Early Development of the CDG
During the 60’s with the abandonment of National Service there was an increase of caving activity by the post war population bulge. Readily available commercial Scuba equipment was adapted to cave diving. The process was accelerated by the previously formed Cave Diving Group in 1946 whereby the use of diving equipment allowed vast amounts of cave passage to be found.
Early British Cave Diving History in the 1960s
During the 1960s, caving activity increased following the end of National Service. At the same time, commercial scuba equipment became more widely available and was gradually adapted for use in cave systems.
As a result, early British cave diving history developed quickly. The publication of Cave Diving on Air by Mike Boon and the formation of the Cave Diving Group marked a major turning point.
Divers began to simplify their equipment, which made it possible to pass tight restrictions such as Swildon’s Sump Six and Stoke Lane Slocker Sump Two. Consequently, exploration moved away from bulky systems and towards compact, more efficient rigs.
Key Developments in Early UK Cave Diving
In 1961, Mike Boon successfully passed Sump Six in Swildon’s Hole using air cylinders. The following year, he passed Sump Seven by removing and passing his equipment through the restriction ahead of him. This technique was rehearsed in controlled conditions before being used underground.
However, in 1962, E. J. Waddon died during oxygen rebreather testing at Priddy Mineries. This incident had a lasting impact on safety standards in British cave diving history.
Following this, the Cave Diving Group strengthened its training structure under Michael Thompson and Dan Hasell, which helped improve consistency and safety across the organisation.
Formation of the Cave Diving Group
A significant moment in British cave diving history occurred in 1946.
Three Bristol University students formed the Independent Cave Diving Group. They focused on lightweight equipment, minimal gear configurations, and efficient movement in tight passages.
By 1965, the group had pushed Swildon’s streamway to Sump Twelve and extended exploration through Stoke Lane Slocker. Later that year, they joined the Cave Diving Group, strengthening collaboration across the wider community.
Safety Evolution in British Cave Diving
Safety became a central focus in later decades of British cave diving history.
Key improvements included:
- Independent gas supply systems
- The “Thirds Rule” for gas management thanks to cave diving pioneer Sheck Exley.
- Improved line-laying procedures
- Formal training systems within the CDG
In 1981, the CDG published Line Laying and Following by Geoff Yeadon. This became a major reference in cave diving safety and technique.
These developments helped reduce risk and standardise practice across British cave diving.
Notable Exploration in the 1970s
Exploration expanded rapidly during this decade:
- In 1972, Agen Allwedd was extended beyond Sump 5
- In 1978, Jochen Hasenmayer set a European sump penetration record in Keld Head
- In 1979, a through-dive connected Keld Head and Kingsdale Master Cave
These achievements highlight the rapid evolution of UK cave diving during this period.
However, risks remained high. In 1970, Alan Erith died in Keld Head, followed by Paul Esser in 1971 in Porth y Ogof. These incidents reinforced the need for stronger safety systems.
Influence of Oliver Lloyd
Dr Oliver C Lloyd played a significant role in shaping British cave diving history. He supported training, managed equipment logistics, and edited key CDG publications.
As a result, his influence extended across both national and international diving communities.
Legacy of Early British Cave Diving History
By the 1980s, UK cave diving had entered a modern phase. Divers benefited from improved equipment, stronger training systems, and more refined exploration methods.
Consequently, exploration expanded across Britain and into major international cave systems.
The foundations established during the early decades continue to shape modern practice.
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CDG Cave Exploration – 1980’s to Present
The early 1980’s saw renewed pushing at Wookey Hole with Martyn Farr, supported by Rob Palmer & Rob Parker, reaching a depth of 60 metres….