Overhead Courses · UTD Scuba Diving

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Cours Overhead

This overhead environment training category is designed for divers seeking training in Cave and Wreck environments. Wreck/Cave training does not necessarily require a multitude of overtly technical skills, e.g., multiple breathing gases or multiple stage bottles. One can safely learn to dive in wrecks/caves without excessive depth and or decompression requirements.

The Foundational Classes:

The Essentials of Overhead and Overhead Protocols classes are the foundational classes to both the Cave Diving Programs and the Wreck Penetration Programs. These classes DO NOT have to be conducted in the cave or wreck environment. They can be conducted in your local diving environment. These two classes build the necessary foundational skills in 20'/6m of water after which you can continue on to do the Cave or Wreck programs. Note: the UTD Overhead Protocols is a required prerequisite for Cave and Wreck Diving classes.

UTD’s Cave Diver Program

This initial cave program consists of a two step process - Cave Diver 1 and Cave Diver 2. These are designed to be building block classes that introduce a diver to overhead diving and cave environments and to the protection and conservation of this delicate aquatic environment. These building blocks are designed to be a slow progression. First, Cave 1 develops the basic cave diving skills needed to penetrate the cave following the “mainline.” Later, Cave 2 develops the skills to penetrate further into the cave and safely navigate the wide variety of tunnels and passages that make up this complex underwater labyrinth. Upon completion of these two courses, divers are trained and qualified as a Cave Diver, with the ability to explore the mainline, unlimited side passages, conducting T’s, jumps, gaps, circuits, traverses using gas management rules of 1/3rds and a max depth of 100’/30m.

Cave Diver 1 certification, being an intermediate step towards Cave Diver, expires after 24 months after which you must either take the class again or move up to Cave 2. Cave 2 and higher classes do not expire.

Wrecks are an obvious attraction to any diver. They hold a promise of history, of mystery, and going where few dare. It's an underwater haunted house. Of course, they also hold a tremendous potential for danger to the unwary diver. Even with the essential equipment, doubles and guidelines, it is a complicated endeavor and there are many subtle and potentially dangerous issues that divers must be acquainted with while wreck diving. Even if a diver is familiar and comfortable with all the essential gear, the introduction of an emergency can create undue levels of stress that can cause poor decision-making.

UTD's wreck classes strive to both instruct students in techniques for proper wreck diving, and to simulate "failures" in a controlled manner to ensure the retention of protocols even in the face of problems. At UTD, we always believe in training beyond your level of diving, as opposed to diving beyond your level of training.

UTD's is committed to being "Ocean Friendly." We provide an educational path and full range of classes that support this commitment .Click Here to find out more about what it means to be "Ocean Friendly."