Cave diving August 1968
11 years before Exley released,"Blue Print to Survival" and modern accident analysis,some forward thinking people at the then infant NACD held their first workshop at Camp Kulaqua in August of 1968. They documented this event in some proceedings that give us an insight in the era where formalized training didn't exist, and Clorox bottles were the high tech buoyancy compensator.
The editors of this document and also presenters were Larry Briel and Dave Desautels,as well as Tom Mount,who went on to form the NACD.
The 10 safety rules to cave diving
1) Always dive with a buddy and stay with him
2) Plan your dive in advance
3) Have sufficient air (preferably double tanks)
4) Use a sturdy safety line tied securely outside the cave,keep it taut
5) Never let go of the safety line
6) Use a dependable primary light and carry a spare light
7) Don't over extend your own capabilities,or your buddy's
8) Beware of crumbly walls and ceilings
9) Beware of stirring up silt
10) Avoid panic
Basically some good advice with the exception of #5,but will discuss this
To become a cave diver
1) Master the fundamentals of diving
2) Practice emergency techniques in open water until they become second nature
3) Take an advanced course, or begin cave diving slowly,with the aid of an experienced cave diver
4) Practice together so that signals and timing are by instinct
5) Dive in small groups-four maximum. Know each other's capabilities, and don't exceed them.
There is a description of specialized techniques and gear, and one of the points is always to stay in contact with the safety line. Interestingly a piece of gear that a cave diver should have is a lanyard line. Described as," a short length of stout line carried by each diver that can be securely clipped to the safety line allows the group to spread out a little on both sides of the line. This helps to keep the group together, and still out of each other's way". I think we would agree staying in constant physical contact with the line, and using another line to keep everyone connected as a team,may present more hazards than help.
This group of people were forward thinking, and seeing that the sport was developing,it was under threat due to accidents that were occurring. All the participants had an open panel discussion which included participation by area sheriffs,judge, and rescue teams to address the problem of the day. This type of thing helped prevent the sport from being outlawed,and allow us the benefits we experience now.
Welcome to the Cave Diver's Forum.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Nitrogenius
Bookmarks