Mine

This course is the first stage in the TDI Mine Diver Development Program and is an introduction to the basic principles of mine diving utilizing a single primary guide line. This introduction is not intended to train divers for all facets of mine diving. The objective of this course is the perfection of skills taught in the TDI Cavern Diving Program, in addition to the adoption of additional techniques and procedures required for elementary mine dives. This course may be combined with TDI Mine Diver Level II at the discretion of the instructor.This course uses the same principles and techniques as the TDI Intro to Cave Course, including utilizing the same training materials and equipment. However, dual certification is not permitted and graduates wishing to dive in caves must complete the TDI Intro to Cave Course.

What you can expect to learn

The following topics must be covered during this course:

• Policy for mine and cave diving
• Gas matching procedures and management to include dissimilar volumes
• Psychological considerations
• Equipment considerations
  • Cylinder options
  • Regulator options
  • Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)/harness options
  • Reel options
  • Proper weighting
  • Equipment configurations
• Communication
  • Hand signals
  • Light signals
  • Touch contact signals
• Swimming techniques
  • Body posture/ trim
  • Buoyancy control
  • Line following
  • Propulsion techniques
• Physiology
  • Breathing techniques
  • Stress management
• Mine environment
  • Types of mines
  • Geology
  • Structure
  • Hazards
  • Local access requirements
  • Land owner relations
• Conservation
• Problem solving
• Accident analysis
• Review of dive tables and decompression theory
• Mine and cave diving etiquette

Course Equipment Requirements

• Primary cylinder(s); volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption
• Dual-orifice (Y) or (H) closed valve or dual valve manifold
• Two independent first and second stage regulators; one regulator equipped with a long hose at a recommended minimum length of 2 metres / 7 feet
• Submersible pressure gauge
• Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) with power inflator
• Exposure suit adequate for diving environment
• Mask and fins, NO snorkel
• Line cutting device
• Three battery powered lights; 1 primary and 2 back-ups, each with a with burn time suitable for the planned dive time
• Safety reel with a minimum of 37 metres / 125 feet of guideline
• One primary cave-diving reel with length appropriate for intended dive
• Computer, watch or bottom timer and depth gauge
• Slate or wet notes with a pencil
• Submersible dive tables or backup

Course Prerequisites

• Minimum age 18
• Certified TDI Cavern Diver or equivalent