CDG cave diver training prepares divers for the unique challenges of British cave diving through a structured mentoring programme. Unlike commercial diving agencies, the Cave Diving Group focuses on long-term development, practical experience, independent thinking, and sound judgement.
The CDG does not rely on rigid rules for every situation. Instead, the Group encourages trainees to understand why decisions are made and develop the ability to solve problems in changing environments.
The CDG approach is based on the belief that cave divers must be able to think for themselves. British cave diving often involves unpredictable conditions, and divers need the skills and judgement to respond safely when circumstances change.
The CDG Approach to Cave Diver Training
Many diving organisations use a drill-based training model. Divers learn specific responses for specific situations. This approach works well for team diving, where members support each other and qualification levels define the types of dives that can be undertaken.
As divers gain experience, they develop the ability to assess situations and make informed decisions. The CDG begins developing this approach from the very beginning of training.
Rather than teaching fixed responses, CDG Mentors help trainees understand different options, when those options are suitable, and the risks involved. Diving skills develop alongside this decision-making process because both are essential parts of becoming a capable cave diver.
New members quickly discover that the CDG has a unique culture and method of working. This comes from the Group’s long history as the world’s oldest continuously operating amateur cave diving organisation.
Members joining from a caving background will find a more structured approach to training and qualification than a typical caving club. Those coming from recreational diving backgrounds will find that the CDG requires greater commitment, patience, and personal development over a longer period.
The CDG Mentoring Process
Every new trainee joins the CDG with an existing level of skill and experience in both caving and diving. The best approach for one trainee may not suit another. For this reason, the CDG applies a common-sense approach rather than strict rules that may not fit every situation.
The CDG expects trainees to develop independence throughout their training. However, mentors and qualified divers regularly cave and dive with trainees as they progress towards Qualified Diver status.
A trainee’s progress is continuously assessed by their mentors, reviewed at Section meetings, and recorded through three broad phases:
1. Open Water Phase
During this phase, trainees develop their equipment configuration, practise basic diving skills, and learn the fundamentals of line management.
2. Overhead Phase
Trainees are introduced to the overhead environment in a controlled and progressive way. This allows them to build experience while developing the skills required for cave diving.
3. Exploration Phase
Trainees undertake increasingly complex dives and develop advanced skills, including surveying, underwater digging, and extended range techniques.
Developing Skills Through CDG Cave Diver Training
CDG cave diver training develops skills through several different methods, combining practical experience, instruction, discussion, and participation in cave projects.
Credit: Craig Holdstock
Practical experience
Trainees build experience by completing dives appropriate to their current ability. These dives allow them to apply their skills in realistic situations rather than focusing on a single exercise.
Skill-focused instruction
Mentors introduce specific skills at suitable sites with manageable conditions. Once a trainee demonstrates competence, they practise those skills in more challenging environments.
Discussion and knowledge sharing
Trainees learn from experienced divers by discussing situations, equipment choices, and theory. This shared knowledge is one of the CDG mentoring system’s greatest strengths.
Peer-based activities
Trainees also develop skills by working with others at a similar experience level. These experience-building dives encourage research, planning, and independent decision-making, while mentors provide guidance where required.
Cave projects
Taking part in cave projects such as exploration, underwater digging, relining, dye testing, radio-location, and surveying provides valuable practical experience. These activities help trainees develop planning skills, task-specific equipment knowledge, and teamwork abilities.
Becoming a Qualified CDG Diver
A trainee is responsible for their own development. CDG cave diver training encourages trainees to develop independence, judgement, and the ability to make safe decisions in challenging environments.
Mentoring and practical training alone cannot cover every aspect of the CDG training standard. Trainees must actively develop their understanding of cave diving theory and practice.
Achieving Qualified status demands independence, dedication, steady progress and sound judgement
The route to qualification is challenging. It usually takes at least 12 months and often several years to complete. There are no shortcuts, and experience cannot be bought. The CDG is a non-commercial, not-for-profit organisation, and mentors give their time freely in return for enthusiasm, commitment, progress, and good judgement.
Qualified Diver status is awarded through peer review. Completing the practical and theory tests, along with submitting suitable caving and diving records, does not automatically guarantee qualification.
A trainee becomes a Qualified Diver when the majority of the Section’s Qualified Divers believe they are ready.
Qualified Diver Assessment
When a trainee believes they are ready for Qualified Diver status, they begin the assessment process.
The trainee must present a record of caving and cave diving experience across a range of techniques and conditions. This should include dives involving travel to sumps, exploration beyond or between sumps, vertical access techniques, and the use or simulation of decompression procedures.
The trainee must complete the CDG practical Qualified Diver test to the satisfaction of a Section Examiner. This assessment examines diving skills, problem solving, and the ability to manage multiple tasks during a dive.
The trainee must also complete a written examination covering areas such as navigation, open-water diving problems, physiology, first aid, equipment, equipment maintenance, porterage, cave rescue procedures, decompression techniques, and diving tables.
The practical and theory examinations are administered by a Section Examiner. If the examiner considers the candidate ready, they will inform the Section Secretary before the next meeting.
The trainee then presents their experience record to the Section Qualified Divers. The Section reviews the trainee’s progress and votes on whether to award Qualified Diver status.