TDI Full Cave Diver – Advanced Cave Exploration Training

The TDI Full Cave Diver Course is the highest level of open-circuit cave diving training. This program prepares divers to safely plan and conduct complex cave dives using advanced navigation techniques and strict safety procedures.

Cave diving is one of the most demanding forms of scuba diving. Divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control, precise propulsion techniques, and strong situational awareness while navigating overhead environments with limited access to the surface.

During this course, divers learn how to safely conduct cave penetrations using complex guideline systems, advanced gas management, and detailed dive planning. Training focuses on problem-solving, team communication, and the disciplined procedures required for safe cave exploration.

The Full Cave Diver course builds on the skills learned in the Intro to Cave program and prepares divers to explore more complex cave systems using advanced navigation techniques such as jumps, gaps, circuits, and traverses. 

Course Price

$1500 per student

Included

• Academic theory training

• Cave navigation and guideline training

• Cave diving equipment configuration workshops

• Open water cave training dives

• Professional technical diving instructor guidance

Not Included

• TDI eLearning materials: $140

• Cave dive site entry fees

• Gas fills and decompression gases

• Technical diving equipment rental

Course Schedule

Typical course duration: 4–5 days

Training includes:

• Classroom and theory sessions

• Land drills and navigation practice

• Cave guideline navigation training

• Minimum 8 cave training dives

Students will practice advanced navigation techniques and complex cave penetration planning. 

Training Standards

Minimum Age

18 years old

Maximum Training Depth

40 meters / 130 feet

Prerequisites

• TDI Intro to Cave Diver certification or equivalent

• Minimum 50 logged dives (often more recommended)

If decompression dives are conducted during training, divers must also hold TDI Decompression Procedures certification or equivalent. 

What You Will Learn

During this course you will learn:

• Advanced cave dive planning

• Complex guideline navigation techniques

• Jump and gap procedures

• Circuit and traverse cave navigation

• Advanced gas management strategies

• Team communication in cave environments

• Emergency procedures in overhead environments

These skills allow divers to safely conduct more advanced cave penetrations.

Certification

After successfully completing the course, students will receive the TDI Full Cave Diver certification.

Graduates may conduct cave dives within the limits of their training using advanced navigation procedures and complex cave routes.

Divers who complete this course may continue training in advanced cave programs such as:

• TDI DPV Cave Diver

• TDI Advanced Cave Diver

Begin Advanced Cave Exploration

Ready to explore complex cave systems and expand your technical diving skills?

Join our TDI Full Cave Diver Course and take your cave diving training to the highest level.

Reserve your spot today.