THE DIVE PLAN

oRule of Thirds: Gas (air) management is not done in the same way as in ocean water dives. Your tank pressure is split into three – you will use one third of your air going into the cavern; one third coming out; and always keeping one-third in reserve. Your guide will not ask you how much air you have. It is your responsibility to notify your guide, by calling his/her attention and indicating with one finger that you have used up 1/3. This marks the turnaround point of the dive. Once you reach your 2/3 mark, you must call the attention of your guide and indicate this with two fingers. This marks the end of the dive and you should at this stage be near the exit.

oThe Line: The permanent cavern line starts and ends in the open water area of the cenote. It marks the route that you will follow throughout the cavern. The line has arrows pointing towards the exits. Always follow your guide and never, ever tamper with any line.

oTeam Organization: The “buddy system” used in regular open water dives is not used in cavern diving. The reason for this is that you will be following your guide through the cavern in a line, one after the other. Your guide will be in front and divers will be arranged in order of experience, with the most experienced diver at the back. You will be given positions: 1, 2, 3 or 4. Keep this position for the following dive if possible.