DPV Diving for the Overhead Environment
This course is designed for experienced, certified cave divers who wish to increase penetration of the cave beyond the limits of self-propulsion. This is an intense course that covers various emergency scenarios as well as diving limits, cave conservation and decompression concerns. Why should you take this course? DPV’s (dive propulsion vehicles) or scooters are really the ultimate tool for progressive penetration of a cave, plus driving one is just plain fun!
Divers will learn how to drive a DPV, ensure that it is properly weighted, and become comfortable controlling the head to toe trim of the scooter whilst in the water. Students will finish the course with a good understanding of gear configuration and peripheral equipment, as well as accessories and maintenance. We cover special considerations to keep in mind when transitioning from salt to fresh water, which is something that is fairly common in the caves in the Yucatan Peninsula. Divers will learn how to safely steer the scooter, avoiding collisions, as well as emergency procedures and how to tow and push other divers.
We have been using DPVs since the early 2000’s. Our founders and instructors have experience diving with DPVs for long dives covering several kilometers. We have also participated in multi-sump projects where we towed 60kg of climbing gear for several kilometers and have used DPVs to help push end of lines at over 100m/330ft depth, during exploration dives. We have used dpvs in 10+ different countries and three different continents in cold and warm water. Suffice it to say, we love DPV diving and we know what we’re talking about.
Certification for this course is offered through PSAI Mexico. This course takes a minimum of 4 days to complete and is available to all certified Cave Decompression Diver, those that have undertaken a Cave Stage Workshop, or hold an equivalent certification.
Course Content Includes:
- History of DPV Diving
- Different models, designs and the
- Technical features and differences between various models
- How to safely drive the DPV
- Different techniques to control the DPV, including emergency procedures
- Dropping and picking up DPV including zero visibility pick ups
- Dive planning and execution
- Gas management for DPV cave diving
- Handling a DPV failure within the team, including several towing techniques
- Multi tasking whilst driving a DPV in the overhead
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ProTec offers various certification combinations to help you reach your cave diving goals. Check out our cave diver Training Tracks to help you plan your trip.