Cave Diver Equipment Configuration

Cave divers are typically easy to spot. They usually are the ones with the most large number of gear and equipment than anyone in the boat. However, you should be aware that equipment configurations for technical and recreational diving substantially differ, especially between side mount diving and twinsets or what we call ‘doubles’.

In this post, let’s talk about everything you need to learn about cave diver equipment configuration. Also, we will be discussing the difference between recreational and technical gear, in which you are likely to use a long hose regulator and a short hose regulator, in separate occasions. If you’re curious about it, then keep on reading this post.

The Differences Between Long Hose and Short Hose Regulator

The short hose regulator configuration, which is used primarily by recreational cave divers, utilizes a short - around 2 to 3-foot hose on the regulator. The diver simply places a substitute source of air on a long – around four-foot hose, while attaching it to a buoyancy compensator. A cave diver who is need of air can just grab the substitute source of air and breathe using it.

The long hose regulator configuration, on the other hand, is used mainly by technical cave divers. Typically, the diver carries his regulator he uses to breathe with on a five to seven-foot hose. The additional regulator is then attached to a short hose and positioned directly under the cave diver’s chin using a ‘necklace’. Meanwhile, to be able to donate air in the event of an emergency, he should take the long hose regulator out of his mouth, then hand it over to the diver who is out of air. Finally, he will need to switch to his additional regulator on hand.

But which of the two is better? Recently, there was some news that organizations including the Unified Team Diving, as well as the Global Underwater Explorers, have been using long hose regulator configuration in conducting even the most basic scuba certification course. If you would notice, sharing some air using the short hose regulator would only unnecessarily increase the stress and difficulty of the drill. This is the very reason why using the long hose configuration makes more sense because it makes the sharing of air a lot easier.

Side Mount Diving

Side mount configuration is about flexibility, as it will allow you to attach and remove the tanks underwater, especially when you need to. This equipment configuration has become extremely popular, specifically in technical cave diving. In the early days, cave divers still maneuvered through several restrictions that may be too small for twinsets. Some are even smaller, in which it would require the diver to remove the tanks as they are pushing them through the restriction. This is the very reason why the side mount equipment configuration is highly associated with cave diving. Although, it would also be dependent on the cave’s size.

For the cave diver’s side mount configuration, you must be able to mount the tanks at your side, instead of your back – start at the armpit then end just below the hips. Tanks are then connected to a harness that may feature either a jubilee clip or a cam band. These are likely to be attached to the tank’s lower portion and comes with bolt snaps. Meanwhile, the tank valves stay in its place but with the presence of a bungee cord. This is normal for aluminum tanks. The combination of clips and bungee, on the other hand, is more seen in steel tanks.

Twinsets

Twinsets are very different from side mount equipment, specifically because of the level of standardization. In twinsets, configurations are standard, which is deemed unnecessary for side mount configurations. Cave divers introduced to side mount configuration learn that there could be varying setups and it’s up to them to perfect a setup they can call their own.

Because of the side mount configuration’s flexibility, some cave divers set their regulators a lot different from each other. Some of them prefer their regulators to have initial stages, allowing them a more flexible movement of the hose. In addition, they generally prefer a fifth low-pressure cord, which allows hoses to be mounted at a 90-degree angle. Other cave divers, meanwhile, also try to configure their regulators by following the original twinset configuration, which was discussed in the earlier section.

Harnesses, bladders, and hoses

A lot of side mount harnesses tend to invert the corrugated inflator hose. This would mean that it may run from your left arm across your upper body, instead of over your left shoulder. This way, it keeps a low profile, allowing you to navigate the restrictions. The fifth low-pressure port would come in handy, as it will allow you to install the short inflator hose across your body, instead of over your shoulder.

Cave divers also use side mount SPGs in a six-inch high-pressure hose. The reason is that longer hoses may not be practical and may potentially cause a hazard. The lengths of inflator hoses also differ accordingly to the size of the diver, as well as its configuration.

Lastly, bladders come in several sizes and shapes. While most are adjustable to fit your figure, some also do come in ranges of size. to know which one would work well is dependent on your size, as well as the type of diving you have initially planned. As with the twinset wings, it is essential that you pick one that comes with sufficient lift intended for the tanks. Typically, technical cave diving would require a harness that has a better lifting capacity.

Conclusion

In the end, choosing cave diving equipment will vary individually and different divers would recommend a lot of different styles. Generally, it would be useful that you know what makes a good set, considering that we have discussed everything you need to know about the basic cave diving equipment. We do hope that you have learned a lot and you would be able to apply this new knowledge for when you are going on a cave diving adventure.