With the introduction of Cavern Diving and Limited Mine Diving, SSI continues its commitment to providing Training Centers and Professionals with one of the most comprehensive and progressive training portfolios in the industry—creating more opportunities for divers to continue their education and for SSI businesses to expand the programs they offer.
Designed as the first level in SSI’s revised cave and mine pathways, the new programs give divers a structured introduction to overhead-environment training while providing SSI Professionals with updated materials and a clear progression for developing the fundamental skills required before students advance beyond the daylight zone.
The programs replace the existing Extended Range Cavern Diving and Extended Range Mine Diving programs and feature completely rewritten student and instructor materials.
Cavern Diving and Limited Mine Diving share the same core training foundation, with each program adapted to its specific environment. Divers develop essential skills in equipment configuration, guideline use, buoyancy and trim, propulsion, gas management, communication, team procedures, and emergency response while operating within defined daylight-zone limits.
For SSI Training Centers and Professionals, the launch creates another opportunity to broaden their training offerings and introduce more divers to a progressive overhead pathway:
Cavern Diving → Cave Diving → Full Cave Diving
Limited Mine Diving → Mine Diving → Full Mine Diving
Both programs launch with SSI’s Total Teaching System, including new student and instructor manuals, presentation materials, exams, completion records, and cue cards. Current Extended Range Cavern Diving and Extended Range Mine Diving Instructors will automatically receive the corresponding teaching rights for the new programs.
The shared core manual also creates added flexibility for students who want to experience both natural cave and flooded mine environments, with upgrade pathways available between the two certifications.
SSI Professionals are encouraged to review the new materials and access the dedicated SSI University session for additional information on implementation, teaching rights, and program updates. Both programs are now available.