News
Cave Diving Etiquette
By Jon Kieren
When it comes to cave diving etiquette, people have a lot to complain about. Pages upon pages of shaming and bashing exist on the diving forums, and there are entire Facebook groups dedicated to complaining about how terrible everyone is at this recreational activity. I personally don’t feel that is a productive use of anyone’s energy and it is not what this article is intended to do. In cave diving, there are a lot of different ways to do just about everything. Put 10 instructors from around the world in a room and ask them how to install a primary reel and you’ll get 11 answers. And each response is usually completely valid based on that instructor’s experience, preferences, and the specific environment they dive in.
So why all the hostility? Why can’t we all just get along?
The purpose of this article is to outline a few basic “rules of the road” and provide a few suggestions for how to interact within the community in a positive light. While some rules of cave diving etiquette are typically common courtesy, they often stem from matters of safety. The distinctions will be highlighted in this article, and it should be noted that safety of ALL teams in the water is always the primary concern. We will not be getting into the specifics of each area of concern as much of this is covered in your cave training. We will simply highlight the key points regarding safety and etiquette.
The Primary Line
So, let’s get right into it with one of the most commonly griped about issues, the primary line. On a nearly daily basis, I witness divers and instructors ranting and raving about how lines are laid into the cave. For me, the frustrating part is not how the lines are laid, it’s the response from fellow divers.
For safety:
- Your team must be able to identify and follow the primary line sharing gas in zero visibility
- Your line must not interfere with another team’s ability to follow their line while sharing gas in zero visibility. This can be achieved by running your line away from another team’s, low to the ground, by making secure tie-offs and placements, and if crossing another team’s line is unavoidable, make sure you cross underneath it.
For courtesy of other divers:
- Pick a side and stick to it. If you start on the right-hand side of the cave, keep your line on that side until it is absolutely necessary to cross to tie into the permanent guideline.
- Keep it low, keep it neat. If your line is slack and floating mid water column, it can be very challenging for another team to run their line cleanly.
- Don’t tie in at the very start of the permanent line. Instead, proceed into the cave another 10m/33ft to 16m/50ft before tying in, as long as you do not need to cross anyone else’s line to do so. This will give other teams a bit of breathing room to tie in their own lines without needing to cross yours. An additional advantage to this is, in the event of a loss of visibility, the first reel you come across will more likely be yours, making it easier to verify.
- If there are too many primary lines installed in the cave to run your own without creating a hazard, you have a few options. Number one, wait for a team to exit and clear a path for your line. You may have to wait on the surface for a bit, but it’s far better than the alternatives of not having your own continuous guideline or creating a hazardous situation for another team. The second option would be to speak with other teams at the site to see if you can “share” a primary. If the second option is chosen, make sure to be very clear about how the primary will be marked to indicate whether there is a team in the cave or if it is clear to pull the reel.
“Right of Way”
The next topic most commonly complained about is “right of way”. Simply put, the exiting team always has the right of way. Every cave diver knows that very well. However, there are occasionally instances where the rule is not applied and people get upset. It is important to note that it is rarely an issue of malicious intent, but usually a misunderstanding or lack of awareness from the entering team, although lack of awareness should never be used as an “excuse” for improper procedures in cave diving.
For safety:
- The team entering the cave is having a fine day. If they were not, they would be turning around and exiting. However, the exiting team may have had some sort of failure on their dive and could be stressed and in a hurry.
- The entering team should always yield to the exiting team by moving off the line and shielding their lights, allowing the exiting team to pass without restriction.
- Any time the entering team is nearing a restriction or narrow passage, they should do their due diligence to check to see if there is an exiting team already in the passage. If so, they should hold on the exiting side of the restricted area and off the line, waiting for the exiting team to clear the section before proceeding.
For courtesy of other divers:
- It is common for exiting rebreather divers, or experienced divers who are not in a rush to get out of the cave, to clearly indicate that they are OK yielding to an oncoming team. In this case, they are not in distress and know they have sufficient gas to exit and are being kind to allow the entering team to proceed to enjoy their dive without waiting in line to enter. While this happens often, it can create confusion if the exiting team is not clear on their intentions.
Jumps
Well, an entire book could be written on the various methods of conducting a jump from one line to another. However, the same rules for installing a primary line apply:
For safety:
- Your team must be able to identify and follow the primary line sharing gas in zero visibility
- Your line must not interfere with another team’s ability to follow their line while sharing gas in zero visibility. This can be achieved by running your line away from another team’s, low to the ground, by making secure tie-offs and placements, and if crossing another team’s line is unavoidable, make sure you cross underneath it.
- The one addition is that you must be able to verify YOUR team’s direction of exit where the jump line meets the permanent line.
For courtesy of other divers:
- If there are too many spools installed on the jump to install yours without interfering with another team, you should re-evaluate your plan and choose another passage to explore.
Entering and Exiting the Water
When entering or exiting the water at a popular dive site, it is important to be conscious of how your actions may affect other teams.
For safety:
- Keep the stairs/exit clear. If there is an emergency, any stage/decompression/sidemount cylinders stacked up in the way will provide an additional hazard for the rescuers.
For courtesy of other divers:
- Enter the water and clear the entrance/exit so other divers can get in and out. Do not crowd the area while donning sidemount/deco/stage/bailout cylinders. Grab your gear and move away so other can enter or exit as needed.
These are just several of the many ways we can work together as a community to make this sport more enjoyable for all and reduce some of the friction seen and heard so often. If you are the victim of a discourteous diver, find a positive and productive method of educating them about their mistake and how it affected you.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
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As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
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For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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