What is the difference between scuba diving and cave diving?

Cavern diving is the exploration of permanent, naturally occurring overhead environments while remaining within sight of their entrances. It differs from cave diving in that, while cave divers may penetrate thousands of yards, cavern divers generally go no further than 130 feet from the surface.

What is the difference between a cavern and a cave?

A cave is defined as any cavity in the ground that has a section which does not receive direct sunlight. A cavern is just one type of cave which is formed naturally in soluble rock and grows speleothems (the general term for cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites).

When can you cave dive?

Cave divers have to first get open water and advanced scuba diving certifications and be at least 18 years of age. After that, you start with a cavern diver course, which lets you explore overhead environments and enter caverns while remaining in the light zone.

What does a cave diver do?

Cave diving is underwater diving in water-filled caves. It may be done as an extreme sport, a way of exploring flooded caves for scientific investigation, or for the search for and recovery of divers lost while diving for one of these reasons.

What gear do you need for cave diving?

Essentials

  • two masks, primary and backup mask (frameless), small harness pocket for backup mask.
  • two safety reels with a minimum of 50 m / 150 feet of cave line.
  • primary reel with a minimum of 100 m / 350 feet of cave line.
  • fins, Power/Jet Fin-style, spring fin straps or backup fin strap.

What rocks make caves?

Limestone and dolomite are the most common carbonate rocks that form solution caves. Gypsum is another common mineral formed in carbonate caves by cave making processes, though it is uncommon in Missouri caves.

How much do cave divers earn?

Diver Salaries According to Dive Training Magazine estimates, commercial divers take home an average of $40,000 to $60,000 annually and many have a full benefits package. Divers with years of experience can earn $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

How many active cave divers are there?

On a professional expedition, you might discover ancient rock formations that have never seen the light of day, or been touched by man. Cave diving isn’t a hobby; it’s a calling. Some experts estimate that as few as 75 people globally can call themselves professional cave divers.

What’s the difference between cave diving and cavern diving?

Because cavern diving is still a form of sport diving, with modest risk factors, it is an activity that a number of experienced recreational divers can learn and enjoy. Cave diving, in contrast, is for a far more select group of individuals. Cave divers should possess near-instructor-quality buoyancy control and general diving skills.

What was the most idiotic cave navigation mistake?

The most idiotic cave navigation mistake I ever witnessed happened on a dive in Cenote Chan Hol about eight years ago. Exiting the cave, my buddy and I approached our jump line, but were pushed out of the way by a solo diver who elbowed his way over our jump line and into the side passageway.

What kind of rocks are used to form caves?

The caverns are formed due to the dissolution of soluble rocks such as dolomite, limestone, and gypsum. They are the special types of caves are limited to the soluble rocks and have the ability to grow the speleothems.

What’s the difference between primary and secondary caves?

Those caves formed after the host rock solidifies are known as the primary caves, whereas the caves result of consolidation and deposition of the rocks are known as the secondary caves. There are various types of caves; most prominent out of them are the coral caves ice caves, volcanic caves, and tectonic caves.