CCR Cave

The CCR Cave course at Protec Sardinia represents the apex of technical diver training, merging the sophisticated demands of rebreather diving with the intricate challenges of overhead cave environments. This program is meticulously designed for highly experienced divers who have already achieved mastery of their closed-circuit rebreather systems and are prepared to apply these advanced skills in the demanding context of cave exploration. The course necessitates exceptional discipline and rigorous preparation due to the inherent risks associated with both rebreathers and cave diving.

Participants will undergo specialized training in gas planning for diluent and oxygen, optimal CCR configuration for cave penetration, the strategic handling of stage tanks for critical bailouts, and specific emergency protocols tailored for rebreather cave diving. A significant emphasis is placed on understanding complex gas rules, precise PO2 control, accurate distance determination, bailout calculations, and the management of potential equipment failures. This intensive program is structured to push divers' capabilities while upholding the highest safety standards through meticulous planning and execution. The maximum depth for this course is set at 39 meters (130 ft), with gas planning adhering to the strict 1/3 rule for both diluent and oxygen.

This comprehensive program requires a minimum commitment of 12 days, encompassing at least 8 hours of theoretical instruction and a minimum of 16 challenging cave dives. Protec Sardinia offers the flexibility to combine this course with other programs to extend the learning duration. The instructor-to-student ratio is maintained at a maximum of 1:3, ensuring personalized attention and a high level of supervision throughout the training. The center is certified by multiple agencies including PADI, TDI, SSI, CMAS, IANTD, SDI, and FFESSM, reflecting a broad acceptance of their training standards.

Essential equipment for this advanced course is extensive and includes a personal rebreather, two bailout tanks with dedicated regulators, a wing and backplate setup, appropriate dive suit, mask, fins, reliable line cutters, multiple reels for guideline management, three distinct lamp systems for redundancy, a CCR-specific dive computer, wet notes, a waterproof CCR dive table, direction arrows, and non-directional markers. This course is specifically for individuals possessing a deep, practical understanding of their rebreather and who are actively seeking the ultimate challenge in technical diving, preparing them for complex underwater explorations.