Overhead Classes

NOTE: All UTD Overhead classes may be taken in UTD Z-Side-Mount Configuration. Click Here for details on UTD's Side Mount classes.

The Foundational Classes:

The Essentials of Overhead and Overhead Protocols classes are the foundational classes to both the Cave Diving Programs and the Wreck Penetration Programs. These classes DO NOT have to be conducted in the cave or wreck environment. They can be conducted in your local diving environment. These two classes build the necessary foundational skills in 20'/6m of water in any NON overhead environment. After which you can continue on to do the Cave or Wreck programs. Note: the UTD Overhead Protocols is a required prerequisite for Cave and Wreck Diving classes.

UTD’s Cave Diver Program

This program consists of a two step process -  Cave Diver 1 and Cave Diver 2. They are designed to be building block classes that introduce a diver to Overhead diving and cave environments and the protection and conversion of this delicate aquatic environment. These building blocks are designed to be a slow progression, first (Cave 1) working on the basic cave diving skills needed to penetrate the cave following the “mainline.” Later, (Cave 2) we develop the skills to penetrate further into the cave and safely navigate the wide variety of tunnels and passages that make up this complex underwater labyrinth. Upon completion of these two courses, divers are trained and qualified as a Cave Diver, with the ability to explore the mainline, unlimited side passages, conducting T’s, jumps, gaps, circuits, traverses using gas management rules of 1/3rds and a max depth of 100’/30m. Like other UTD C-Cards the Cave Diver certification (Cave 1 AND 2) does not expire, however we do heavily recommend that as certified cave diver one completes at least 25 dives every three years to remain current with their skills. The Cave Diver 1 certification is a step to Cave Diver. The Cave 1 certification does expire in 24 months (See Cave Diver 1 Standards and Procedures for more information.)

A certified Cave Diver with the relevant experience can then add the prestigious Cave Diver Gold rating, allowing them to add a stage bottle to extend their penetration and distance in a cave, as well as progress on to Technical Cave Diver, Scooter Cave diver, Advanced Side-Mount diver and Rebreather Cave diver.

Wrecks are an obvious attraction to any diver: they hold a promise of history, of mystery, and going where few dare. It's an underwater haunted house. Of course, they also hold a tremendous potential for danger to the unwary diver. Even the essential equipment, doubles and guidelines, are complicated and there are many subtle and potentially dangerous issues that divers must be acquainted with while wreck diving. Even if a diver is familiar and comfortable with all the essential gear, the introduction of an emergency can create undue levels of stress that can cause poor decision making.

UTD's wreck classes strive to both instruct students in techniques for proper wreck diving, and then simulate "failures" in a controlled manner to ensure the retention of protocols even in the face of problems. At UTD, we always believe in training beyond your level of diving, as opposed to diving beyond your level of training.