| 1.1 |
Is to be SCUBA or if using an alternative supply, the diver must have
an immediately accessible self- contained supply which can enable safe
exit from the dive in an emergency situation. |
| 1.2 |
A solo diver must have at least two independent breathing gas supplies;
or |
| 1.3 |
If buddy diving, each diver must have at least one breathing gas supply
with a redundant breathing apparatus which can be provided to the buddy
and has a sufficiently long hose to allow exit from the cave. |
| 1.4 |
Every breathing apparatus must have a contents gauge. |
| 1.5 |
Breathing apparatus must have suitable performance to supply demand
at the intended depth of the dive in normal and emergency situations. (ie.
buddy breathing) |
| 1.6 |
The breathed gas must not be toxic or excessively narcotic at the intended
depth of the dive. |
| 1.7 |
Breathing supplies (see 1.2 and 1.3) must be worn or attached to the
diver. |
| 1.8 |
Additional breathing supplies may be independent of the diver (ie.
supplies attached to sled or diver propulsion vehicles, etc.). The assembly
must have a suitable buoyancy arrangement so as to be easily manoeuvrable
by the diver. |
| 1.9 |
Divers must be able to operate the valves of the breathing supplies. |
| 1.10 |
Equipment should be used within manufacturers recommendations or local
regulations. |
| 1.11 |
If using breathing apparatus in accordance with 1.3 (buddy divers)
the divers must be in close proximity to each other at all times during
the dive. If the passage is so confined or conditions are such as to make
buddy breathing awkward, then the divers should use breathing apparatus
in accordance with 1.2 (solo diver). |
| 5.1 |
Line, whether permanently fixed or retrievable, (or reels), can be
floating or non-floating, but must have a breaking strain of greater than
100 kg. |
| 5.2 |
Some cave environments will require a more substantial line, and one
must be used accordingly. |
| 5.3 |
Every diver or diving group must have a continuous line leading back
to the start of the dive. |
| 5.4 |
Markers should be used as necessary to indicate the nearest exit direction
of the cave, usually near alternative routes or side passages. A mark must
be placed at every junction so as to define the nearest exit direction
of the dive. |
| 5.5 |
All permanent lines should be single continuous lines. The main line
should follow the most accessible route through the cave system. |
| 5.6 |
Alternate routes to 5.3, or side passages should also be single continuous
lines, and not be connected to the main permanent line or other lines. |
| 5.7 |
A 'jump line' should be used to provide a continuous line for the diver
if using alternative routes or side passages. The 'jump line' is to be
a retrievable line and must be removed when the diver returns to exit from
the cave. (Note the use of markers 5.4.) |
| 5.8 |
All lines whether permanently fixed or retrievable must be secured
within the cave at regular intervals, including:
| a) |
just inside the entrance cavern of the dive; |
| b) |
where there is risk of the line being swept or pulled into narrow fissures; |
| c) |
distinct changes in the passage direction; |
| d) |
where there is risk of the line fraying due to abrasion from sharp
or rough rock, especially where there is strong flow. |
|
| 5.9 |
Reels must be used as necessary to connect:
| a) |
entrance of a cave dive to the start of the permanent line; |
| b) |
bridging a gap between permanent lines (see 'jump line' 5.7); |
| c) |
any other diving or exploration where there is no permanent line. |
|
| 5.10 |
A reel containing approx. 30 metres of line should be carried as a
safety reel capable of performing the following functions:
| a) |
as a line to search for a buddy who has strayed from a permanent line; |
| b) |
as a line to search for the permanent line if for any reason the diver
has become separated from it; |
| c) |
as a source of line so that a repair to a permanent line can be made. |
|
