Cavediving

Ivica Ćukušić

Before diving takes place it is necessary to perform good equipment preparation and to prepare ourselves for any possible incidental situations that may occur. Each incidental situation that came to pass will not likely cause death of a diver on its own but most of them are bound to end tragically, no matter how benign they are at the beginning, because of the considerable amount of stress that usually accumulates in these situations. Therefore we conclude that a best possible preparation for safe speleodiving is good training and excellent drill in all situations in open waters.

Preparation before diving:

• OBLIGATORY use of Ariadne's thread no matter how simple the underground object might be. The recommended length is 70 meters and more, up to 4 mm thick.
• It is also obligatory to have safety (personal) Ariadne's thread approximately 15 meters long.
• In case of strong water current Ariadne's thread must be at least 8 mm thick or more.
• Beside diving computer the use of watch and sounding line is obligatory.
• Do not carry a snorkel, it can get entangled.
• Bring a backup mask around your neck.
• The smallest amount of air in divers’ tanks is 2000 litres.
• Protection of tank valves is obligatory because they can get damaged by smashing into the siphon ceiling.
• Use of back-up system for air supply is obligatory (octopus is not enough), that is, two separate regulators on two separate valves (best possible solution is carrying two completely separated tanks/bottles as well).
• DIN attachments are much better and safer than INT attachments.
• Spare regulator should be attached somewhere around chest, it is best to carry it hanging around your neck.
• Both airgauges should be attached somewhere around chest where they can be easily monitored.
• Right choice must be maid regarding the thickness of the diving suit according to the temperature of the water in order to prevent the possibility of hyperthermia.
• Quick release buckles on weight belts are not appropriate because instant buoyancy may smash diver into a cave ceiling and enables him to leave the underground object.
• It is convenient to wear the buckle on its backside, that way it cannot accidentally unbuckle the weight belt.
• The use of a helmet is obligatory. It is also often used for bearing light.
• The use of at least three independent sources of light is obligatory.
• One source of light must be on battery cartridge in which new cartridges should be put for each new dive.
• Diving knife of one handed scissors are obligatory.
• Here, somewhat shorter flippers than usual are used.
• Writing board is obligatory due to possible problems in communication.
• When putting on your garments it is good to have a standard sequence and to be meticulous with your equipment so as not to forget a piece of equipment or to fold something in incorrect manner.
• Diving partners are always dressing together, that way they do not have to wait one another too long, because they can get hyperthermia or they can overheat, which can cause additional stress.
• Sober and rational mind is the best piece of 'equipment' we’ll ever need!!!

Conduct during dive:

• At the entrance of the underground object, it is essential to firmly fix the Ariadne's thread at the location where we can freely dive out. It must be firmly attached so it cannot accidentally get untied by puling on it from the cave.
• At the entrance of underground object (submerged) it is essential to set up a firm rebelay in case someone from the outside loosens the thread. That way we could still be able to arrive beneath the exit.
• In siphons it is important to have good buoyancy control in order to prevent possible lifting of suspension from the ground and mudding the water by stirring the sediment.
• Correct diving position is the following - legs slightly upwards and head slightly downwards; this is exactly the opposite from how we usually dive in open waters.
• Swimming techniques are completely different from those used in open waters, for example pushing yourself from the ceiling with your legs (walking on the ceiling) in order to prevent stirring of the sediment.
• Constantly keeping the Ariadne's thread tight.
• Correct extending through the middle of canal, and fixing of the thread in order to maintain tension thus avoiding the possibility of it getting caught in a crack or falling in mud.
• Correct use of one third of air supply (one third for progressing, one for going back and one third stays in the bottle as a reserve and is not used)!
Conduct inside an underground object after diving through a siphon:
• The most important thing is to be very careful during any kind of movement (walking) and further explorations after diving through a siphon because a smallest injury that would otherwise be insignificant in such a place can prevent your exit from the object.
• When leaving diving equipment for further exploration, be sure to rise it above the water level and tie it down in case of a sudden flooding, because without the equipment there is no possibility of independent return from the object.