safety limits of the Basic/Intro. Cave Diver level of training and will be expected to dive within the scope of these limits both during and upon successful completion of this training:
A. Penetration is limited to one-third (1/3) of a single diving cylinder or one-sixth (1/6) of a twin cylinder configuration.
B. Minimum of a 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. tank with a starting pressure of 2000 psi/140 bar in a single tank or if in doubles, the doubles have to be a minimum of 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. each with a starting pressure of 1800 psi./124 bar.
C. 100 feet/30 m maximum depth.
D. 30 feet/9 m minimum starting visibility.
E. Main line penetration only with no jumps, gaps, circuits or traverses, dives begin and end at same point with no complex navigation.
F. No decompression.
G. Minor restrictions are permitted. A minor restriction is defined as one which, for a short distance, requires the team to travel in single-file profile and may require the diver to manipulate his body or equipment in order to pass through the area. No equipment removal is permitted at this training level.
H. No original exploration.
I. No goal oriented dives.
J. No diver propulsion vehicles in cave.
Each diver shall be equipped with the following:
A. Mask and fins (straps taped if required), but no snorkel.
B. Minimum of a 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. tank with a starting pressure of 2000psi/140
bar in a single tank
or if in doubles, the doubles have to be a minimum of 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. each
with a starting pressure of 1800 psi./124 bar.
C. Exposure suit suitable for time and duration at location of training.
D. Dual-outlet valve on single cylinder (DIN-style recommended) or a twin cylinder configuration approved by instructor and at the instructor’s discretion.
E. Two first-stage regulators, each with a single second-stage regulator. One first and second stage regulator shall be equipped with a 7 ft/2.1m intermediate-pressure hose. Hoses for the submersible pressure gauge, power inflator for buoyancy compensator or other necessary devices can be configured at the student’s and instructor’s discretion.
F. Buoyancy compensator (“back-mounted inflation system” is recommended type).
G. One primary battery powered diving light with battery duration of at least expected dive plan (shall meet instructor’s approval).
H. Two battery-powered backup diving lights.
I. One (1) primary cave-diving line reel with minimum 350 feet/110 m of guideline per team.
J. Safety reel with at least 100 feet/30 m of guideline. (Instructor may dictate line volume in excess of 100 feet/30 m if local conditions dictate).
K. Dive computer or timing device, depth gauge, slate, pencil and submersible dive tables.
L. Knife configured so as to minimize entanglement. A small knife or a “Z” knife type line cutter is preferred.
M. At least three (3) line markers (non-directional markers or plastic line arrows).
Apprentice Cave Diver. This is the third in the series of cave diver development training courses. Emphasis is upon dive planning and skill refinement through actual cave dives. Techniques learned through the earlier Basic/Intro. Cave Diver and Cavern Diver courses are critiqued and expanded. Exposure to different cave diving scenarios is the foundation of this training.
The Apprentice Cave Diver course level represents the first half of the training ultimately required to complete the Cave Diver level and is not intended to prepare divers for evaluating all facets of cave diving. It is intended to expose students to basic fundamental principles of cave diving. Students are encouraged to move on to the next level of training before attempting to plan and execute complex cave dives. A time-limited training card is issued upon completion.
Required topics include:
A. The NSS-CDS organization, limits of training and course completion requirements.
B. Conservation.
C. Accident Analysis.
D. Decompression policies and procedures and proper choice of breathing gasses to minimize decompression obligations.
E. Guidelines and navigational concerns.
F. Dive planning and procedures including gas management and the calculation of dissimilar volume matching of team member’s breathing gas cylinders.
G. Communications.
H. Psychological aspects and stress control.
I. Equipment including decompression cylinder configurations.
J. Problem solving and emergency procedures.
K. A final review and individual student critique to aid the student in their continuing education.
The participant will be encouraged through this training to develop a clear understanding of the safety limits of the Apprentice Cave Diver level of training and will be expected to dive within the scope of these limits both during and upon successful completion of this training.
A. Penetration limited to 1/3 or less of twin diving cylinders. No stage diving is permitted.
B. Doubles with a minimum of 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. each with a starting pressure of
1800 psi./124 bar
C. Depths not to exceed 130 feet/40 m.
D. 20 feet/6 m minimum starting visibility.
E. Simple penetrations only (limited to one jump or gap); no complex navigation plans, including circuits or traverses, dives begin and end at same point.
F. Limited decompression diving. The dive plan shall provide only for a single decompression stop with no staged decompression (multiple stop decompression profiles are not permitted). The dive plan should minimize the team’s decompression obligation by optimizing choices in breathing gasses, decompression gasses and dive computers or tables.
G. No major restrictions or equipment removal in cave (except for decompression cylinders).
H. No original exploration.
I. No goal oriented dives.
K. No use of diver propulsion vehicles in cave.
All equipment listed in the Basic Cave Diving course with these additions and exceptions:
A. Twin-diving cylinders, Dive cylinder configurations may consist of any twin cylinder configuration agreed to by the instructor and student(s).
B. It is required that each team will provide an in-water decompression cylinder properly identified on all dives in which decompression may be a factor. The cylinder will incorporate all necessary support equipment including, but not limited to, regulators(s) and submersible-pressure gauge. The cylinder will contain adequate gas for at least 1.5 the gas volume required for the expected decompression needs of the dive team and should be placed in a safe and suitable location. If individual cylinders are carried by team members, then each cylinder will contain at least 1.5 times the gas volume required for the expected decompression needs of the individual team member.
C. Primary light with appropriate intensity and burn time for the dives planned. The instructor reserves the right to establish minimum intensity and burn time for dives conducted under that instructor’s control.
D. Jump/gap reel with minimum of 50 feet/16 m guideline (100 feet/30 m is recommended).
Cave Diver. This is the fourth in the series of cave diver development training courses. Exposure to more sophisticated cave diving scenarios is the foundation of this training. Complex cave dive planning and execution is emphasized. Techniques learned during the previous training levels are refined in more challenging cave diving environments.
Required topics include:
A. The NSS-CDS organization, limits of training and course completion requirements.
B. Conservation.
C. Accident Analysis.
D. Decompression policies and procedures along with proper choice of breathing gasses to minimize decompression obligations.
E. Common line configurations, including “T”s, and complex navigation including circuits and traverses.
F. Dive planning and procedures including gas management and the calculation of dissimilar volume matching of team members’ breathing gas cylinders.
G. Understanding and using cave maps.
H. Psychological aspects and stress control.
I. Problem solving and emergency procedures.
J. Controversial practices such as visual jumps, “trust me” dives, blind traverses, visual entry without primary reels and solo diving.
K. A final review and individual student critique to aid the student in their continuing education.
Divers trained to the NSS-CDS Cave Diver level should be generally recognized as free to engage in routine cave diving activities. However, in the interest of cave protection, conservation and general safety, the right of a cave diving site operator to require additional credentials and/or proof of experience for certain activities or access to certain cave environments is recognized by the NSS-CDS.
The single most important limitation for this level, as well as any level of diving, is self-comfort and the comfort level of the team. To proceed with a dive to the end of published limitations after exceeding comfort limitation is to invite complications that could prove fatal. Understand all of your limitations and plan your dive accordingly.
A. Penetration utilizing one third (1/3) or less of double cylinders.
B. Doubles with a minimum of 72 cu. Ft./2039 L. each with a starting pressure of
1800 psi./124 bar
C. Depths not to exceed 130 feet/40 m.
D. 20 feet/6 m minimum starting visibility.
E. Dives shall be planned to minimize decompression obligations during training.
F. No equipment removal in cave (except for decompression cylinders).
G. No diver propulsion vehicle use in a cave.
All equipment listed in the Apprentice Cave Diving course.