Submerge Long Range DPV Pilot Courses

     There comes a time when any qualified, certified cave diver considers stepping up and learning more skills as they grow with practice and confidence.  However, a good solid foundation of experience that demonstrates competent buoyancy control and swimming techniques is necessary before that level is taken. Once the cave diver honestly feels they are prepared and ready to move forward, more training is the logical direction to think about and decide to pursue.

      I have organized and put together a type of cave diving DPV training course that would accomplish several goals.  First, I felt that the need for a quality DPV course would be essential as the popularity and interest has grown and expanded during recent years besides being a “fun” aspect of advanced cave diving applications.  Several models and types of diver propulsion vehicles suitable for safe cave diving exist and are available from a variety of manufacturers.  The Oceanic Mako, Farallon, the Gavin DPV, and the German-made Aqua-Zepp are a few examples. With nineteen year’s experience using DPV’s in the underwater cave environment it was not difficult to decide on the best one that emerged four years ago. Rodney & Suzie Nairne’s SUBMERGE DPV’s have proven from a growing list of owners and users why his machines can handle the harsh environment of technical dives in underwater caves including depth and the bumps and bruises can come with the territory.  

     Using the power train of the Oceanic Mako scooters, the SUBMERGE DPVs keep the moving props in front of the cave diver, reducing entanglement risks.  This gives an advantage over ride-on style DPV’s, where the propeller is behind the diver and suck in line or loose equipment. In addition, the tow-behind configuration is almost standard equipment for cave divers as it allows more control of position and fits the cave diver through tighter places, as well as the possibility of towing 1, 2, or 3 additional stage/safety scooters for exploration dives. A priority in the design of the SUBMERGE DPV UV Series is the ease of maintenance and rugged simplicity...the motor can be dropped out and replaced in less than 5 minutes.

     The SUBMERGE DPV UV Series replaces the two plastic MAKO handles with a superbly designed one-handed operating motorcycle style handle, which cuts power to the motor when released and also has a cruise control & lock-off feature. The wiring on the Silent Submersion UV Series is simple, reliable and heavy duty.  All wiring and motor can be viewed at a glance...the motor compartment lid is constructed of clear polycarbonate.  The scooter can be disconnected through the nose cone for charging, or from the bottom for battery removal without having to run the connector and wires through the bulkheads. To minimize the risk of hydrogen explosions, the motor compartment is O-ring sealed from the battery compartment. As an added precaution, a hydrogen catalyst is placed in the motor compartment. There are two big, fat 6000 psi rated O-rings are used that are easy to clean, not fragile and durable that allows NO water leakage. No silicone sealant is used for the scooters.  Rodney utilizes a tough, heavy-duty polychloride material to build his body and nose cone, which basically resembles an old-fashioned torpedo that pushes the water in a way that forms a bubble thus creating less friction as it moves through the water.

     The scooter design creates three positives aspects. Effortless to use, easy maintenance and better protection from the typical sand and debris it will encounter while in use. The machine underwater is neutrally balanced in fresh water while in saltwater a soft 2 lb. weight may be necessary to use. There are three models to choose from based on the number of batteries utilized.  The UV 18 SUBMERGE DPV can run about 60 – 70 minutes, the UV 26 can run 110 – 120 minutes and the UV 38 can go for about 170 – 180 minutes.

    The Submerge Basic DPV Cave Course is three days involving six DPV dives.  The  Submerge Advanced DPV Cave Course is an additional three diving days with one dive each day using two SUBMERGE DPV’s per diver and two stage bottles each.  The focus is on the operation and safe practice of the SUBMERGE DPV’s. This will include buoyancy techniques, air/gas management, and emergency management problems such as sharing air/gas, towing disabled DPV’s, low visibility conditions and back-up/secondary DPV’s.  In addition, a thorough discussion on the proper care and maintenance of DPV’s will be presented.

NACD/PSAI/NAUI CERTIFICATIONS ---------

SUBMERGE BASIC DPV PILOT COURSE

Three days – 6 DPV dives.

SUBMERGE ADVANCED DPV PILOT COURSE

Three days – 3 DPV dives – two DPVs per student.

10,000 – 12,000 feet+ penetrations.

Combined SUBMERGE DPV PILOT COURSE

Six days -  9 dives.

ALL DIVES ON EANx 32

Cave systems that will be available for the scooter dives include:

• Sistema Taj Mahal
• Cenote Mayan Blue
• Cenote Jailhouse  
• Sistema Aktun Hu
• Cenote Manati
• Sistema Chac Mool
• Sistema Ponderosa
• Sistema Camilo
• Cenote Dos Palmas
• Cenote Dos Ojos
• Cenote Mystic River (Pet Cemetery)

  This is a great opportunity to learn and gain experience with a valuable skill that can be applied in many different formats of diving. In addition, stage tank usage will be introduced and practiced with the cave dives performed throughout the week of diving.  You will learn and gain experience with rigging, motives, safe procedures and advanced diving conditions.

      Prerequisites for this course includes being a certified cave diver with a minimum logged fifty cave dives and must clearly demonstrate proficient buoyancy skills and swimming techniques.  NACD, PSAI or NAUI “specialty” certifications will be issued at the end of the course if all skills can be clearly performed in a skillful and competent manner.

          There is a wealth of information that cave divers can learn and gain invaluable experience beyond the scope of sightseeing. Performing enlightening cave diving in shallow, warm and crystal clear water provides the ultimate in safe diving conditions and a relaxed vacation atmosphere in the Riviera Maya.  

 The BASIC SUBMERGE DPV PILOT course fee is:  

                                 $875.00               One student.

                                 $750.00               Two students.  

The ADVANCED SUBMERGE DPV PILOT course fee is:

                                 $875.00               One student.

                                 $750.00               Two students.                             

The BASIC/ADVANCED SUBMERGE DPV PILOT Training course is:

                                $1750.00              One Student

                                $1500.00 each     Two Students

It includes:

• Steel 104 or Aluminum 80 cu. ft. double tanks with dual DIN outlet manifold.
• Standardized EANx 32.
• SUBMERGE UV 26 DPV’s.   Two per student.
• Stage bottles and rigging.  
• Oxygen safety bottles.
• Dive Site fees.
• Certification fee.
• Transportation to the dive sites.

DAY #1

Morning Session -  Open water drills involving orientation with the DPV machine, towing disabled DPV, sharing air, handling “runaway” DPV’s, emergency stopping/slowing DPV machines.   CENOTE MANATI.

Afternoon Session – SISTEMA CHAC MOOL.  First  DPV dive in the cave environment working with buoyancy control, trim, balance and comfort levels.

DAY #2

Morning Session -  CENOTE DOS PALMAS.    

Afternoon Session –  SISTEMA TAJ MAHAL

DAY #3

Morning Session -  CENOTE MAYAN BLUE – SISTEMA NARANJAL.

Afternoon Session – CENOTE CHAN HOL or CENOTE CRISTAL

DAY #4

Sistema Dos Ojos.

DAY #5

Sistema Dos Ojos.  

DAY #6

Sistema Dos Ojos.  

Any questions, please email me at:  stevegerrard@cavediver.com