GUE Standards v62

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Global Underwater Explorers

General Training Standards, Policies, and Procedures

Version 6.2

© GUE, 2011



Table of Contents

1. ..................................................................................................................................PURPOSE OF GUE 1

1.1. GOALS ........................................................................................................................................1

1.1.1. ........................................................................................................................ Education 1

1.1.2. .......................................................................................................................... Research 1

1.1.3. ..................................................................................................................... Exploration 1

1.2. TRAINING PHILOSOPHY...............................................................................................................1

1.2.1. ........................................................................................................................ Education 1

1.2.2. ....................................................................................................................... Equipment 1

1.2.3. ...................................................................................................................... Experience 2

1.3. TRAINING STRUCTURE................................................................................................................2

1.3.1. ...............................................................................................Outline of Diver Training 2

1.3.2. ........................... Diver Assessment (Qualification, Provisional Qualification, Failure) 3

1.3.3. ........................................................................................................Training Categories 4

1.3.4. ...........................................................................................General Training Standards 4

1.4. GENERAL TRAINING LIMITS........................................................................................................5

1.4.1. ......................................................................................................................PO2 Limits 51.4.2. ..................................................................................................................... END Limits 5

1.4.3. .......................................................................................... Breathing Gas Requirements 5

1.4.4. .........................................................................................Parameters for Critical Skills 5

1.4.5. ................................................................... Issuing Qualification under Other Agencies 6

1.4.6. ..............................................................................................Teaching and Rebreathers 6

1.4.7. ............................................................................................... Buoyancy Considerations 6

1.4.8. ...................................................................................................................Conservation 6

1.4.9. ............................................................................................ Decompression Parameters 6

1.4.10. ......................................................................................................................Course Size 7

1.5. GENERAL DIVING SKILLS............................................................................................................7

1.6. GENERAL PREREQUISITES FOR ALL GUE COURSES....................................................................7

1.7. CYLINDER MARKING STANDARDS..............................................................................................71.8. QUALITY CONTROL.....................................................................................................................8

1.8.1. .................................................................................................... Instructor Evaluations 8

1.8.2. ................................................................................................... Instructor Peer Review 8

1.8.3. ........................................................................................................ Instructor Renewals 8

1.8.4. ............................................................................................. Instructor Re-Qualification 8

1.8.5. .................................................................................................... Diver Re-Qualification 8

1.9. RECOGNITION OF CREDENTIALS .................................................................................................9

1.9.1. ............................................................................................................................Waivers 9

1.10. COMPLAINTS...............................................................................................................................9

1.10.1. ....................................................................................................Complaint Submission 9

1.10.2. ......................................................................................................Complaint Procedure 9

1.10.3. ....................................................................................Penalties and Remedial Actions 10

1.10.4. ............................................................................................................ Rights of Appeal 10

1.10.5. ........................................................................... Executive Suspension of Membership 10

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1.12. CONDUCT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.....................................................................................10

1.13. RECORDS ..................................................................................................................................10

2. ....................................................GUE COURSE TRAINING STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES 12

2.1. RECREATIONAL DIVER CURRICULUM .......................................................................................12

2.1.1. ..........................................................GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 - Nitrox Diver 12

2.1.1.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 12

2.1.1.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 12

2.1.1.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 12

2.1.1.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 12

2.1.1.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 12

2.1.1.6. ............................................................................................Required Training Materials 12

2.1.1.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 12

2.1.1.8. ....................................................................................................Land Drills and Topics 13

2.1.1.9. ......................................................................................Required Dive Skills and Drills 13

2.1.1.10. ................................................................................................Equipment Requirements 14

2.1.2. ............................................................GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 - Triox Diver 152.1.2.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 15

2.1.2.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 15

2.1.2.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration

152.1.2.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 15

2.1.2.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 15


2.1.2.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 16




2.1.3. ..........................................................GUE Recreational Diver Level 3 - Trimix Diver 17 2.1.3.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 17

2.1.3.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 18

2.1.3.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 18

2.1.3.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 18

2.1.3.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 18

2.1.3.6. ............................................................................................Required Training Materials 182.1.3.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 19

2.1.3.8. .......................................................................................................Land Drills & Topics 19

2.1.3.9. .........................................................................................Required Dive Skills & Drills 19


2.1.4. ..........................................................................................GUE F undamentals Course 212.1.4.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 21

2.1.4.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 21

2.1.4.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 21

2.1.4.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 22

2.1.4.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 22


2.1.4.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 22




2.2. TECHNICAL DIVER CURRICULUM .............................................................................................25

2.2.1. ................................................................................................Technical Diver Level 1 252.2.1.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 25

2.2.1.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 25

2.2.1.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 25

2.2.1.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 25

2.2.1.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 25

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2.2.1.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 26




2.2.2. .....................................................................Technical Diver Level 1 “Plus” Upgrade 292.2.2.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 29

2.2.2.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 29

2.2.2.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 29

2.2.2.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 29

2.2.2.5. ..............................................................................................................Course Contents 30


2.2.2.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 30





2.2.3.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 31

2.2.3.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 31

2.2.3.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 312.2.3.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 32


2.2.3.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 32




2.2.4. .....................................................................Technical Diver Level 2 “Plus” Upgrade 342.2.4.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 34

2.2.4.2. ...............................................................................................................Course contents 34

2.2.4.3. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 34


2.2.5.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 35

2.2.5.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 35

2.2.5.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 35

2.2.5.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 35


2.2.5.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 35




2.3. CAVE DIVER CURRICULUM.......................................................................................................38

2.3.1. ........................................................................................................Cave Diver Level 1 382.3.1.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 38

2.3.1.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 38

2.3.1.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 38

2.3.1.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 382.3.1.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 39


2.3.1.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 39




2.3.2. ........................................................................................................Cave Diver Level 2 422.3.2.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 42

2.3.2.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 42

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2.3.2.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 42

2.3.2.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 42

2.3.2.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 42


2.3.2.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 43




2.3.3. ........................................................................................................Cave Diver Level 3 46 2.3.3.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 46

2.3.3.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 46

2.3.3.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 46

2.3.3.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 46

2.3.3.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 46


2.3.3.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 47




2.4. AUXILIARY TRAINING CURRICULUM........................................................................................49

2.4.1. ....................................................................................................GUE Doubles Primer 492.4.1.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 49

2.4.1.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 49

2.4.1.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 50

2.4.1.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 50

2.4.1.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 50

2.4.1.6. ...........................................................................................................Training Materials 50

2.4.1.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 50

2.4.1.8. ......................................................................................................................Land Drills 50



2.4.2. ...................................................................................................GUE Dry Suit Primer 522.4.2.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 52

2.4.2.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 52

2.4.2.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 52

2.4.2.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 52

2.4.2.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 52


2.4.2.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 52

2.4.2.8. ......................................................................................................................Land Drills 53



2.4.3. ..................................................................................................................GUE Primer 542.4.3.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 54

2.4.3.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 54

2.4.3.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 54

2.4.3.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 54

2.4.3.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content


2.4.3.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 55

2.4.3.8. ......................................................................................................................Land Drills 55



2.4.4. .................................................................................. Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 1 56 2.4.4.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 56

2.4.4.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 57

2.4.4.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 57

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2.4.4.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 57

2.4.4.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 57


2.4.4.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 57




2.4.5. ............................................................. Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 2 / Cave DPV 602.4.5.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 60

2.4.5.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 60

2.4.5.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 60

2.4.5.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 60

2.4.5.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 60


2.4.5.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 60




2.4.6. .......................................................................................................... Rebreather Diver 632.4.6.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 63

2.4.6.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 632.4.6.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 63

2.4.6.4. ..................................................................................................................Course Limits 63

2.4.6.5. ...............................................................................................................Course Content 63


2.4.6.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 64




3. ...............................................................GUE INSTRUCTOR STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES 66

3.1. ACTIVE STATUS INSTRUCTOR....................................................................................................66

3.1.1. ............................................................................................. Maintaining Active Status 66

3.2. SUSTAINING STATUS INSTRUCTOR ............................................................................................673.2.1. ...................................................................................... Maintaining Sustaining Status 67

3.3. INACTIVE STATUS INSTRUCTOR ................................................................................................67

3.4. PROVISIONAL STATUS INSTRUCTOR..........................................................................................68

3.5. INSTRUCTOR STATUS CHANGES ................................................................................................68

3.6. INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATE TRAINING PROCEDURES...................................................................68

3.6.1. .................................................................................................................... Descri ption 68

3.6.2. ..................................................................... Instructor Training Course Prerequisites 68

3.6.3. .................................................................... Recreational Instructor Training Courses 69

3.6.4. .........................................................................Technical Instructor Training Courses 69

3.6.5. ................................................................................Cave I nstructor Training Courses 69

3.6.6. ..........................................................................GUE I nstructor Training Progression 69

3.6.6.1. ........................................................GUE Instructor Candidate Internship Requirement 703.6.6.2. ....................................................................................GUE Instructor Training Courses 70

3.6.6.3. .............................................................................................GUE Instructor Evaluation 70

3.6.7. ..........................................................................Fulfillment of Internship Requirement 71

3.7. INSTRUCTOR TRAINER (IT) QUALIFICATIONS ...........................................................................71

3.7.1. .........................................................................................................................Purpose 71

3.7.2. ............................................................................................................. IT Prerequisites 71

3.8. INSTRUCTOR EVALUATOR (IE) QUALIFICATIONS ......................................................................71

3.8.1. .........................................................................................................................Purpose 71

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3.8.2. .................................................................................................................Prerequisites 71

3.9. GUE DIVING INSTRUCTOR COURSES........................................................................................71

3.9.1. .........................................................................................................................Purpose 71

3.9.2. ............................................................GUE Recreational Instructor Training Course 723.9.2.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 72

3.9.2.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 72

3.9.2.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 723.9.2.4. ................................................................................................................Program Limits 72

3.9.2.5. .............................................................................................................Program Content 72


3.9.2.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 72


3.9.2.9. ......................................................................Required Skills (Academic and In-Water) 73


3.9.3. ...........GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 Instructor 73

3.9.4. ...........GUE F undamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 Instructor 73

3.9.5. ...........GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level 3 Instructor 73

3.9.6. ...............................................GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Recreational 2 Instructor 74

3.9.7. ...............................................GUE Recreational 2 to GUE Recreational 3 Instructor 74

3.9.8. ................................................GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Fundamentals Instructor 74

3.9.9. .............................Cave or Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 1 Diving Instructor 74

3.9.10. .............................Cave or Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 2 Diving Instructor 74

3.9.11. ...........................................Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 3 Diving Instructor 74

3.9.12. ..........................................Cave I nstructor to Recreational Level 3 Diving Instructor 74

3.9.13. ................................................................................Technical Diver Instructor Course 753.9.13.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 75

3.9.13.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 75

3.9.13.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 75

3.9.13.4. ................................................................................................................Program Limits 75

3.9.13.5. .............................................................................................................Program Content 75


3.9.13.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 75


3.9.13.9. .......................................................................Required Skills (Academic and In-water) 76


3.9.14. ...................................................Progress from Tech 1 Instructor to Tech 2 Instructor 77 3.9.14.1. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 77

3.9.15. ...................................................Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Tech 3 Instructor 77 3.9.15.1. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 77

3.9.16. ............................................Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Rebreather Instructor 783.9.16.1. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 78


3.9.17. .......................................................................................Cave Diver Instructor Course 793.9.17.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 79

3.9.17.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 79

3.9.17.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 793.9.17.4. ................................................................................................................Program Limits 79

3.9.17.5. .............................................................................................................Program Content 79


3.9.17.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 80




3.9.18. .................................................Progress from Cave 1 Instructor to Cave 2 Instructor 823.9.18.1. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 82

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3.9.19. .................................................Progress from Cave 2 Instructor to Cave 3 Instructor 823.9.19.1. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 82

3.9.20. ................................................................................................. DPV Instructor Course 823.9.20.1. ............................................................................................................................Purpose 82

3.9.20.2. ....................................................................................................................Prerequisites 82

3.9.20.3. ..........................................................................................................................Duration 82

3.9.20.4. ................................................................................................................Program Limits

823.9.20.5. .............................................................................................................Program Content 83


3.9.20.7. .............................................................................................................Academic Topics 83




3.9.21. ..................................................Progress from DPV 1 Instructor to DPV 2 Instructor 85

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1. Purpose of GUEGlobal Underwater Explorers was founded to improve the quality of aquatic education and to activelyengage in the exploration and conservation of the underwater world. It was founded by conservationists,explorers, and educators with a desire to share the mystery of the underwater world.

1.1 Goals1.1.1 EducationGUE’s educational platform was designed for divers seeking quality dive instruction. Its courses combinerigorous in-water training with comprehensive academic instruction, to produce divers who are skilled,competent and safe.

GUE’s instructors, like its other representatives, are carefully chosen for their ability to enrich theorganization—not for their capacity to generate revenue. As a result, GUE brings together a wide array of professional talents, ranging from expertise in training, exploration and the sciences, to expertise ineducation and conservation.

GUE is also dedicated to the global dissemination of educational information. To this end, our educationaloutreach programs provide valuable information to schools, the media, and the general public.

1.1.2 ResearchGUE is committed to promoting underwater research, focusing significant resources on scientific study.GUE supports the efforts of a membership conducting original research around the globe.

GUE seeks to promote the research interests of other organizations. This is done by sharing successfulmethodologies, helping to cultivate effective funding and sponsorship strategies, and constructing acomprehensive database available to anyone working in education, conservation, or exploration. This data-sharing will include both conventional publications and technological advancements—e.g., an interactiveweb database.

1.1.3 ExplorationGUE is committed to global underwater exploration. It focuses assets on long-term exploratory activity; it

helps other organizations develop effective exploration techniques; and it shares the results of its findingswith other exploration groups.

1.2 Training Philosophy

1.2.1 EducationGUE maintains that a good education is vital for the safe enjoyment of recreational and technical diving,and must include both a strong academic component and a rigorous practical one. This is achieved by:

1. Standards: GUE’s curriculum maintains the highest training standards, combining strongacademics with exacting practice (in-water training). Additionally, GUE requires diver andinstructor currency and a gradual building of experience.

2. Classes: GUE classes are lengthy and rigorous, demanding preparation before they begin.

3. Instructors: GUE instructors are encouraged to exceed minimum training standards when thesesafely contribute to a participant’s learning process. Instructors are also actively encouraged todeny qualification to students who are not completely prepared for the level pursued.

1.2.2 EquipmentGUE is committed to a standardized equipment configuration, a holistic approach to equipmentconfiguration that sees each element of a system as an integral part of the whole.

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1.2.3 ExperienceGUE maintains that extensive in-water diver experience is at the core of diver proficiency. To cultivate this proficiency, GUE incorporates critical-skills training, experience dives, and post-class practice in its diver-training platform.

1. Critical-Skills Training

This is the first step toward acquiring the requisite skills that prepare divers for the rigors of diving. Undertaken during formal training conditions, GUE employs a building-block method andallows trainees to learn at their own rate, introducing new skills only when students are able toincorporate them. An important aspect of critical-skills training is that failures and stressfulsituations are simulated in a controlled and safe environment. Competence is established by skillreview, practice and repetition.

2. Experience Dives

Undertaken during formal training conditions, this phase of training seeks to cultivate real divingexperience, while providing a controlled context for further skill solidification.

3. Interim Class Requirement

GUE requires that formal diver training be punctuated by breaks, during which students must practice a given skill set before progressing to a higher level of training. Before entering a higher

level of training in a given curriculum, all students must have undertaken a minimum of twenty-five practice dives.

1.3 Training Structure

1.3.1 Outline of Diver Training1. Screening

GUE seeks to promote the best interests of students by establishing whether they are capable of meeting the demands made on them during training. This is done by careful screening duringregistration, during which all student candidates must furnish GUE representatives with acompleted registration outlining their personal experience, medical history and previous training.

2. Advance PreparationGUE maintains that some advance preparation is necessary for student’s to optimize their training.Such preparation may include familiarization with a certain set of materials and/or a set of skills.

3. Academics

GUE academic sessions seek to instill in students a detailed comprehension of the theoreticalcomponents of relevant diver training. Ideally, academic portions of GUE classes rely on advancestudent preparation, so that the theoretical component of the class is more substantive.

4. In-water Training (confined and open water)

GUE in-water training is designed to help students cultivate essential diving skills and to teststudent knowledge in a controlled environment; skills include problem-solving and emergencymanagement. By “confined water,” GUE means areas:

• that do not exceed 30 feet/9 meters in depth

• where visibility is sufficiently good to allow instructors to maintain a view of their students

• that are not overhead areas

• that are lit by illumination levels comparable with daylight

• where surface conditions are relatively calm (no greater than 1- to 3-foot surge)

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• where currents are negligible (under 1 knot). Such environments allow instructorsmaintain maximum control over trainees.

Suitable open-water conditions are areas that allow instructors reasonable control over students;depths are contingent on specific course requirements.

5. Testing, Evaluation and Qualification

Testing and evaluation is a vital part of the GUE training process. GUE requires students to passfinal exams with a score of 80 percent or higher. On review, students must demonstrate proficiency with all test questions.

Student in-water performance is evaluated during post-dive debriefs. Upon completing a course,instructors submit a Course Completion Form to GUE HQ, outlining student strengths andweaknesses; such forms are available to students upon request.

GUE qualification is ultimately an instructor’s decision. However, students, on request, should be provided with a written account of what remedial training they need in order to progress further with their training. At any point during their training, GUE trainees may request an evaluationfrom their instructor.

GUE’s evaluation scale ranges sequentially from 1 (failure) to 5 (excellence) as follows:

Grade 1: Indicates an unsafe diver in both ability and/or demeanor. The student should be

removed from the course immediately.

Grade 2: Indicates that the student cannot complete the required skill/task satisfactorily. If, at thediscretion of the instructor, continued practice of a skill/task places either the student or the classat risk, the instructor may decide not to continue practicing a skill/task and fail the student.

Grade 3: Indicates that the student has completed the skill/task satisfactorily (passed) but needsimprovement.

Grade 4: Indicates that the student has completed the skill/task well.

Grade 5 : Indicates that the student has completed the skill/task extremely well and deservescommendation.

1.3.2 Diver Assessment (Qualification, Provisional Qualification,

Failure)At the completion of GUE training, instructors must: a) decide whether a student is properly qualified to pursue the type of diving for which they sought training; b) decide to make qualification conditional on astudent’s improving a given skill-set, specific to the particular diving activity; or c) decide that the studentis not able to dive in that environment. These assessments take the form of:

1. Full qualification

2. Provisional qualification

3. Failure

Provisional certifications are designed as an interim measure for student divers whose skill level in a givenclass was close but not sufficient to pass a given class. Provisional qualification is not a form of accreditation, and does not represent any certification status within GUE. Divers should be aware that the

original instructor is solely responsible for updating this rating. An instructor may make specificarrangements with another GUE instructor but the original instructor is ultimately responsible for upgrading their student’s provisional rating. The time and fees associated with provisional upgrades areentirely at the discretion of the instructor.




1.3.3 Training Categories Recreational Diver

This training category is designed for individuals seeking training in the fundamentals of soundrecreational diving; recreational diving here is to be understood as diving in non-overheadenvironments.

Technical Diver

This training category is designed for divers seeking training in technical diving. Technical divinggoes beyond the domain of recreational diving by exposing divers to (among other things) greater depths, longer diving exposures, decompression, and to the requirements of gases other than air.

Cave Diver

This training category is designed for divers seeking training in cave environments. Cave-diver training focuses on the skills and knowledge most specifically geared toward cave-diving penetrations, yet these techniques are invaluable in a wide array of diving environments.

Auxiliary Training

This training category is designed for divers seeking instruction in a range of diving techniquesincluding rebreathers, diver propulsion vehicles and a range of other subjects not directly related

to the categories above.

1.3.4 General Training StandardsThe general standards outlined below govern all GUE courses and those involved in them. These standardsseek to ensure that GUE courses remain consistent with respect to a common foundation (primary skills andknowledge) necessary for building further skill and knowledge. Additional standards, governing specifictraining categories and specific levels within these categories, are outlined in the relevant course sections.

1. An Active Status GUE instructor, qualified to teach the level of training being conducted, is to be present and in control during any and all activities, including academic and in-water training.

2. All Active Status GUE instructors must have obtained, and be familiar with, a copy of the currentversions of the standards. i.e. this document.

3. With the exception of GUE cave instructors during cave or Rebreather training courses, no GUEinstructors may conduct critical-skill training in an overhead environment during any GUEtraining course.

4. Experience portions (experience dives) of Technical or Rebreather classes may be conducted in acave environment, provided that the following requirements are met:

•Students engaged in such experience dives must be cave-qualified, to the skill level required by the environment in which diving is undertaken.

•GUE instructors conducting experience dives in the cave environment must be caveinstructors.

•Instructors must be certified at least one level higher than that of the experience dive. For example, dives carried out within Cave 1 limits require an instructor who is Cave 2 rated.

5. The minimum number of required dives for a given level of training must be completed before

moving on to the next level of training. Dives cannot be credited across curricula or across levelsof a given curriculum. Students may not take two courses concurrently (at the same time).

6. Students must receive full qualification for a level of training before progressing to the next levelof training.

7. GUE instructors conducting a particular course are required to use the equipment required of thatcourse.

8. All decompression and/or stage cylinders are to be clearly labeled in accordance with the“Cylinder Marking Standards” set forth in section 1.7.




9. Visibility is defined as the minimum distance in which divers can see one another andcommunicate effectively.

10. GUE instructors should refrain from conducting training dives and drills in areas that contain:

•Delicate or sensitive formations

•Structures that are in relatively pristine condition

•Sensitive biological or archeological resources

11. GUE instructors should consider the impact of training on the sites they select, and should opt for sites that are appropriate to the current skill and training level of their student(s). Instructorsshould also refer to the recommended locations for certain training drills (see Appendix A), andare encouraged to seek the advice of local divers and instructors when conducting training inunfamiliar areas.

12. Careful selection of dive sites should take place during DPV training

13. GUE instructors must ensure that instructor-to-student ratios during land or surface drills do notcompromise the quality of student education.

1.4 General Training Limits

The following limits apply to ALL GUE classes (course-specific limits can be found in the relevantsections).

1.4.1 PO2 LimitsDuring the working phase of all dives, PO2 should not exceed 1.4ATA. This figure should be adjusteddownwards to reflect diving conditions, and an overall target PO2 of 1.2ATA should be employed. Duringthe resting phase of the dive, the PO2 may be elevated to 1.6ATA.

The “working phase” of the dive is defined as the portion of the dive where the divers are swimming,traveling or generally conducting tasks. The “resting phase” is defined as dives during which it is notreasonably expected that a diver will have to expend any unusual amount of energy, for example duringdecompression.

1.4.2 END Limits No dives are to be planned to exceed an Equivalent Narcotic Depth (END) of 100 feet/30 meters; END isestablished by the following equations

END(m) = 1− fHe( ) × D ATA( )−1( ) ×10m

END( ft ) = 1− fHe( )× D ATA( )−1( )× 33 ft

Where END is the equivalent narcotic depth in meters or feet and DATA is the depth, expressed in ATAs.

1.4.3 Breathing Gas RequirementsAll dives must begin with at least “minimum gas.” Minimum gas is defined as the volume needed for twodivers sharing gas to reach the surface or another breathable gas supply.

1.4.4 Parameters for Critical SkillsDrills or skills that involve loss of visibility; loss of lights; simulated out-of-gas scenarios; simulatedmanifold failures; and rescue techniques involving assisting panicked divers, convulsing divers andunconscious divers, are to be considered critical skills.

• Critical skills must first be conducted in a confined-water setting, after which instructors can progressively increase the depth and/or penetration in which these are executed.




• Mask removal is restricted to confined water; under such training conditions, only the traineesthemselves are allowed to remove their masks, at the prompting of their instructor. Mask removalis not permitted in any overhead environment (save decompression).

• For the DPV program the following skills are considered critical: out of gas, towing a diver anddealing with a runaway DPV.

• “Air gunning,” a form of simulating manifold failure, is restricted to Technical, Cave, Rebreather and DPV level 2 courses.

• Under no circumstance should critical skills be conducted in delicate cave environments wheredamage to the environment may occur.

• GUE instructors are prohibited from turning off student cylinder valves (right, left, or isolator)EXCEPT in the event of a real regulator or manifold failure where turning off the relevant valvewould be required. However, during rebreather training, instructors may interrupt gas addition tothe rebreather.

1.4.5 Issuing Qualification under Other AgenciesAnother agency’s qualifications may be awarded to a student - as a dual qualification - only if the studenthas met GUE standards and has been awarded full GUE qualification. The student can then receive both aGUE qualification card and the equivalent qualification of another agency.

Qualification from another agency may not be issued instead of a GUE qualification. This means that if atrainee does not warrant full qualification under GUE’s standards and procedures, no qualification fromanother agency can be awarded in its stead.

1.4.6 Teaching and RebreathersGUE instructors may not teach GUE courses while on a rebreather. The only exceptions are when trainingrebreather instructors during an instructor training course (ITC), or when critical-skill testing is completeduring rebreather classes.

1.4.7 Buoyancy ConsiderationsSome diving environments (e.g., shallow caves) permit divers with no buoyant lift (e.g., failed buoyancycompensator) to exit along a floor of reasonable depth; other environments, because of their depth, do not.Divers should account for such conditions and seek to ensure that their systems enable them to return safelyto the surface in the event of a loss of buoyancy or a low-on-gas situation.

1.4.8 ConservationAs part of GUE’s commitment to global environmental conservation, Appendix A details recommendedareas for simulated zero-visibility drills, required by all GUE Cave programs.

1.4.9 Decompression ParametersGUE recognizes that events may conspire to result in decompression sickness, despite the care exercised bythose involved. Nonetheless, GUE requires that, when training, GUE instructors follow conservativedecompression schedules and evaluate decompression schedules using GUE’s DecoPlanner as a standard.

Decompression times during training should approximate the time indicated by DecoPlanner when usingeither gradient factors of 20/85 when using the Buhlmann algorithm, or on a conservatism setting of 2 whenusing the Variable Permeability Model. These profiles will be known as Unadjusted Decompression profiles. These may be adjusted in a pragmatic manner to enable simpler in-water implementation.

Dives where DecoPlanner does not indicate any decompression requirement longer than one minute at anysingle stop depth are known as Minimum Decompression dives. These should be implemented by slowingthe ascent rate in the final half of the ascent.




1.4.10 Course SizeWith the exception of instructor training courses and the “primer” classes, GUE courses must not be runwith only one student. In the event of students dropping out of the course leaving a solitary student, it isthe instructors responsibility to find a “stand-in” buddy who must be qualified at the same level or higher than the course being taught.

1.5 General Diving SkillsAll GUE courses must ensure proficiency in the following diving skills; proficiency is measured by a finalgrade of 3 (satisfactory) or better when demonstrating the skill. Course-specific requirements including anydeviation from a particular skill will be listed under the appropriate course section.

1. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving practices; this would include pre-dive preparation, in-water activity, and post-dive assessment.

2. Demonstrate awareness of team-member location and a concern for safety, responding quickly tovisual cues and dive partner requirements.

3. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver in multiple gas-sharing episodes.

4. Be able to comfortably demonstrate the frog and modified frog kicks, the flutter and the modified

flutter kicks, the helicopter turn and the backwards kick.

5. Demonstrate a safe and responsible demeanor throughout all training.

All GUE instructors are encouraged to exceed minimum training standards when by doing so they are promoting the best interests of the student. Instructors are actively encouraged to deny qualification tostudents when students have not met the standards of the certification level they are pursuing to thesatisfaction of the instructor.

1.6 General Prerequisites for All GUE CoursesAll GUE courses have the following prerequisites (any additional prerequisite, as well as any deviationsfrom the following, will be listed under the specific course section):

1. Must submit a completed registration form, complete with medical history, and liability release to

GUE Headquarters.2. Must be physically and mentally fit.

3. Must hold insurance that will cover diving emergencies such as hyperbaric treatment e.g. DANMaster-level insurance or equivalent.

4. Must be a nonsmoker.

5. Must obtain a physician’s prior written authorization for the use of prescription drugs, except for birth control, or for a prior medical condition that may pose a risk while diving. A partial list of such conditions may be found on GUE’s medical history form. Conditions that pose a risk tostudents while diving require a physician’s written approval to dive; this information must bedisclosed to their GUE instructor before the onset of training. Physician clearance for a specificcondition is valid for one year from the date it is given, assuming there are no further changes tothe student’s medical conditions. Physician clearance to dive under a specific medical condition

does not obligate GUE or a GUE representative to clear a trainee for diving; this remains at thesole discretion of the instructor.

1.7 Cylinder Marking Standards1. Dive cylinders should be free of unnecessary stickers and markings. They should bear a current

Visual Inspection sticker and Hydro test sticker, as detailed by current country-specificregulations. VIP stickers (if required) should be placed so as to create minimum distraction fromthe MOD markings.




2. All stage/decompression cylinders must be marked with the maximum operating depth (MOD) inapproximately 3-inch/7.5-centimeter numbers. Markings should be oriented in such a way as to beeasily read by both divers and their team members.

3. In countries where the metric system is used in diving, stage/decompression cylinders should bemarked in METERS.

4. In countries where the imperial system is used in diving, stage/decompression cylinders markingshould be in FEET.

5. In all countries, in addition to the MOD, Oxygen cylinders should be marked with the word“OXYGEN” (or the local equivalent) in approximately 3-inch/7.5-centimeter-high letters runninghorizontally down the side. No additional Nitrox stickers, or indication that the cylinder does notcontain air, are required.

6. Once filled, cylinders must be all analyzed and the results, to the decimal point, placed near theneck of the cylinder. The label should include the date the cylinder was analyzed and the tester’sinitials. Dedicated cylinders used for the inflation of drysuits are exempted from analysisrequirements.

1.8 Quality Control GUE’s quality control program seeks to ensure that GUE courses, instructors, and members maintain thehighest standards possible before, during, and after training. This is done through: instructor evaluations,instructor renewals, instructor and diver re-qualification, detailed course completion objectives, andrigorous training in conformity with agency standards.

1.8.1 Instructor EvaluationsGUE’s qualification process requires all GUE trainees to complete an Instructor Evaluation Form at thecompletion of their training. Available electronically, GUE’s Quality Control Form enables: 1) students toevaluate their training experience; and 2) GUE to monitor instructional quality.

1.8.2 Instructor Peer ReviewGUE maintains a peer-review program that encourages instructor cooperation and requires them to report toGUE Headquarters any practices not in keeping with GUE’s standards.

1.8.3 Instructor RenewalsTo insure currency of qualifications, all GUE instructors are required to renew annually.

1.8.4 Instructor Re-QualificationGUE instructors must formally re-qualify every three years. This must be performed in each curriculum(Recreational, Tech, Cave) in which they are qualified to teach. This requirement must be fulfilled by joining a formal GUE workshop, usually organized around an event such as the GUE conference. Thisworkshop is conducted by a GUE IE and is tailored to the specific curricula in need of update.

Instructors may choose to reset the three-year clock at any point within this three-year window.

GUE instructors must also re-qualify anytime the safety or effectiveness of their training is questioned. In

such a case, GUE’s Quality Control Board may immediately suspend an instructor’s teaching privilegesuntil a thorough review of these allegations is made.

Instructors who fail to re-qualify within three years will be put on inactive status and required to return their instructor cards to GUE Headquarters at once.

1.8.5 Diver Re-QualificationAll GUE diver-qualification cards expire three years after the date of issue. A diver can be re-qualified sixmonths before or six months after the expiration of their qualification period by having his/her individualdive experience reviewed by either a qualified GUE instructor or by GUE Headquarters. To maintain GUE




qualification, GUE divers must certify that they have conducted twenty-five dives at the level of their qualification within a three year period. Upon review, divers can be issued a new qualification card for anominal fee. This re-certification process may be completed up to five years from the last re-qualification.If the duration between either the initial class or the last re-qualification exceeds five years, then formalapproval from a GUE instructor at the appropriate level will be required.

1.9 Recognition of CredentialsAccomplished divers from other agencies who wish to be qualified as GUE divers may petition GUE HQ tohave their training and experience recognized, and a suitable level of GUE qualification issued. Uponreceipt of such a request, GUE HQ will arrange for an in-water evaluation of the petitioning diver by aGUE instructor trainer. If, upon evaluation, the GUE IT considers that the petitioning diver’s request should be honored, s/he should recommend to GUE HQ, in writing, that it issues an appropriate level of GUEqualification. Upon receipt of this recommendation, GUE HQ will consider awarding the petitioning diver asuitable level of GUE qualification.

1.9.1 WaiversQualified GUE divers seeking upper-level qualification can petition a GUE Instructor Evaluator to waivethe 25-dive prerequisite between GUE courses.

1.10ComplaintsGUE’s Quality Control Board is responsible for handling complaints promptly and thoroughly. Followingan investigation of a complaint, the Quality Control Board will decide whether or not disciplinary action iswarranted.

1.10.1 Complaint SubmissionComplaints can be lodged against any GUE member, all of whom are bound by GUE’s standards and procedures.

Formal complaints against any GUE member must be sent to GUE’s Director of Quality Control at GUEHeadquarters and must include:

• A written statement outlining the nature of the complaint,

• Name and contact information

• The date, time, and location of incident

• A complete account of the event, including names and contact information (if possible) of anywitnesses

Complaints can be lodged either by mail or electronically. Mail should be sent to the Director of QualityControl, Global Underwater Explorers, 15 South Main Street, High Springs, FL, 32643, USA. Email should be send to [email protected].

No action, other than review, can be taken as a result of an anonymous or a verbal complaint.

1.10.2 Complaint Procedure1. Following review of a complaint, a summary of the complaint is sent to a charged member by

regular and/or electronic mail. Charged member(s) must respond in writing to the complaint (bymail or electronically) within thirty days from the date the review was sent. It is the responsibilityof GUE members to maintain current contact information with GUE HQ.

2. Charged members who fail to respond to a written complaint within thirty days are automaticallysuspended, and all membership privileges are revoked until resolution of the matter.

3. Charged members who respond to a written complaint are able to maintain their membership privileges until a final determination is reached by GUE’s Quality Control Board. Upon receipt of a charged member’s response, GUE’s Quality Control Board can decide to dismiss the complaint,


mailto:[email protected].

mailto:[email protected].



resolve the matter by negotiation, suspend the member in question, or terminate his/her membership.

1.10.3 Penalties and Remedial ActionsGUE’s Quality Control Board is empowered to render the following decisions:

1. Private censure

2. Public censure

3. Prescribed educational rehabilitation

4. Defined probationary period

5. Defined suspension

6. Revocation of membership and/or teaching privileges

1.10.4 Rights of AppealCharged members who have been subject to an unfavorable decision by GUE’s Quality Control Board may,within thirty days of the decision, appeal the decision to GUE’s Board of Directors. Such an appeal must belodged in writing to the Board of Directors, Global Underwater Explorers, 15 South Main Street, High

Springs, FL, 32643, USA.

1.10.5 Executive Suspension of MembershipIn cases where GUE’s Director of Training or GUE’s officers suspect that student safety has been or is believed to be compromised, GUE HQ has the right to immediately suspend the GUE instructor(s) inquestion WITHOUT going through a formal complaint process. This suspension will be followed by areview of the case by GUE’s Quality Control Board, who will be responsible for rendering a final decision.

1.11Conduct Policies and Procedures1. GUE representatives must promote the best interests of GUE.

2. GUE members and its representatives must demonstrate financial responsibility when transacting business with GUE.

3. GUE instructors must process student Course Completion Forms in a professional and timelyfashion. GUE instructors must cooperate with GUE Headquarters when certification-card issuesarise.

4. All correspondence found on the Instructors Forum, [email protected], or in the instructor section of the GUE web forum, is confidential. Any instructor who knowingly allows thesediscussions to become public may be subject to disciplinary action.

5. GUE instructors must behave professionally when interacting with GUE trainees, with GUE HQand with other persons who have been solicited to help promote GUE (e.g., diving facilities).

6. All GUE members and its representatives are bound by the standards and procedures outlined inthis document.

7. GUE membership and renewal applications do not constitute perpetual offers of membership.

GUE HQ reserves the right to refuse membership or renewal to any party without assigning anyreason.

8. GUE instructor qualification cards issued by GUE Headquarters are the property of GlobalUnderwater Explorers, and must be surrendered upon request to the Board of Directors or their representatives.

1.12RecordsGUE headquarters will maintain the following records (if applicable) for each instructor, student, and classfor up to seven years after the class:


mailto:[email protected]





1. Student Registration

2. Student Liability and Release and Assumption of Risk

3. Student Agreement

4. Student Medical Questionnaire

5. Accident Report

6. Instructor Registration

7. Instructor Liability and Release and Assumption of Risk

8. Instructor Agreement

9. Course Completion Form

10. C-Card Replacement Form

11. Instructor Evaluation Form

12. Membership Registration




2. GUE Course Training Standards and Procedures

2.1 Recreational Diver Curriculum

2.1.1 GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 - Nitrox Diver

2.1.1.1 Purpose

The GUE Recreational Diver level 1 course is designed to develop the essential skills required in all sounddiving practice. This course provides the non-diver with an opportunity to develop fundamental divingskills that will support comfort, confidence, and competence in the water. This course also provides a soliddiving foundation for individuals with aspirations for more advanced diver training.

2.1.1.2 Prerequisites

1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6.

2. Must be a minimum of sixteen years of age. This may be reduced under exceptionalcircumstances, and with written approval from GUE HQ,

2.1.1.3 DurationThe GUE Recreational Diver level 1 class must be conducted over at least five full days; course timeshould total at least fifty hours, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.

2.1.1.4 Course Limits

1. General training limits as outlined in section 1.4.

2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 8:1 during land drill or surface exercises, but cannotexceed 4:1 during any direct in-water training In-water ratios should be adjusted downward toaccount for bad conditions and/or poor visibility.

3. Maximum depth 70 feet/21 meters.

4. No decompression.

5. No overhead environment diving.

6. No night diving

2.1.1.5 Course Content

The GUE Recreational Diver level 1 course is normally involves a minimum fifty hours of instructionincluding six lectures, 14 dives in a mixture of confined and open water environments. If the course isconducted in drysuit there will be additional confined and open water dives. The GUE Recreational Diver level 1 course emphasizes creating the fundamental diving skills required for all sound diving practice. Thisfocus in creating a proper set of skills increases diving fun by reducing stress and increasing diver proficiency; this is accomplished through educating students on GUE principles including but not limited to proper control of buoyancy, trim, propulsion, breathing gases and teamwork.

2.1.1.6 Required Training Materials1. Submerged: Mastering the Art and Science of Scuba Diving . Global Underwater Explorers, 2006,

High Springs, Florida.

2. Beginning with the End in Mind - The Fundamentals of Recreational Diving. Jesper Berglund.Global Undwerwater Explorers. 2008. Stockholm, Sweden.

2.1.1.7 Academic Topics

1. Introduction to Scuba Diving




2. Building a Solid Foundation

3. Exploring the Underwater World

4. Gas Management and Dive Planning

5. Decompression Dynamics

6. Diving Safety the GUE system

2.1.1.8 Land Drills and Topics

1. Equipment fit and function

2. Dive team protocols

3. Analyze and mark cylinders

4. Pre-dive drills

5. Basic 5 scuba skills

6. S-drill and valve-drill

7. Propulsion techniques

8. Surface-marker deployment

9. Straight line compass navigation

2.1.1.9 Required Dive Skills and Drills

1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills 1.5

2. Must be able to swim at least 300 yards/275 meters in under fourteen minutes without stopping.This test should be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal protection.

3. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 16 yards/15 meters on a breath hold.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques, including pre-dive preparations, in-water activity, and post-dive assessments.

5. Demonstrate awareness of team-member location and a concern for safety, responding quickly tovisual cues and dive-partner needs.

6. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver.

7. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver followed by anascent to the surface, utilizing Minimum Decompression.

8. Comfortably demonstrate at least two propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicateand/or silty environments; students should demonstrate comprehension of the componentsnecessary for a successful backward kick.


10. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency in the ability to deploy a surface marker while utilizing aspool.

11. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum of 30 degrees off horizontal while remaining within 5 feet/1.5 meters of a target depth. Frequency of buoyancyvariation and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.

12. Demonstrate proficiency in underwater communication.

13. Demonstrate basic equipment proficiency and an understanding of the GUE equipmentconfiguration.

14. Demonstrate aptitude in the following open-water skills: mask clearing, mask removal andreplacement, regulator removal and exchange, long hose deployment.




15. Demonstrate safe ascent and descent procedures.

16. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency in executing a valve drill.

17. Demonstrate proficiency in the basic 5 rescue techniques

2.1.1.10 Equipment Requirements

Each student should have, and be familiar with, all of the following required equipment:

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use a single tank/cylinder with a K-, H-, or Y-valve. Students mayalso use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for theuse of two first-stages.

2. Regulators: One of the second-stages must be on a 5 to 7 foot/1.5 to 2 meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in line

with a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,and the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.In addition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs/25kgs for a single tank and 80 lbs/40kgs for doubletanks. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.

5. At least one time-/depth-measuring device

6. Mask and fins: Mask should be low-volume; fins should be rigid, non-split

7. At least one cutting device

8. Wet Notes

9. One spool with 100 feet/30 meters of line per diver

10. At least one surface-marker buoy per diver

11. One wrist compass

12. Exposure suit appropriate for the duration of exposure

Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure the use of necessary equipment before the startof the course. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment.However, students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiringsubstandard equipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Informationabout recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Website.




2.1.2 GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 - Triox Diver

2.1.2.1 Purpose

GUE’s Recreational Diver level 2 course is a no-decompression class structured to prepare divers for deeper recreational diving using proper equipment, diving techniques, and breathing mixtures. In this class,students will be introduced to the theory and practice of decompression, the use of Triox, and schooled in

correct ascent procedures. GUE’s Recreational Diver level 2 training focuses on expanding the fundamentalskills learned in GUE’s Recreational Diver level 1 course and/or the GUE Fundamentals course (or elsewhere), and is designed to cultivate, integrate, and expand the essential skills required for safe deeper diving. Further to this GUE’s Recreational Diver level 2 class focuses extensively on schooling student indiver rescue - both on land, at the surface and underwater. GUE Recreational Diver level 2 training will build the capacity required for progressively more challenging diving. In this class, students will be trainedin: a) tproper ascent procedures during deeper recreational dives; b) underwater navigation; c) rescue divingtechniques and emergency management; d) the use of Nitrox and Triox for extended bottom times; and e)the use of Helium to minimize narcosis, CO2, gas density, and post-dive “nitrogen stress.”


1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6

2. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age. This may be reduced under exceptional circumstances, andwith written approval from GUE HQ,

3. Must have passed the GUE Recreational Diver level 1 class or a GUE Fundamentals class at the“recreational” level

4. Must have a minimum of twenty five dives beyond open-water qualification.

2.1.2.3 Duration

The GUE Recreational Diver level 2 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves aminimum of forty hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.


1. General training limits as outlined in section 1.4


3. Maximum depth 30 m / 100 ft.

4. No overhead environment diving

5. Critical skills may not be conducted deeper than 12m / 40ft.


The GUE Recreational Diver level 2 course normally involves a minimum of forty hours of instructiondesigned to provide a working knowledge of Rescue diving and emergency management, advancednavigation, Nitrox, Triox, the history of decompression and practice, physics, physiology, tables, and

operational considerations.

Course requirements include a minimum of ten hours of academics and ten water sessions. In addition tothis an optional night dive may be added.

The initial six aquatic sessions will be conducted in water no deeper than 9 m / 30 ft to evaluate the diver’sability and provide a safe depth for rescue diver training. The last two dives are to be Triox dives at depthfor experience, but not in excess of course depth limitations.




2.1.2.6 Required Training Materials

1. Doing it Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving . Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001, High Springs,Florida.



1. Introdution and the GUE organization

2. Applied diving physics

3. Applied diving physiology

4. Situational awareness

5. Breathing gas overview

6. Dive planning, gas management and logistics

7. Introduction to Triox

8. Decompression overview and minimum decompression procedures

9. Diving safety and accident prevention

10. Rescue diving techniques, emergency management and diving related first aid


1. GUE-EDGE and Pre-dive drill sequence

2. Rescue skills including managing a rescue scene, swimming and non-swimming assists, egressiontechniques, controlling a panicked diver, underwater search patterns, managing and surfacing anunconscious diver

3. Navigation skills using a compass, guideline and natural navigation

4. Light and touch communication protocols (only applicable if the optional night dive is included)


1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills, section 1.5

2. Must be able to swim at least 275m / 300yds in under fourteen minutes without stopping. This testshould be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal protection.

3. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 16 yards/15 meters on a breath hold

4. Demonstrate proficiency in lift bag/surface-marker buoy deployment.


6. Comfortably demonstrate four propulsion techniques. Students should demonstrate comprehension

of the components necessary for a successful backward kick.

7. Demonstrate familiarity with required course equipment.

8. Gas-sharing scenarios to include a direct ascent while managing minimum decompressionobligations and the use of a surface marker buoy and spool.

9. Demonstrate effective proficiency with proper ascent/descents, including the implementation of deep stops.

10. Demonstrate effective navigation using a compass and managing a spool as a guideline underwater




11. Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental diver rescue techniques including assessing a rescuescene, supporting and recovering distressed, tired and unconscious divers at the surface andrecovering an unconscious diver to the surface and a range of simulated diving incidents.



1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use single or dual tanks/cylinders with a single outlet, Y-valve, or if in doubles, a dual-outlet isolated manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Regulators:Single first-stage if using a single tank with single outlet, or two first-stages if using either a singletank with Y-valve or double tanks. A minimum of two second-stages. One of the second-stagesmust be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. The diver must have a pressure gauge and BCD inflator.

2. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform, of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/

stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.



5. Compass

6. Appropriate minimum and no-decompression tables


8. Minimum of one cutting device

9. Wet Notes




Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.

2.1.3 GUE Recreational Diver Level 3 - Trimix Diver

2.1.3.1 Purpose

The GUE Recreational Diver level 3 course is a limited decompression class structured to prepare diversfor deeper recreational diving using proper equipment, diving techniques and breathing mixtures. In this




class, students will be introduced to the theory and practice of decompression and trained in correct ascent procedures. Recreational Diver level 3 training builds on the fundamental skills learned in previous GUERecreational courses (GUE Fundamentals, Recreational Diver Level 1 and Recreational Diver Diver Level2) and is designed to cultivate the essential skills required for safe diving at greater depths. The training isdesigned to build capacity for progressively more challenging dives. In this class, students will be trainedin: a) the use of double, back-gas tanks/cylinders; b) the use of Nitrox for decompression; c) the use of Helium to minimize narcosis, CO2, gas density, and post-dive “nitrogen stress”; and d) the use of a single

decompression cylinder for stage decompression techniques.


1. Must meet GUE General Course Prerequisites outlined in Section 1.6

2. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age

3. Must have passed GUE Recreational Level 2 or GUE Fundamentals at the “recreational” level

4. Must have a minimum of seventy-five non-training dives, 10 dives using doubles

2.1.3.3 Duration

The GUE Recreational Level 3 class is normally conducted over a four to five-day period. It involves aminimum of forty hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work and a minimum of

8 dives.


1. General Training Limits as outlined in Section 1.4


3. Maximum depth of 39 m / 130 ft


5. Dives should not be planned to incur more than 15 minutes of Undajusted Decompression (seesection 1.4.10)

6. Critical skills must not be perfomed in water deeper than 9m / 30ft or in the form of “scenarios”.


The GUE Recreational Diver level 3 course normally involves a minimum of forty hours of instructiondesigned to provide a working knowledge of enriched air diving as well as normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix;this overview includes instruction in proper decompression procedures with hyperoxic mixes, including theuse of decompression tables and proper ascent practices. Fundamental aspects of physics and physiologywill be reviewed as a means to support safe diving at greater depths. Divers will also be trained in the proper operational and dive planning procedures necessary to conduct recreational dives in deeper water.

The course includes nine hours of academics and eight dives. Of these dives, four will be critical skill divesand four will be experience dives.

2.1.3.6 Required Training Materials1. Submerged: Mastering the Art and Science of Sport Diving. Jablonski, Alexakos, GUE, 2005,

High Springs, Florida

2. Doing it Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001, High Springs,Florida.

3. Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, GUE,2001, High Springs, Florida.





1. Introduction and the GUE organisation

2. Applied diving physics

3. Applied diving physiology

4. Introduction to normoxic trimix

5. Nitrogen narcosis

6. Gas density

7. Carbon dioxide

8. Oxygen limitations

9. Dive planning and gas management

10. Decompression dynamics

11. Understanding inert gas on-gassing and elimination

12. Decompression theories

13. Decompression practices while using nitrox

14. Decompression planning using decompression tables and DecoPlanner

15. Decompression illness

16. GUE equipment configuration

17. Dive planning and logistics

2.1.3.8 Land Drills & Topics


2. Dive team order and protocols

3. GUE-EDGE and Pre-dive drill

4. Out of gas scenarios and touch contact

5. Valve management including failure procedures

6. Use of safety spools and lift bag

7. Ascent and decompression protocols

8. Gas switching protocol

9. Unconscious/Toxing Diver

10. Descent/Ascent Drill

2.1.3.9 Required Dive Skills & Drills

1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills, Section 1.5



4. Demonstrate proficiency in lift bag/surface marker buoy deployment.





6. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate for delicate and/or silty environments. Students should demonstrate comprehension of the componentsnecessary for a successful backward kick.

7. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of touch contact communication during out-of-gas situations.


9. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the primary light including passive and activecommunication.

10. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with a single decompression cylinder.

11. Gas-sharing scenarios to include a gas-sharing horizontal swim.

12. Gas-sharing scenarios to include a direct ascent while managing decompression obligations.

13. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with valve-management by conducting a GUE “valve drill”which includes: shutting down one’s valve, switching regulators and returning the valve to an open position.

14. Demonstrate proficiency with proper ascent/descents, including the implementation of SMBusage, deep stops and safe gas switches.

15. Demonstrate proficiency in surfacing an unconscious diver from depth


Each student should have, and be familiar with, all of the following required equipment.

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students required to use dual tanks/cylinders with a dual outlet isolatedmanifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Students also need one decompression tank/cylinder. The cylinder should not be smaller than approximately 30 cubic feet / 4 liters and nolarger than approximately 80 cubic feet / 11 liters. Cylinders must be free from any unnecessarydecals/stickers or cylinder wraps.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2 meter hose and provide inflation for a wing style BCD. One of the first-stagesmust supply a pressure gauge. One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gas, supplyinga single second-stage and a pressure gauge. One first stage fitted with an over pressure valve

providing dry suit inflation (where applicable).

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform, of metal construction with minimal padding, held toa diver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband will prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. The webbing shouldsupport five D-rings. The first should be placed at the left hip. The second should be placed in linewith the diver’s right collarbone. The third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone.The fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80lbs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to thecylinder size(s) employed for training.

5. One primary light. A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external head (fitted with aGoodman handle) via a light cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of a 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lighting or greater.




6. Two reserve lights; Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a single attachmentat its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front bezel.

7. At least one time/depth-measuring device

8. Compass

9. Appropriate Decompression and No-Decompression tables

10. Mask and fins: Mask should be low volume; fins should be rigid, non-split

11. Reserve Mask

12. Minimum of one cutting device

13. Divers note book

14. One spool with 100 feet/30 meters line

15. One surface marker buoy


Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s web site.

2.1.4 GUE Fundamentals Course

2.1.4.1 Purpose

The GUE Fundamentals course is designed to cultivate the essential skills required by all sound diving practice, irrespective of level or environment. A prerequisite for all GUE classes, save Recreational Diver level 1 course, GUE Fundamentals performs a three-fold function:

• it provides the recreational diver, who does not desire further diver training, with an opportunity toadvance his/her basic diving skills, thereby developing more comfort, confidence, and competencein the water

• it provides the diver with aspirations of more advanced diver training with the tools that willcontribute to a greater likelihood of success

• it provides non-GUE trained divers with a gateway to GUE training.


1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites, as outlined in section 1.6

2. Must be a minimum of sixteen years of age

3. Must be a certified open-water diver from a recognized training agency

2.1.4.3 Duration

The GUE Fundamentals class must be conducted over at least four full days, encompassing both classroomand in-water work. Classes in which the student-to-instructor ratio (both in water and surface) does notexceed 3:1 may be conducted in no fewer than three full days. Course requirements include a minimum of ten hours of academics and six in-water sessions; at least two of these dives must include a depth of at least25 feet / 8 meters.







3. Maximum depth 60 feet/18 meters4. No decompression



Combining lecture and in-water sessions, this course focuses on cultivating the basic skills required for allsound diving practice. It is focused on increasing diving fun by reducing stress and increasing diver proficiency through proper control of buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork, and other GUE principles.Course requirements include a minimum of ten hours of academics and six in-water sessions; at least twoof these dives must include a depth of at least 25 feet / 8 meters.



2. GUE Fundamentals Workbook .


1. Introduction to the GUE organization

2. Building a solid skill base - buoyancy, trim, balance and propulsion

3. Fundamental diving skills

4. Streamlining and equipment configuration


6. Dive planning and gas management

7. Breathing gas overview

8. Decompression overview and minimum decompression procedures

9. Diving safety and accident prevention

10. The GUE system


1. Dive team protocols

2. S-drill and valve-drill


4. Propulsion techniques

5. Pre-dive drills

6. Surface-marker deployment

7. Unconscious diver recovery

8. Diver rescue techniques





1. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques; this would include pre-dive preparations, in-water activity, and post-dive assessment.


3. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 16 yards/15 meters on a breath hold4. Demonstrate awareness of team-member location and a concern for safety, responding quickly to

visual cues and dive-partner needs.


6. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver followed by anascent to the surface, utilizing minimum decompression.

7. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicateand/or silty environments; students should demonstrate comprehension of the componentsnecessary for a successful backward kick. This point over-rides the requirement in section 1.5, point 4 - General Diving Skills.


9. Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to deploy a surface marker while using a spool.


11. Demonstrate basic equipment proficiency and an understanding of the GUE equipmentconfiguration.

12. Demonstrate dive-rescue techniques, including effective management of a casualty at the surface.

13. Demonstrate a comfortable demeanor while swimming without a mask, in touch contact.


15. Demonstrate aptitude in the following open-water skills: mask clearing, mask removal and

replacement, regulator removal and exchange, long-hose deployment.16. Demonstrate safe ascent and descent procedures.

17. Demonstrate proficiency in executing a valve drill.

18. Demonstrate proficiency in four propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicate and/or silty environments; students should also demonstrate competence in the backward kick andhelicopter turns. *

19. Demonstrate proficiency with a primary light by using it during all skills except SMBdeployment.*

20. Demonstrate an efficient valve drill with double tanks.*

21. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum of 20 degrees off horizontal while remaining within 3 feet/1.0 meters of a target depth. Frequency of buoyancy

variation and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.*

*Skills and drills 18-21 apply only to students seeking admittance into Tech or Cave training. Thesestudents must also perform skills 16-21 at a grade of 4 or above to qualify for registration into the Tech or Cave curriculum (see 1.3.1 Outline of Diver Training).






1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Students may also use a single tank/cylinder with a K-, H-, or Y-valve.

2. Regulators: One of the second-stages must be on a 5- to 7-foot/1.5- to 2-meter hose. One of thefirst-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,and the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.

In addition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs/25kgs for a single tank and 80 lbs/40kgs for doubletanks. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.




8. Wet Notes




12. Double cylinders with isolation manifold, and appropriately sized double-tank buoyancycompensation device.*

13. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via a lightcord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lightingor greater.*

14. Two reserve lights: Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a single attachmentat its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front bezel.*

*Required equipment 12 through 14 applies only to students seeking admittance into Tech or Cave training.

Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for

providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure the use of necessary equipment before the startof the course. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment.However, students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiringsubstandard equipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Informationabout recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Website.




2.2 Technical Diver Curriculum

2.2.1 Technical Diver Level 1

2.2.1.1 Purpose

GUE’s Technical Diver Level 1 (Tech 1) course is structured to prepare divers for the rigors of technicaldiving and to familiarize them with the use of different breathing and decompression mixtures. Tech 1training focuses on expanding the fundamental skills learned in the GUE Fundamentals course (or elsewhere), and is designed to cultivate, integrate, and expand the essential skills required for safe technicaldiving. This will include problem identification and resolution, and building the capacity for progressivelymore challenging diving. In this class, students will be trained in: a) the use of double tanks/cylinders andin the potential failure problems associated with them; b) the use of Nitrox for accelerated and generaldecompression strategies; c) the use of Helium to minimize narcosis; and d) the applications of single-decompression stage diving, with respect to decompression procedures.

The class will focus on nitrox and Trimix as breathing gases for dives down to 170 feet/51 meters, and provides an excellent foundation on which divers can build their technical diving experience and preparefor GUE’s Technical Diver 2 course (Tech 2).

2.2.1.2 Prerequisites1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6

2. Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals at the “Tech level using the equipment outlined in section2.1.4.10, and have demonstrated competence in skill and drills listed in section 2.1.4.9 at a gradeof 4 or above

4. Must have a minimum of 100 dives beyond open-water qualification

5. Students participating in a Tech class conducted in a cave must be at least GUE Level 2 Cavedivers

2.2.1.3 Duration

The Tech 1 class is normally conducted over a six-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.



2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 6:1 during land drill or surface exercises, but cannotexceed 3:1 during any direct in-water training.

3. Maximum depth 170 feet / 51 meters

4. Dives should not be planned to incur more than 30 minutes of Unadjusted Decompression (seesection 1.4.10)

5. No overhead diving except by active GUE Cave 2 Level instructors while teaching in the cave

environment


The GUE Tech 1 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction designed to provide a workingknowledge of nitrox, normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix and decompression mixtures, including history, physics, physiology, tables, and operational considerations.

Course requirements include ten hours of academics and nine dives, six of which will be critical-skill divesand three will be experience dives utilising trimix.




Initial dives will be conducted in shallow water to test diver ability and to fill in any deficits in skill levels.The last three dives are to be Trimix dives at depth for experience.



2. Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving . Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001,High Springs, Florida.


1. Physics

2. Pressure and gas-law review

3. Equations relevant for planning, mixing, and using enriched air

4. Physiology

5. Hypoxia

6. Hyperoxia

7. Oxygen toxicity

8. CNS

9. Pulmonary toxicity

10. Tracking multilevel, multi-dive, and multi-day exposures

11. Inert gas narcosis

12. Inert gas absorption and elimination

13. Carbon dioxide toxicity

14. Carbon monoxide toxicity

15. Hyperthermia

16. Hypothermia

17. Decompression illness

18. Accelerated and general decompression strategies

19. Decompression practices on air, enriched air, and Oxygen

20. Generic tables, computers, and custom tables

21. Introduction to normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix

22. Advantages over deep air

23. Equipment considerations

24. Stage cylinders

25. Doubles

26. Decompression stage cylinders

27. BC/harness

28. Regulators, depth gauges, pressure gauges, and hose routing

29. Manifolds

30. Surface-marker buoys and spools (for deco platforms)




31. Computers and bottom timers

32. Exposure suit appropriate for the environment

33. Dive planning

34. Operational planning

35. Support

36. Teams

37. Team planning

38. Gas matching

39. Oxygen limits

40. Nitrogen limits

41. Emergency procedures

42. Omitted decompression procedures

43. Miscellaneous issues, including limited deco gas, out of gas, team separation, etc.

44. Procedures

45. Bottom and deco gas

46. Normal operations

47. Procedures for failure, loss, or inadequate supply

48. Gas mixing

49. Analyzing and labeling gas supplies

50. Line following


1. Reel and guideline use


3. Touch contact

4. Manifold operation and failures

5. Use of safety spools and reels

6. Basic navigation skills

7. Pre-dive drills



2. Must be able to swim at least 400 yards/375 meters in under fourteen minutes without stopping

(This test should be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal protection)


4. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching asappropriate.

5. Surface-marker buoy deployment.

6. Use of touch contact for limited and simulated zero-visibility situations.

7. Reel and guideline use.





9. Gas-sharing scenarios, to include a prolonged gas-sharing event.

10. Demonstrate the effective deployment of a reserve light in under thirty seconds.

11. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicateand/or silty environments; one of these kicks must include the backward kick.

12. Demonstrate effective valve management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in under fifteen seconds and returning the valve to the open position again in under fifteen seconds.


14. Demonstrate proficiency with effective decompression techniques, including depth and timemanagement.

15. Demonstrate a comfortable demeanor while sharing gas without a mask.

16. Demonstrate dive-rescue techniques, including effective management of unconscious diver.Differences between the management of unconscious and toxing diver should be noted.

17. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum of 20 degrees off horizontal while remaining within 3 feet/1 meter of a target depth. Frequency of buoyancyvariation and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.



1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Divers must also have access to onedeco tank/cylinder of 50-percent Nitrox.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gas, supplying a single second-stage and pressure gauge.

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other

material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriateto the cylinder size(s) employed for training.


6. Decompression tables






9. Wet Notes


11. One primary reel per team, with a minimum of 300 feet/90 meters of line

12. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via a light

cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lightingor greater.

13. Two reserve lights: Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a single attachmentat its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front bezel.




17. One reserve mask


providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.

2.2.2 Technical Diver Level 1 “Plus” Upgrade

2.2.2.1 Purpose

The Tech 1 Plus Upgrade is designed to allow the Tech 1 certified diver to develop their technical divingskills and to progress towards more complex and advanced dives. The existing skills learned at Tech 1 will be expanded to include the use of a bottom stage to either allow more flexibility for multiple dives, or to

allow longer bottom times. Students will be trained in safe gas planning and management strategies, failuremanagement and resolution and contingency measures.




3. Must have passed GUE Technical Diver level 1

4. Must have a minimum of 25 technical dives at the Tech 1 level.


2.2.2.3 DurationThe Tech 1 Plus Upgrade is normally conducted over a 1-2 day period. It normally involves a minimum of 8 hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.



2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 3:1 during any in-water training

3. Maximum depth 54 m / 180 ft





5. No overhead diving except by active GUE Cave 2 Level instructors while teaching in the caveenvironment

2.2.2.5 Course Contents

The GUE Tech 1 Plus Upgrade course involves a minimum of eight hours of instruction designed to extendthe Tech 1 divers knowledge and capacity using nitrox, normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix and decompressionmixtures.

Course requirements include four hours of academics and two dives, one of which will be critical-skilldives and one will be an experience dive.

Initial dives will be conducted in shallow water to test diver ability and to fill in any deficits in skill levels.The last dive is to be a Trimix dive at depth for experience.



2. Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001,High Springs, Florida.


1. Gas management

2. Equipment configuration

3. Decompression strategies

4. Contingency planning


1. Gas switch procedures

2. Failed/lost decompression gas strategies



2. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching asappropriate.




6. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicate

and/or silty environments; one of these kicks must include the backward kick.








11. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with a bottom stage cylinder including ensuring that thecorrect gas is being breathed at all times, and a proficient switch from the stage to backgas.

12. Demonstrate the ability to manage a failed or lost decompression gas scenario.


As outlined in 2.2.1.10.

One bottom stage cylinder. This should be a minimum of 80 cuft / 11L capacity, and marked as outlined insection 1.7.

One first-stage regulator for bottom stage gas, supplying a single second-stage and pressure gauge.


2.2.3.1 Purpose

GUE’s Technical Diver 2 (Tech 2) course is the second in a series of three courses designed to develop

technical diving excellence, building upon previously learned skills with a focus on extending essentialtechnical diving skills. Tech 2 training focuses on building diving proficiency at increasing depth, usingHelium diving gases with Oxygen-enriched decompression gases. These skills include: the use of multiplestages; the use of Trimix; the use of greater percentages of Helium; gas management; Oxygen management;decompression; accelerated, omitted and general decompression strategies; dive planning, and technicalequipment configurations. Course participants will gain experience working with a variety of different gasmixtures for use as bottom-mix and multiple-decompression gases.



2. Must be a minimum of twenty-one years of age

3. Must have passed GUE Tech 1

4. Must have a minimum of 200 dives, with at least fifty dives on double tanks/cylinders; twenty-fiveof these should have utilized a single decompression cylinder

5. Must have a minimum of twenty-five dives beyond Technical Diver Level 1 qualification


2.2.3.3 Duration

The Tech 2 class is normally conducted over a six-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.




3. Maximum depth 75m / 250 ft


5. No overhead diving except by active GUE Cave 2 Level instructors while teaching in the caveenvironment





The GUE Tech 2 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction, designed to instill in divers aworking knowledge of extended-range diving, including physiology, tables and logistics. Special emphasisis placed on extended exposures and on their associated considerations (gas consumption, DCS, Oxygentoxicity, and thermal concerns).

Course requirements include a minimum of six hours of academics, and seven dives, four of which will becritical-skill dives and three will be experience dives, which must utilise trimix.





1. GUE organization

2. Limits of training

3. Course completion requirements

4. Review of decompression, gas utilization and risk, diving physiology

5. Accelerated, omitted, and general decompression strategies

6. Dive logistics and planning


1. Spool, reel, and guideline use


3. Gas-switching procedures and protocols

4. Bottom stage, and decompression cylinder use





4. Review procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching (as appropriate).

5. Effectively and comfortably demonstrate the ability to deploy a lift bag/surface-marker buoy inunder two minutes while hovering stationary. Participants should not vary in depth more than 5feet/1.5 meters.

6. Demonstrate the clean and effective removal and exchange of multiple stages and decompressioncylinders while hovering horizontally. The participant must be capable of removing and replacingeach of at least two cylinders in under one minute, i.e. one minute per cylinder.

7. Equipment familiarization.






10. Demonstrate excellent buoyancy-control skills, including when conducting stage anddecompression gas-switches.

11. Demonstrate effective valve management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in under ten seconds and returning the valve to the open position again in under ten seconds.

12. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicateand/or silty environments; one of these kicks must include the backward kick





1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Also required are a bottom gasstage cylinder (80cuft/11L) and two decompression cylinders: one 40 cubic feet/6 L or greater for

Nitrox and one 40 cubic feet/6 L, or greater, for an additional deco gas.2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must

be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit (where applicable). One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gasand one first-stage regulator for travel/decompression gas; each one is to supply a single second-stage and a single pressure gauge.

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,

the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve light lights.. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40 kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriateto the cylinder size(s) employed for training.

5. At least one time/depth measuring device

6. Compass



9. Wet Notes



12. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head via a light






14. Exposure suit appropriate for the duration of exposure.

15. At least one surface-marker buoy per diver.16. One reserve mask

17. Diver’s breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas) dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air cylinder. Divers may not inflate the dry suitfrom the back gas.

Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information about

recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.

2.2.4 Technical Diver Level 2 “Plus” Upgrade

2.2.4.1 Purpose

The Tech 2 Plus Upgrade is designed to recognize the experienced Tech 2 certified diver to progresstowards more complex and advanced dives.

The existing skills learned at Tech 2, combined with post class experience will be recognized, and thecertification depth and decompression limits will be extended to reflect the students progression, allowingthe diver to execute dives to a maximum of 90m / 300ft, and to plan no more than 90 minutes UnadjustedDecompression (see section 1.4.10). Divers will be limited to using a maximum of three stages or decompression cylinders.

2.2.4.2 Course contents

The Tech 2 upgrade is an experience based qualification. Students wishing to obtain the Tech 2 upgradeshould provide GUEHQ with evidence of 25 dives at the tech 2 level. Depth, bottom time, decompressiontime, date and location of dives, gasses used and team members should all be included in the information provided.


Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6

Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age

Must have passed GUE Technical Diver level 2

Must have a minimum of 25 technical dives at the Tech 2 level.


2.2.5.1 Purpose

GUE’s Technical Level 3 (Tech 3) course is the culmination of a series of three courses designed toestablish technical diving excellence and facilitate deep, mixed-gas diving. Emphasis is placed onaggressive diving profiles, including advanced decompression theory, advanced gas mixture/management,control over extreme exposures to Oxygen, and proficiency in the use of a DPV for propulsion at depth.




This course is heavily experience-based and deals mostly with the practical implications of deep diving;divers are expected to be capable technical divers.




3. Must have passed GUE Tech 2 and GUE Cave Level 1

4. Must have a minimum of 300 dives, with at least 200 dives in double cylinders

5. Must have at least fifty dives beyond Tech 2 training

2.2.5.3 Duration

The GUE Tech 3 class is normally conducted over a seven-day period and involves a minimum of fortyhours of instruction. Training consists of at least ten dives, of which six are critical skills/drills and four areexperience dives, as defined by GUE standards.





The GUE Tech 3 course involves a minimum of forty hours of class-oriented instruction (lecture and in-water) designed to instill divers with an advanced understanding of mixed-gas diving. Special emphasiswill be placed on extended exposures and their associated considerations (dive planning, gas management,DCS, Oxygen toxicity, DPV propulsion, and thermal concerns).

Course requirements include a minimum of six critical-skill dives (three days) with training in scooter diving, multiple stage/deco cylinders, navigation, advanced gas management and advanced decompressionstrategy; and four Trimix experience dives (four days) with practical implementation of critical skills duringdeeper/longer diving.




3. Beyond the Daylight Zone: The Fundamentals of Cave Diving . Jarrod Jablonski, Panos Alexakosand Todd Kincaid, GUE, 2001, High Springs, Florida.

4. The Physiology and Medicine of Diving . Peter Bennett and David Elliott, W. B. SaundersCompany Ltd, London.

2.2.5.7 Academic Topics1. GUE organization

2. Limits of training and course completion requirements

3. Conservation

4. Logistical planning, project support, and operational planning

5. Advanced diving techniques, including scooter diving, use of multiple stage and decompressioncylinders, navigation, advanced gas management, and advanced decompression strategy







3. Scootering protocols

4. Touch contact

5. Advanced navigation skills





4. Assess and review diving limitations.

5. Skillfully demonstrate gas-failure procedures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, andregulator switching (as appropriate).

6. Demonstrate the ability to deploy a lift bag/surface-marker buoy in under two minutes whilehovering stationary. Participants should not vary in depth more than 5 feet/1.5 meters.

7. Demonstrate good touch-contact skills for limited and simulated zero-visibility situations.

8. Demonstrate excellent reel and guideline use.

9. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while managing multiple stages.

10. Demonstrate safe and efficient operation of a DPV.

11. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while piloting a DPV.

12. Demonstrate the ability to run/retrieve a guideline while using a DPV.

13. Demonstrate the ability to tow a diver with a failed DPV.

14. Demonstrate proficiency in DPV power management.


16. Demonstrate excellent buoyancy control skills.

17. Demonstrate clean and efficient removal/attachment of multiple stage and/or decompressioncylinders while hovering horizontal.

18. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced decompression techniques by: 1) explaining trends indecompression tables, and 2) explaining how to manage decompression in the event of a lostdecompression gas.

19. Be able to explain how to safely carry out all decompression obligations, assuming the loss of all back gas.

20. Demonstrate proficiency in navigation, using both a compass and natural navigation.




1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Divers must also maintain the use




of at least four appropriately marked decompression cylinders. Decompression cylinders shouldinclude: one Oxygen cylinder, one cylinder for use at 70 feet/21 meters, one cylinder for use at120 feet/36 meters, and one cylinder for use at 190 feet/57 meters.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit where applicable.

Four first-stage regulators, one for each stage/decompression cylinder; each one is to supply asingle second-stage and a single pressure gauge.

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.


5. Approved tow behind DPV



8. Survey compass and slate




12. Wet Notes

13. One reel/spool with 100 feet/30 meters of line per diver


15. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via a lightcord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lightingor greater.









Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information about

recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.

2.3 Cave Diver Curriculum

2.3.1 Cave Diver Level 1

2.3.1.1 Purpose

GUE’s Cave Diver Level 1 (Cave 1) course is a diver education program that introduces divers to theunderwater cave environment and to an appreciation of its subtle dangers. The course covers the basic principles of cave diving and is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required for limited penetration into the underwater cave environment. Training includes an emphasis on awareness,dive-planning, teamwork, cave environments, stress management, navigation, conservation, standard and

emergency procedures, cave-diving techniques, and the hazards of cave diving. To qualify for this type of instruction, participants do not need prior overhead training, but must be proficient with advanced buoyancy control skills. Only very capable divers should consider this training.




3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals at the “Tech” level using the equipment outlined in section2.1.4.10 and have demonstrated competence in skill and drills listed in section 2.1.4.9 at a grade of 4 or above

4. Must have a minimum of seventy-five dives beyond open-water qualification

2.3.1.3 Duration

The GUE Cave 1 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hoursof instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.



2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 6:1 during land drill or surface exercises, but cannotexceed 3:1 during any overhead diving activity.

3. Gas consumption: 1/3 of the starting gas supply should be subtracted from the total and reservedfor emergencies. Of the remaining amount divers may use up to 1/3 for penetration. This processmay be continued until divers reach the minimum starting volume of 100ft3 / 2832 liters.

4. Maximum depth: 100 feet / 30 meters

5. Minimum 30 feet/9 meters of visibility to enter a cave

6. Minimum 100 cubic feet/2832 liters of gas to begin a Cave 1 dive

7. No passages in which divers are forced to travel single file for a prolonged distance. (i.e.approximately 10 ft/3 meters).

8. No complex navigation (jumps, traverses, circuits)

9. Allowed to navigate past one permanent intersection




10. Allowed to navigate “gaps”, a gap occurs where the main line ends and begins a short distancelater; normally this occurs where the line has reached another entrance/exit point

11. No planned decompression

12. No scooter diving

13. No exploration

14. No stage-cylinder use allowed


The GUE Cave 1 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction (lecture and in-water) designedto instill in divers an appreciation of the dangers, challenges, and beauty of the cave environment. Specialemphasis is placed on the unique challenges posed by overhead exposure and the identification,management, and resolution of these.

Course requirements include ten hours of academics and twelve dives. At least eight of these dives will be beyond the daylight zone.



2. Beyond the Daylight Zone: The Fundamentals of Cave Diving . Jarrod Jablonski, Panos Alexakos,and Todd Kincaid, GUE, 2003, High Springs, Florida.


1. GUE organization, limits of training, and course completion requirements

2. Conservation



5. Touch contact


7. Dive Planning

8. Gas management

9. Accident Analysis

10. Stress

11. Environment

12. Communication


1. Reel and guideline use in standard operating procedures

2. Team order and protocols

3. Use of safety spools and reels

4. Reel and guideline use in emergency procedures, including touch contact and gas-sharingtechniques

5. Lost-diver procedures

6. Lost-guideline procedures





8. Visual referencing skills





4. Pre-dive planning to include:

• Assess and review diving limitations

• Dive plan review

• Equipment review

• Equipment familiarization

5. Navigation, to include:

• Visual reference

• Guideline use

• Limited and simulated zero visibility

• Demonstrate proficiency deploying, installing and retrieving a line marker

6. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching (asappropriate).

7. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques, including pre-dive preparations, in-water activity, and post-dive assessment.

8. Gas-sharing scenarios to include:

• Breath-hold management

• Out-of-gas diver

• Gas-sharing scenarios, to include a prolonged gas-sharing event.

9. Use of various propulsion techniques.


11. Use of line-following techniques for limited/no visibility experiences.

12. Demonstrate the ability to mentally record depth, time and gas consumption during a dive andapply these parameters to future dive planning

13. Demonstrate the efficient deployment of a reserve light in under thirty seconds.

14. Perform a lost-diver drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral posture.

15. Perform a lost-line drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral posture.

16. Demonstrate effective valve management by switching regulator s, shutting down a valve in under fifteen seconds, and then returning the valve to the open position again in under fifteen seconds.

17. Demonstrate proficiency with guideline management in the following situations:

• Simulated zero-visibility line following; this would incorporate touch-contact skills

• Efficient deployment of the guideline




• Efficient removal of the guideline

18. Show aptitude in resolving line entanglement where appropriate.





1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Regulators: Two first-stages, eachsupplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. Oneof the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (whereapplicable).

2. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the

plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.


4. One time/depth-measuring device



7. One cutting device

8. Wet Notes



11. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head via a light




14. At least six line markers, of which at least three should be directional (line arrows) and three non-directional






Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,

students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.


2.3.2.1 Purpose

GUE’s Cave Diver Level 2 (Cave 2) course is the second in a series of three courses designed to developcave-diving proficiency. This very demanding course seeks to refine the cave-diving techniques of diverswho have mastered the requirements of Cave 1. To succeed in this course, students must be practiced in thefundamental aspects of cave diving and comfortable in the use of double tanks/cylinders.

The Cave 2 course builds upon previously learned skills, focusing on extending essential cave-diving

techniques. These skills include: a focus on environmental awareness, dive-buddy awareness, problemresolution, stress management, and advanced navigation. This course is heavily experience-based, andincludes many practical, task-oriented skills that must be mastered before a student is competent to dive atthis level.



2. Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age

3. Must have passed GUE Cave 1

4. Must have proof of at least 200 dives, with at least twenty dives in double tank/cylinder configuration; twenty-five of these must be non-training cave dives

5. Must be Nitrox-trained

2.3.2.3 Duration

The GUE Cave 2 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hoursof instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.




3. Gas consumption: maximum use of 1/3 of gas supply for cave penetration

4. No training dives are to exceed a depth of 100 feet / 30 meters5. Minimum 20 feet/6 meters of visibility to enter a cave

6. Minimum 150 cubic feet/3950 liters of gas necessary to begin a Cave 2 dive

7. No scooter diving


The GUE Cave 2 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction (lecture and in-water) designedto instill in divers an appreciation of the dangers, challenges, and beauty of the cave environment. Special




emphasis here will be placed on: the demands of extended overhead penetration, advanced navigationtechniques (including traverses, circuits and siphons), advanced gas management, restrictive passagenegotiation, precision propulsion techniques, and decompression risk, management and protocol.

Course requirements include a minimum of ten cave dives at a minimum of three different diving locations.During flood conditions, this requirement can be modified with the prior consent of the Cave trainingdirector.







2. Dive team order and protocols3. Touch contact


5. Dive Planning

6. Gas management

7. Accident Analysis

8. Stress

9. Environment

10. Communication

11. Restrictions

12. Basic Survey Techniques

13. Decompression


1. Spool, reel, and guideline use in standard operating procedures


3. Spool, reel, and guideline use in emergency procedures, including touch contact and gas-sharingtechniques



6. Basic and advanced navigation skills, including gaps/jumps and circuits/traverses


8. Basic survey techniques








4. Pre-dive planning to include:

• Assess and review diving limitations

• Dive-plan review

• Equipment review

• Equipment familiarization

5. Navigation, to include:

• Visual reference

• Guideline use

• Demonstrate proficiency deploying, installing and retrieving a line marker

• Limited and simulated zero visibility

6. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas sharing, and regulator switching (as

appropriate).

7. Gas-sharing scenarios to include:

• Breath-hold management

• Out-of-gas diver

• Gas-sharing scenarios, to include a prolonged gas-sharing event.

8. Demonstrate a comfortable demeanor while sharing gas without a mask.



11. Use of line-following techniques for limited/no visibility situations.


13. Perform a lost-diver drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral posture.

14. Perform a lost-line drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral posture in simulated zero-visibility conditions.

15. Demonstrate effective valve-management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in lessthan ten seconds and returning the valve to the open position again in under ten seconds.

16. Demonstrate proficiency with guideline management in the following situation:




17. Problem resolution, including line entanglement, navigation in restrictive areas, and multiple linemanagement.

18. Demonstrate advanced navigational technique by completing at least two jumps and bysuccessfully completing a circuit and/or traverse.

19. Demonstrate a calm demeanor while sharing gas in simulated zero-visibility for a prolongeddistance.




20. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of a stage cylinder for the purpose of extending penetration.





1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. One aluminum 80 cubic feet/11 liter cylinder, rigged for stage diving, is also required.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit (where applicable). One additional regulator, with first and second-stages,outfitted with a pressure gauge, and a 40”-inch low-pressure hose is also required.

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve light powered. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.






9. Wet Notes


11. One primary reel per team, with a minimum of 300 feet/ 90 meters of line

12. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head via a lightcord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lightingor greater.



15. At least twelve line markers, of which at least six should be directional (line arrows) and six non-directional.








2.3.3.1 Purpose

GUE’s Cave Diver Level 3 (Cave 3) course is the culmination of a series of three courses designed toestablish cave-diving excellence. Cave 3 schools divers in the techniques necessary to sustain longer-rangecave dives. Training emphasis is placed on advanced cave-diving strategies, advanced gas management,efficient manipulation of multiple-penetration stage cylinders, cave-survey techniques, and scooter diving.

Participants must be experienced cave divers who are dedicated to mastering the art of cave diving.




3. Must have passed GUE Cave 2 and GUE Tech 1

4. Must have proof of at least 300 dives, with at least 100 dives in the GUE double tank/cylinder configuration; 100 of these must be cave dives with fifty cave dives beyond Cave 2 training

2.3.3.3 Duration

The GUE Cave 3 class is normally conducted over a seven-day period and involves a minimum of forty

hours of instruction. Training consists of at least ten dives, of which six are critical skills and four areexperience dives.




3. Gas consumption: maximum use of 1/3 of gas supply for cave penetration

4. No training dives are to exceed an equivalent narcotic depth of 100 feet / 30 meters


The GUE Cave 3 course involves a minimum of forty hours of class-oriented instruction (lecture and in-water) designed to instill divers with an advanced understanding of cave diving. Special emphasis here will be placed on extended cave diving penetrations/bottom times and their associated considerations (dive planning, gas management, DCS, Oxygen toxicity, and thermal concerns).









1. GUE organization

2. Limits of training and course completion requirements

3. Conservation

4. Logistical planning, project support, and operational planning

5. Advanced diving techniques, including scooter diving, use of multiple stage/deco cylinders,navigation, extended penetration, advanced gas management, and decompression strategy


1. Use of safety spools/reels

2. Reel and guideline use in emergency procedures, including touch contact and gas-sharing

techniques



5. Basic and advanced navigation skills, including gaps, jumps, and survey techniques






4. Effective pre-dive planning.



7. Use of line-following techniques for limited/no visibility situations.

8. Demonstrate efficient deployment of a reserve light in under ten seconds.

9. Perform a lost-diver drill while remaining calm and maintaining both a horizontal and neutral position in the water.

10. Perform a lost -line drill in simulated zero-visibility conditions while remaining calm andmaintaining both a horizontal and neutral position in the water.

11. Demonstrate effective valve management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in under ten seconds, and returning the valve to the open position again in under ten seconds.

12. Demonstrate proficiency with guideline management in the following scenarios:







• Problem-solving, including line entanglement, navigation in restrictive regions, and multiple-line management

13. Demonstrate advanced navigational skills by completing at least two jumps and successfullycompleting a circuit and/or traverse.

14. Demonstrate a calm demeanor while sharing gas in simulated zero visibility for at least 300 feet/90 meters.

15. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of stage cylinders.

16. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while managing multiple stages.

17. Demonstrate safe and efficient operation of a DPV.

18. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while piloting a DPV.

19. Demonstrate the skill required to run a guideline while using a DPV.

20. Demonstrate the skill required to tow a diver with a failed DPV.

21. Demonstrate the ability to mentally record depth, time and gas consumption during a dive andapply these parameters to future dive planning

22. Demonstrate facility with advanced decompression techniques by: 1) explaining trends in

decompression tables, and 2) explaining how to manage decompression in the event of a lostdecompression gas.

23. Demonstrate the skill required to carry out all decompression obligations, assuming the loss of all back gas.

24. Demonstrate the ability to manage failed regulators, first- and second-stages.




1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with aminimum of 140 cubic feet/2250 liters of gas. Divers must also maintain the use of at least four appropriately marked stages. Stage cylinders should include one Oxygen stage, onedecompression cylinder for use at 70 feet/21 meters, one cylinder for use at 120 feet/36 meters,and one cylinder for use at 190 feet/57 meters.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit (where applicable). Four first-stage regulators for decompression gases,each supplying a single second-stage and a pressure gauge.

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower

end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other




material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40 kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriateto the cylinder size(s) employed for training.

5. Approved DPV


7. Survey compass and slate8. Decompression tables



11. Wet Notes



14. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head via a lightcord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lighting

or greater.15. Two reserve lights: Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a single attachment

at its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front bezel.




19. Diver’s breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas) dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air bottle. Divers may not inflate the dry suit fromthe back gas.

Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verify

equipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site

2.4 Auxiliary Training Curriculum

2.4.1 GUE Doubles Primer

2.4.1.1 PurposeGUE’s Doubles course is designed to prepare divers for diving a double tank/cylinder configuration using proper equipment and techniques. This course may be taught by any GUE Fundamentals instructor.



2. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.





2.4.1.3 Duration

The GUE Doubles Course must be conducted over at least one day, encompassing both classroom and in-water work. Course requirements include a minimum of 2 hours of academics & land drills and a minimumof three dives. Course time should total at least 8 hours encompassing classroom, land drills and in-water work.

2.4.1.4 Course Limits1. General training limits as outlined in section 1.4

2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 6:1 during land drill or surface exercises, but cannotexceed 3:1 during any in-water training, and should be adjusted downward to account for badconditions and/or poor visibility.

3. Maximum depth 60 feet/18 meters

4. No decompression



Combining lecture and in-water sessions, this course focuses on cultivating the basic skills required. TheGUE Doubles course is focused on increasing proficiency with double tank configuration, through proper control of the buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork and other GUE principles.

2.4.1.6 Training Materials

• GUE Doubles Presentation


1. Class Overview

2. GUE Introduction

3. Double Tank Introduction

4. Developing Diver Capacity

5. Tanks/Cylinders and bands

6. Manifolds

7. Regulators, depth gauges, pressure gauges and hose routing

8. Buoyancy and Trim

9. Skills overview

10. Pre dive sequence

11. Situational Awareness

2.4.1.8 Land Drills

1. Gas analysis and labeling

2. Valve Drill

3. S-Drill

4. Valve failure procedures

5. Pre-dive sequence

6. Team positioning

7. Communication





1. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques; this would include pre-dive preparations, in-water activity and post-dive assessment

2. Demonstrate proficiency with required course equipment and an understanding of the GUEequipment configuration.

3. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum 30 degrees off horizontal while remaining within 5ft/1.5m of the target depth. Frequency of buoyancy variationand the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria


5. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver, followed by anascent to the surface, utilizing minimum decompression.

6. Demonstrate proficiency in executing a valve drill with double tanks.


8. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicateand/or silty environments.

9. Demonstrate proficiency with effective valve management by first sharing gas with a team

member (as a receiver), then shutting down a valve and returning it to the open position.


Each student should have, and be familiar with, all of the following equipment:

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages.

2. Regulators: One of the second-stages must be on a 5- to 7-foot/1.5- 2-meter hose. One of the firststages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimum padding, held toa diver by one continuous piece of webbing. This webbing should be adjusted through the plateand should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end

of this platform and hoped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up on the divers back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should supportfive D-rings; the first should be placed on the left hip, the second should be placed in line with thedivers right collar bone, the third should be placed in line with the divers left collar bone, thefourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowinggear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with no unnecessarycomponents.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should be free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material.There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. Inaddition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs/25kg for a single tank and 80 lbs/40kg for doubletanks. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.

5. Wet Notes

6. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; it’s power source shouldconsist of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via alight cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10watt HID or greater.


8. One spool with at least 100ft/30m of line per diver.




9. At least one surface marker buoy per diver.

10. At least on time-/depth-measuring device

11. Mask and fins: mask should be low-volume, fins should be rigid, non-split



2.4.2 GUE Dry Suit Primer

2.4.2.1 Purpose

GUE’s Dry Suit course is designed to prepare divers for dry suit diving using proper equipment andtechniques. This course may be taught by any GUE Fundamentals instructor.



2. Must be a minimum of sixteen years of age


2.4.2.3 Duration

The GUE Dry Suit Course must be conducted over at least one day, encompassing both classroom and in-water work. Course requirements include a minimum of 2 hours of academics & land drills and a minimumof three dives. Course time should total at least 8 hours encompassing classroom, land drills and in-water work.





4. No decompression



Combining lecture and in-water sessions, this course focuses on cultivating the basic skills required. TheGUE Dry Suit course is focused on increasing dry suit proficiency through proper control of the buoyancy,trim, propulsion, teamwork and other GUE principles.


• GUE Dry Suit Presentation


1. Class Overview

2. GUE Introduction

3. Dry Suit Introduction


5. Dry Suit Selection




6. Undergarment Selection

7. Dry Suit Inflation

8. Cold water equipment considerations

9. Cold water dive planning and logistics

10. Buoyancy and Trim

11. Dry Suit skills overview

12. Pre dive sequence


14. Dry Suit maintenance and field repairs

2.4.2.8 Land Drills


2. Team positioning

3. Communication



1. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques; this would include pre-dive preparations, in-water activity and post-dive assessment.

2. Demonstrate proficiency with required course equipment and an understanding of the GUEequipment configuration.

3. Demonstrate the ability to connect/disconnect the dry suit inflation hose.

4. Demonstrate the ability to manage a dry suit inflation valve that is stuck in the open position bydisconnecting the inflation hose and dumping gas.

5. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum 30 degrees off

horizontal while remaining within 5ft/1.5m of the target depth. Frequency of buoyancy variationand the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.






1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use a single tank cylinder with a K-, H- or Y-valve. Students mayalso use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for theuse of two first-stages.


3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimum padding, held toa diver by one continuous piece of webbing. This webbing should be adjusted through the plateand should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower endof this platform and hoped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up on the divers back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should supportfive D-rings; the first should be placed on the left hip, the second should be placed in line with thedivers right collar bone, the third should be placed in line with the divers left collar bone, the




fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowinggear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should r etain a minimalist approach, with no unnecessarycomponents.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should be free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material.

There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. Inaddition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs / 25kg for a single tank and 80 lbs / 40kg for doubletanks. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.Wet Notes

5. Wet Notes


7. Mask and fins: mask should be low-volume, fins should be rigid, non-split


9. Dry suit and undergarments appropriate for the duration of exposure

2.4.3 GUE Primer

2.4.3.1 Purpose

The GUE Primer course is designed to introduce students to the essential skills required for sound diving practice. The course is non-certification; therefore completion of this class has no bearing on future GUEdive training. This course may be taught by any GUE instructor.

The GUE Primer is designed to accomplish the following goals:

1. Provide the recreational diver an opportunity to advance his/her basic diving skills, therebydeveloping more comfort, confidence and competence in the water

2. Provide an introduction to GUE training while demonstrating the techniques necessary for successin future GUE courses

2.4.3.2 Prerequisites1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6

2. Students that are not able to meet the prerequisites in section 1.6 are able to participate in the GUEPrimer Course, provided they obtain a physician’s written approval to dive and disclose thisinformation to the GUE instructor before the onset of training. Physician clearance to dive doesnot obligate GUE or a GUE representative to clear a trainee for diving; this remains at the solediscretion of the instructor.


4. Must be a minimum of fourteen years of age

2.4.3.3 Duration

The GUE Primer Course must be conducted over at least one day, encompassing both classroom and in-water work. Course requirements include a minimum of 2 hours of academics & land drills and a minimumof three dives. Course time should total at least 8 hours encompassing classroom, land drills and in-water work.








4. No decompression



The GUE Primer Course is a non-certification class, normally conducted over a two-day period, combininglecture, land drills, and in-water sessions. The GUE Primer course is focused on increasing diver proficiency through proper control of buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork, and other GUE principles.


1. GUE Primer Workbook

2. Doing it Right: the Fundamentals of Better Diving, Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001, High SpringsFlorida.

2.4.3.7 Academic Topics1. GUE Introduction

2. What is the GUE Primer?

3. Why this discipline?


5. Pre Dive Overview

6. Equipment

7. Buoyancy

8. Body Position

9. Trim

10. Propulsion


2.4.3.8 Land Drills


2. Body Positioning

3. Trim and Balance

4. Equipment overview & fitting

5. Propulsion Techniques

6. Team Communication


1. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques; this would include pre-dive preparations, in-water activity and post-dive assessment.

2. Demonstrate awareness of team-member location and concern for safety, responding quickly tovisual cues and dive-partner needs.

3. Demonstrate a safe and responsible demeanor throughout all training





5. Demonstrate basic proficiency managing a GUE equipment configuration.


7. Demonstrate comprehension of the components necessary for successfully performing at least two propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicate and/or silty environments.

8. Demonstrate comprehension of the components necessary to maintain good buoyancy and trim.

9. The gas sharing requirement outlined in section 1.5 General Diving Skills, point 3, is not requiredin this course.



1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use a single tank cylinder with a K-, H- or Y-valve. Students mayalso use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for theuse of two first-stages.


3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimum padding, held toa diver by one continuous piece of webbing. This webbing should be adjusted through the plateand should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower endof this platform and looped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up on thedivers back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed on the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith the divers right collar bone, the third should be placed in line with the divers left collar bone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while scootering or towing/stowinggear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with no unnecessarycomponents.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should be free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material.

There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. Inaddition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs / 25 kg for a single tank and 80 lbs / 40 kg for doubletanks. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.


6. Mask and fins: mask should be low-volume; fins should be rigid, non-split



2.4.4 Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 1

2.4.4.1 Purpose

GUE’s Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 1 course (Open Water DPV) is a diver education program thatintroduces divers to the use of underwater propulsion vehicles. The course covers the basic principles of DPV diving and is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required for limited use of propulsion vehicles. Training includes an emphasis on awareness, dive-planning, teamwork, environment,stress management, navigation, conservation, standard and emergency procedures, DPV maintenance andtrouble shooting and the potential hazards of diving with a DPV. To qualify for this type of instruction, participants do not need prior DPV training, but must be proficient with advanced buoyancy control skillsand high awareness level.







3. Must have passed GUE Recreational Level 1 Diver or GUE Fundamentals at the “Recreational”level.

4. Must have a minimum of seventy-five logged dives beyond GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 or open water certification.

2.4.4.3 Duration

The GUE DPV 1 class is normally conducted over a three-day period. It involves a minimum of twentyfour hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.




3. Maximum depth 30m / 100ft, or the limit of the students qualification, whichever is shallower.

4. No overhead diving

5. Minimum starting visibility of 20ft/6m


The GUE DPV 1 course involves a minimum of twenty four hours of instruction designed to provide aworking knowledge in the use of tow-behind propulsion vehicles, and operational considerations.

Course requirements include four hours of academics and five dives, two of which will be critical-skilldives and three will be experience dives.

Initial dives will be conducted in confined water to test diver ability and to fill in any deficits in skill levels.


1. GUE DPV presentations

2. DPV Level 1 Study Guide

3. DPV Gas Planning Guide



2. DPV components

3. DPV maintenance

4. Surface-marker buoys and spools (for deco platforms)

5. Towing a surface marker while using a DPV


7. Dive planning


9. Support

10. Teams




11. Team planning

12. Procedures

13. Gas Planning

14. Gas matching

15. Considerations for managing and stowing a DPV while not in use.


1. Proper position while using a DPV

2. Runaway DPV

3. Use of Goodman handle while riding a DPV


5. Use of spools and reels


7. Pre-dive drills





4. Demonstrate proficiency adjusting buoyancy while using a DPV

5. Demonstrate effective use of compass and navigation

6. Matching speeds with team members

7. Towing diver with non-functional DPV

8. Demonstrate control while dealing with a runaway DPV

9. Procedures for gas-sharing, and regulator switching as appropriate.




13. Demonstrate competence with diver rescue skills.

14. Demonstrate cylinder valve management appropriate to the configuration being used.


16. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum of 30 degrees off horizontal while remaining within 5 feet/1.5 meter of a target depth. Frequency of buoyancyvariation and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.



1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Students may also use a single tank/cylinder with a K-, H-, or Y-valve.





3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up a

diver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,and the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with nounnecessary components.


5. DPV: The DPV should be of a tow-behind type. It should have variable speed adjustment, as well

as a clutch. The DPV must include an attached cord at the back with a bolt snap to be clipped onthe front D-ring located in the crotch strap, used to tow the diver. The DPV should also have aleash attached to the front to be used for towing it in case it fails to work.






11. Wet Notes




15. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via a lightcord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lightingor greater.



providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure the use of necessary equipment before the startof the course. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment.However, students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiringsubstandard equipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Informationabout recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Website.




2.4.5 Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 2 / Cave DPV

2.4.5.1 Purpose

GUE’s Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 2 (Cave DPV) course is a diver education program that introducesdivers to the use of underwater propulsion vehicles in the overhead environment. The course covers the basic principles of DPV diving and is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required for

the use of propulsion vehicles in the overhead environment. Training includes an emphasis on awareness,dive-planning, teamwork, environments, stress management, navigation, conservation, standard andemergency procedures, DPV maintenance and trouble shooting and the potential hazards of diving with aDPV and managing multiple DPVs. To qualify for this type of instruction, participants need prior DPVtraining, and/or experience and must be proficient with advanced buoyancy control skills.




3. Must have passed GUE Cave 2 or equivalent as outlined in section 1.9.

4. Must have passed GUE DPV 1 or show proficiency in the use of DPVs.

5. Must have a minimum of two hundred dives beyond open-water qualification.

6. Must have a minimum of fifty non training cave dives

2.4.5.3 Duration

The GUE DPV 2 class is normally conducted over a f ive-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hoursof instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.



2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 4:1 during land drill or surface exercises, but cannotexceed 2:1 during any in-water training, and should be adjusted downward to account for bad

conditions and/or poor visibility.3. No training dives are to exceed a depth of 100 feet (+/- 30 feet)/30 meters (+/- 9 meters).

4. Minimum 215 cubic feet/6,600 liters of gas necessary to begin a cave DPV dive.

5. During overhead dives no gas in doubles can be used. Only gas from stage cylinders will be used


The GUE DPV 2 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction designed to provide a workingknowledge in the use of tow-behind propulsion vehicles, and operational considerations in overheadenvironments.

Course requirements include four hours of academics and seven dives, four of which will be critical-skilldives and three will be experience dives.

Initial dives will be conducted in open water to test diver ability and resolve any deficiencies in skill level.If a diver doesn’t hold GUE DPV 1 qualification all critical skills need to be conducted in open water before entering the overhead environment


• GUE DPV Powerpoint






2. DPV Components

3. DPV maintenance

4. Stage cylinders


6. Dive planning


8. Matching different speeds while using a DPV

9. Emergency procedures (to include: gas sharing, towing diver and run away scooter)

10. Procedures

11. Gas Planning

12. Considerations for DPV while not being used

13. Towing a DPV

14. Towing stage cylinders

15. Line use (installing, following and retrieving)


1. Proper position while using a DPV

2. Runaway DPV

3. Use of Goodman handle while riding a DPV

4. Reel and guideline use

5. Use of spools and reels


7. Pre-dive drills


1. All skills and drills as outlined in section 1.5



4. Demonstrate effective use of compass and navigation

5. Matching speeds with team members

6. Towing diver with non-functional DPV

7. Demonstrate control while dealing with a runaway DPV

8. Procedures for gas-sharing, and regulator switching as appropriate.

9. Reel, spool and guideline use.




13. Demonstrate proficiency towing a second scooter and multiple cylinders






2.4.5.10 Equipment RequirementsEach student should have, and be familiar with, all of the following required equipment:

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with aminimum of 215 cubic feet/6,600 liters of gas. Divers must also maintain the use of four appropriately marked stages. Stage cylinders should include one Oxygen stage.


3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up a

diver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,and the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs/40 kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriateto the cylinder size(s) employed for training.

5. 2 Approved DPVs (tow behind type)




9. Wet Notes











17. One compass


Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure the use of necessary equipment before the startof the course. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment.However, students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiringsubstandard equipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Informationabout recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Website.

2.4.6 Rebreather Diver

2.4.6.1 Purpose

GUE’s Rebreather Diver course is designed to 1) educate individuals in basic rebreather technologies and2) cultivate diver proficiency in the use of Halcyon’s semi-closed-circuit technology. The course assumesthat divers are not experienced in the use of rebreather technology but are very capable open-circuit divers.



2. Must be a minimum of twenty-one years of age.

3. Must have passed GUE Tech 2.

4. Must have at least 300 scuba dives beyond open-water qualification. Fifty must have been indoubles, with twenty-five dives at the Tech 2 level.

2.4.6.3 Duration

The Rebreather class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.



2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 6:1 during land drill or surface exercises, but cannotexceed 3:1 during any in-water training.



The GUE Rebreather course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction designed to ensure a workingknowledge of rebreather diving, failures and life-saving solutions. Course requirements include a minimumof twelve hours of academics and at least eight open-water dives.

2.4.6.6 Required Training Materials1. Doing it Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving . Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001, High Springs,

Florida.


3. Recommended rebreather training materials.





1. Purpose

2. Common components of the Halcyon RB80 and how they function

3. Inherent risks of rebreathers

4. Introduction to the Halcyon rebreather

5. Halcyon rebreather alarms and warnings

6. The physics behind a Halcyon rebreather

7. Configuration

8. Halcyon rebreather physical design

9. Problem recognition and management

10. The importance of instinctive physiological monitoring

11. Pre-dive planning

12. Diving the Halcyon rebreather

13. Post-dive procedures

14. Need for continuing education and skill reinforcement


1. Flow-checks

2. Manifold failures

3. Gas-addition failures

4. Gas-sharing

5. Rebreather functions


1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills, section 1.5.



4. An understanding of diving limitations.

5. Skill required to manage gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching as appropriate.

6. Demonstrate the ability to deploy a lift bag/surface-marker buoy in under two minutes whilehovering stationary. Participants should not vary in depth more than 5 feet/1.5 meters.

7. Demonstrate the ability to recognize, evaluate and correct floods, and then discharge excess water.

8. Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and correctly respond to simulated rebreather problems.

9. Gas-sharing scenarios to include breath-hold management for gas-sharing for at least 200 feet/60meters.

10. Demonstrate effective valve-management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in under fifteen seconds and returning the valve to the open position again in under fifteen seconds.

11. Demonstrate proficiency in removing/attaching stage and/or decompression cylinders whilehovering horizontal. Trainees must be capable of removing, replacing and plugging in a decocylinder in under ninety seconds.




12. Demonstrate the ability to comfortably switch gases using the gas-addition manifold whilemaintaining good trim and neutral buoyancy.

13. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving procedures, including assembly, vacuum and pressure test, pre-dive preparations, pre-dive vacuum test, flow check, in-water activity, and post-diveassessment and breakdown.

14. Comfortably swim for at least 50 feet/15 meters without a mask while diving, breathing on semi-closed circuit.

15. Demonstrate the ability to safely switch between semi-closed circuit and open circuit; i.e., flowcheck.

16. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver in multiple gas-sharing episodes from semi-closed circuit, with one or more experiences to include a distance of atleast 30 feet/9 meters.

17. Be able to comfortably demonstrate use, manipulation and failures of the gas-addition system.

18. Demonstrate awareness of a team member’s rebreather function and a concern for safety,responding quickly to visual cues and dive-partner needs during diving and failures.

19. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with use of the rebreather during ascents, descents and diving.




1. Rebreather: Halcyon semi-closed circuit rebreather.

2. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. The double cylinders must beaccessible by both the rebreather and the open-circuit regulators. Two aluminum cylinders of 30cubic feet/840 liters or greater are required for deco gases.

3. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must

be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gas and one first-stage regulator for travel/decompression gas; each one is to supply a single second-stage and a single pressure gauge.

4. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.









10. Wet Notes











3. GUE Instructor Standards and Procedures

3.1 Active Status Instructor To teach GUE-sanctioned training courses, one must be a GUE Active Status instructor.

3.1.1 Maintaining Active StatusTo maintain an Active Status instructor rating in GUE, instructors must:

1. Maintain a current mailing address with Headquarters.

2. Annually complete and submit an Instructor Renewal Form.

3. Own current versions of all relevant GUE instructor manuals and current GUE standards and procedures.

4. Meet the standards required to teach a specific training category and/or training level.

5. Pay all outstanding debts owed GUE.

6. Be a non-smoker.

7. Log twenty-five, non-training, qualification dives per year. Qualifying dives should encourage personal skill development by challenging the instructor’s comfort level while also facilitating personal experience across the range of classes in which the instructor is qualified to teach. Half of




these qualifications dives may be varied across multiple environments and depths but should beoriented toward enhancing personal skill development. At least twelve of these dives should occur at the highest level of instructional qualification—e.g. Cave 2 instructors must perform(minimally) twenty-five non-training dives per year, twelve of which must be at the Cave 2 level.

8. Complete at least one of the following training obligations:

• Conduct and act as the lead instructor in one formal GUE course.

• Attend, serve on staff, or lecture at one GUE ITC.

• Serve as an assistant, audit, or participate in three complete GUE-sanctioned diving courses.

9. Be current in CPR and First-Aid

10. Instructional insurance: Instructors residing in the United States of America and/or who teach U.S.citizens while maintaining American citizenship themselves are required to have InstructionalLiability Insurance, and must obtain it as offered by GUE or, obtain a similar InstructionalLiability Insurance policy. Minimum coverage: $1 million. Terms: Substantially the same as thosein the current policy offered through GUE (submit a certificate of insurance, which covers GUE incase of a claim). Instructors who are covered by city, state, federal or private institutionalinsurance must request, in writing, an exemption from the insurance requirement. U.S. military personnel who teach diving as part of their military duties are exempt from the insurance

requirement but must apply, in writing, for the exemption and provide letters of exemption fromtheir commanding officers.

11. Have current personal diving insurance, equivalent to the DAN Europe Pro Silver Plan, to cover diving medical emergencies including, but not limited to, third party liability, emergencyhyperbaric treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation. It is the responsibility of the instructor toensure that any insurance policy has equivalent levels of cover.

12. Maintain a good state of mental and physical fitness. In the event that any substantive healthchanges occur, instructor members are obliged to refrain from both teaching and supervisingdiving students, and/or divers, until such time as they can meet GUE leadership medicalrequirements for diving.

With each yearly renewal, Active Status instructors must furnish GUE Headquarters with proof of compliance with respect to items 7-11.

3.2 Sustaining Status Instructor Sustaining instructors are instructors who opt not to actively conduct formal GUE courses or act as leadinstructors, but who want to retain the option of doing so at a later date (subject to the provisions of section3.5). In the interim, sustaining instructors retain their GUE instructor-certification status, are able to participate in GUE forums (Quest and instructor e-mail lists and forums) and receive all GUE instructor information.

3.2.1 Maintaining Sustaining StatusTo maintain Sustaining Status, GUE instructors are annually required to:

1. Maintain a current mailing address with Headquarters.

2. Annually complete and submit an Instructor Renewal Form.

3. Pay all outstanding debts owed GUE.

3.3 Inactive Status Instructor Inactive Status instructors are instructors who fail to meet the criteria for either Active or Sustaining Status.Inactive instructors are instructors who no longer conduct formal GUE courses, act as lead instructors or assist in GUE courses, and who no longer pay instructor membership dues or participate in the benefits of GUE membership. Inactive instructors must return their Instructor Certification cards to GUEHeadquarters.




3.4 Provisional Status Instructor Provisional-status instructors are GUE instructor candidates who have completed an instructor evaluation, but who in the judgment of their instructor evaluators (IEs) are not yet prepared to teach independently. To be upgraded to Active Status, Provisional Status instructors must: (1) remedy shortcomings outlined by theIEs; (2) be re-evaluated by a GUE IE to determine whether these shortcomings have been satisfactorilyaddressed; and (3) have the unanimous written support of both GUE instructor evaluators.

Provisional Status instructors are not qualified to independently conduct formal GUE classes; an ActiveStatus instructor must always be present during such activities.

3.5 Instructor Status ChangesSustaining or Inactive Status instructors may change their status at any time by meeting the followingrequirements:

1. If in Sustaining Status for under one year, instructors seeking to renew their Active Status must:

• Meet all Active Status instructor requirements outlined in section 3.1.1 except for point no. 8.

• Obtain a letter of recommendation from a GUE training director

2. If in Sustaining Status for more than one year, but under three years, instructors seeking Active

Status must:• Meet all Active Status instructor requirements outlined in section 3.1.1 except for point no. 8.

• Attend a requalification workshop in each curriculum for which they are seekingrequalification

3. If in Sustaining Status for more than three years, or if in Inactive Status, instructors seeking toregain Active Status must:

• Meet all Active Status instructor requirements outlined in section 3.1.1 except for point no. 8.

• Intern minimum of 1 class for each course they wish to reactivate

• Pass an instructor evaluation with at least one IE signature in each class they wish toreactivate

3.6 Instructor Candidate Training Procedures

3.6.1 DescriptionGUE’s training curriculum is designed around a common training and diving platform; all GUE courses,regardless of environment, cultivate a common set of concepts and skills. Nonetheless, GUE recognizes theneed for environment-specific practices, and requires that GUE instructors take Instr uctor Training Courses(ITCs) in the type of diving they wish to teach before being qualified to do so in an instructor evaluation.GUE offers Instructor Training Courses (ITCs) in: Recreational, Technical, Cave, and Rebreather diving.

Specific details and pre-requisites for the recreation, technical and cave ITCs are listed in sections 3.9.1,3.9.9 and 3.9.13 respectively.

3.6.2 Instructor Training Course Prerequisites1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6

2. Must be a minimum twenty-one years of age

3. Must be able to swim at least 600 yards/ 550 meters in under fourteen minutes without stopping.

4. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 70 feet/21 meters on a breath hold

5. Must have submitted a completed application packet to both GUE HQ and the ITC instructor before the commencement of the ITC; this would include: registration, medical history, liabilityrelease, instructional insurance (where applicable), and a dive resume




6. Must have satisfied all GUE internship requirements (see section 3.6.7)

7. Must be qualified in CPR and First-Aid

8. Must be a nonsmoker

9. With the exception of GUE Fundamentals instructor candidates, all GUE instructor candidatesmust first qualify as instructors at the entry level of a particular training curriculum (e.g., as a Tech

1 instructor within the Technical diving curriculum).10. All GUE instructor candidates must first serve as interns/assistants with an appropriate GUE

instructor (see section 3.6.7) in at least one complete GUE-sanctioned diving course at the entrylevel of the category sought (e.g., Tech 1), before matriculating in an appropriate GUE ITC (withthe exception of GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 instructor candidates). This requirement iswaived in ITCs where an entire course of the level sought is incorporated (e.g., a Tech ITC that begins with a Tech 1 class taught by GUE instructor trainers and assisted by GUE instructor candidates).

11. Before enrolling in a GUE ITC, candidates must furnish both their training director and GUE HQwith documentation showing compliance with ITC prerequisites.

3.6.3 Recreational Instructor Training Courses

Recreational instructor training develops instructor proficiency in training principles applicable to thoseGUE courses not part of the Technical, Cave, or Rebreather curricula (i.e., GUE Recreational Diving programs 1 - 3).

Instructor candidates who matriculate in a GUE Recreational ITC, and who pass a GUE Fundamentalsinstructor evaluation, will be qualified to teach GUE-sanctioned courses at the level determined by their evaluation (.g., GUE Recreational 1, GUE Fundamentals). Instructors may progress within their trainingcategory to other courses (e.g., from Rec 1 to Rec 2) according to the upgrade paths described in relevant parts of section 3.9.

Alternatively, instr uctors who wish to teach courses in another training category (e.g., going fromRecreational to Technical) must undergo an ITC and an evaluation in the manner discussed in section 3.6.6

3.6.4 Technical Instructor Training Courses

Technical instructor training develops instructor proficiency in training principles directly applicable tothose GUE courses that are not part of the Cave, Rebreather, or Recreational curricula (i.e., GUE Tech 1, 2,and 3). Instructor candidates that matriculate in a GUE Technical ITC, and who pass a GUE Technicalinstructor evaluation, will be qualified to teach GUE-sanctioned courses at the level determined by their evaluation (e.g. Tech 1). Instructors may progress within their training category to other courses (e.g., fromTech 1 to Tech 2) according to the upgrade paths described in relevant parts of section 3.9.

Alternatively, instructors who wish to teach courses in another training category (i.e., from Technical toCave) must undergo an ITC and an evaluation in the manner discussed in section 3.6.6.

3.6.5 Cave Instructor Training CoursesCave instructor training develops instructor proficiency in training principles directly applicable to thoseGUE courses that are not part of the Technical, Rebreather, or Recreational curricula (i.e., GUE Cave 1, 2,and 3). Instructor candidates who matriculate in a GUE Cave ITC, and who pass a GUE Cave instructor

evaluation, will be qualified to teach GUE-sanctioned courses at the level determined by their evaluation(e.g., Cave 1 ). Instructors may progress within their training category to other courses (e.g., from Cave 1 toCave 2) according to the upgrade paths described in relevant parts of section 3.9. Alternatively, instructorswho wish to teach courses in another training category (e.g., from Cave to Technical) must undergo an ITCand an evaluation in the manner discussed in section 3.6.6.

3.6.6 GUE Instructor Training ProgressionThe GUE Instructor training program is designed to blend formal training and course co-teaching sessionsin a way that maximizes candidate understanding of course content, student control, diver safety and




quality education. The GUE instructor training progression involves an introductory internship designed tofamiliarize candidates with GUE training. This internship is followed by formal instruction within a GUEInstructor Training Course (ITC); the GUE ITC may be followed by additional internships before acandidate is evaluated in a GUE Instructor Evaluation. All GUE instructor candidates must first qualify asinstructors at the entry level of a particular training curriculum (e.g., as a Rec 1 or Fundamentals instructor within the Recreational diving curriculum).

3.6.6.1 GUE Instructor Candidate Internship Requirement

All GUE instructor candidates must first serve as interns/assistants with an appropriate GUE instructor (seesection 3.6.7) in at least one complete GUE-sanctioned diving course at the entry level of the categorysought (e.g., GUE Fundamentals or GUE Rec 1), before matriculating in an appropriate GUE ITC.

3.6.6.2 GUE Instructor Training Courses

Before enrolling in a GUE ITC, candidates must furnish GUE HQ with documentation showing compliancewith ITC prerequisites. ITC prerequisites pertinent to all GUE curricula are detailed in section 3.6.2 of thisdocument; additional ITC prerequisites specific to a given curriculum are detailed in each relevant section.GUE ITCs are conducted over a minimum five-day period and schools candidates in the theory and practiceof a given GUE curriculum and how to communicate these effectively.

Upon completing a given ITC, instructor candidates may either 1) be recommended for an instructor

evaluation by his/her GUE instructor trainer (IT) or 2) be instructed by his/her IT to undertake further internships with a GUE instructor to correct some instructional deficiency before they are eligible for aninstructor evaluation. The IT may require that the candidate co-teach with a specific instructor;alternatively, the IT may allow the candidate to gain experience with any active GUE instructor.

3.6.6.3 GUE Instructor Evaluation

GUE instructor evaluation is conducted using the “signature” process. Signatures represent the approval of a GUE Instructor Trainer (IT) or GUE Instructor Evaluator (IE). The first signature may be offered by aGUE IE or IT but a GUE IE must conduct the final evaluation. All signatures must be awarded during aformal GUE IE. Instructor Evaluation forms must bear the signatures and comments of both instructor trainer / evaluators. The final IE signature must be earned within two years of the first successful GUEEvaluation.

GUE Instructor evaluations may be conducted during an actual GUE class at the level being sought (e.g.Tech 1); they may also be conducted by GUE IT staff. GUE evaluations that are not part of a GUE classrequire at least two days of candidate evaluation. A candidates first signature may be obtained during amock class run by GUE IT staff. However, the final IE signature must occur during an actual GUE class atthe level sought.

During IEs candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate all relevant course materialin a usable fashion while also demonstrating an ability to maintain control over class participants, to helpensure their safety. GUE Instructor evaluations are often conducted during a GUE class at the level beingsought (e.g. Tech 1); they may also be conducted by GUE IT staff. The evaluation process may take placeover several separate events, however, evaluations that are not part of a GUE class require at least two daysof candidate evaluation.

During the instructor evaluation, instructor candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability tocommunicate all relevant course material in a usable fashion while also demonstrating an ability to

maintain control over class participants, to help ensure their safety.GUE Fundamentals instructor candidates must demonstrate competence using a drysuit during theevaluation process.

GUE Fundamentals instructor candidates must be certified as GUE Technical level 1 divers prior to finalevaluation.

Instructor Evaluation forms must bear the signatures and comments of both instructor trainer / evaluators.

Upon the satisfactory completion of an instructor evaluation, an instructor candidate will be considered anActive GUE instructor, provided that they: 1) have submitted all relevant documents (enumerated above) to




both GUE HQ and their training director; 2) have ensured that all their instructional documentation is inorder (it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all the relevant documents are properly executed);and 3) submit a signed instructor agreement letter, along with the appropriate instructor fee.

3.6.7 Fulfillment of Internship RequirementTo fulfill GUE's training prerequisite, internships must be conducted under the supervision of GUE

instructors who have taught at least three classes in the given curriculum. It is the responsibility of instructor-candidates to obtain all properly executed evaluation forms and submit these within thirty days of completion to GUE HQ

In extraordinary cases where appropriate GUE instructors are either unavailable, or access to whomsubjects an instructor candidate to unreasonable duress, a candidate can petition GUE HQ to have their internship requirement amended to allow the required internship to be carried out with a GUE instructor who does not meet the requirements outlined above. Though GUE HQ in principle discourages this, it willconsider petitions on a case-by-case basis

3.7 Instructor Trainer (IT) Qualifications

3.7.1 Purpose

A GUE IT is qualified to conduct GUE ITCs in preparation for a final GUE instructor evaluation.

3.7.2 IT Prerequisites1. Must meet all the requirements of an Active Status GUE instructor at the level that the ITC

candidates are pursuing. Must have taught at least five entry-level courses in any curriculum inwhich they are seeking IT status.

2. Staff at least one ITC in any curriculum in which they are seeking IT status.

3. Must receive a “signature” from a GUE IE while acting as a lead IT at a GUE ITC.

4. Be approved by a majority of the GUE Training Council

3.8 Instructor Evaluator (IE) Qualifications

3.8.1 PurposeA GUE instructor evaluation is the final check on the instructor-development process; they are responsiblefor determining whether a candidate is able to autonomously conduct training safely and knowledgeably ata given level.

3.8.2 Prerequisites1. Must meet all the requirements of an Active Status GUE instructor and IT at the level that the ITC

candidates are pursuing. Must have taught at least five entry-level courses in any curriculum inwhich they are seeking IT status.

2. Staff at least one ITC in any curriculum in which they are seeking IE status.

3. Must receive a “signature” from a GUE IE while acting as a lead IE at a GUE ITC.4. Be approved by a 2/3rds majority of the GUE Training Council.

3.9 GUE Diving Instructor Courses

3.9.1 PurposeThis section describes all GUE instructor courses, recreational, technical and cave. Also included are theupgrade paths for instructors wishing to progress from one instructional level to another.




3.9.2 GUE Recreational Instructor Training Course

3.9.2.1 Purpose

The GUE Recreational Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to teach instructor candidates how toeffectively communicate relevant course information in a safe and positive manner.


1. Must comply with GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in sections 3.6.2 and3.6.7

2. Must have interned one Rec 1 or Fundamentals class

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals at the technical level or GUE Recreational Level 3 Diver.

4. Must have suitable in-water and surface rescue skills.

5. Must have proof of at least 200 dives, with at least fifty dives in a GUE single tank/cylinder configuration. At least twenty-five dives must have been in a double tank/cylinder configuration.

3.9.2.3 Duration

The GUE Recreational ITC is conducted over a minimum five-day period. This time period may beextended if prerequisites or program requirements have not been met to the instructor ’trainer’s satisfaction.

3.9.2.4 Program Limits


2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratio is not to exceed 4:1 (adjusting downward for environmentalconditions)

3. No overhead diving

4. Dives not to exceed 21m / 70ft

3.9.2.5 Program Content

The GUE Recreational ITC is a comprehensive training program conducted by a GUE instructor trainer.This program is conducted over a minimum of seven days and is designed to prepare an instructor candidate for a GUE instructor evaluation, which is conducted at a later date as per section 3.6.6.







1. Discussion and implementation of GUE course content


3. Conservation

4. GUE standards and procedures




5. Demonstrate mastery of relevant topics contained within GUE Recreational diver training


Discussion of land drills pertinent to GUE Recreational Training

3.9.2.9 Required Skills (Academic and In-Water)

Every ITC candidate must be able to perform or demonstrate:

1. Prepared classroom presentations

2. Impromptu classroom presentation

3. Relevant land drills

4. Relevant simulated training dives

5. Simulated in-water emergency/rescue scenario

6. Any relevant diving skill at a demonstration level when asked by the ITC staff

7. A safe, effective, and personable approach to teaching

8. An understanding of GUE standards and procedures

9. A respect for the conservation of the environment

10. Proper in-water positioning to provide appropriate care for, and control of, students

11. An awareness of each student’s ability level


ITC candidates must be well versed in both GUE single tank/cylinder and double tank/cylinder equipmentconfigurations, with either configuration available as needed.

3.9.3 GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level1 Instructor

GUE Fundamentals instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Diver Level 1 class:1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2.

2. Must successfully undergo a GUE instructor upgrade and evaluation by a GUE IE.


In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.7, prospective GUE Recreational Level Twoinstructors must also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUERecreational Level Two instructors:

1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2

2. Be a GUE Recreational Level 1 instructor



In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.7, prospective GUE Recreational Level 3instructors must also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE





2. Be a GUE Recreational Level 2 instructor

3. Be a GUE Technical Diver 1

4. Must successfully undergo a GUE instructor upgrade and evaluation by a GUE IE while using adry suit.

3.9.6 GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Recreational 2 Instructor GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Diver Level2 class:

1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2.


3.9.7 GUE Recreational 2 to GUE Recreational 3 Instructor GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Diver Level3 class:


2. Must be qualified as a GUE Technical Diver Level 1.

3. Must successfully undergo a GUE instructor upgrade and evaluation by a GUE IE, during whichthey must also demonstrate competence using a drysuit.

3.9.8 GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Fundamentals Instructor GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Fundamentals class:


2. Must be qualified as a GUE Technical Diver Level 1.

3. Must demonstrate competence using a drysuit.


3.9.9 Cave or Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 1 DivingInstructor

GUE Cave or Tech instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Level 1 class:


2. Must successfully undergo GUE instructor evaluation by a GUE IE.

3.9.10 Cave or Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 2 DivingInstructor

GUE Cave or Tech instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Level 2 class:



3.9.11 Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 3 Diving Instructor GUE Tech instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Level 3 class:


3.9.12 Cave Instructor to Recreational Level 3 Diving Instructor GUE Cave instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Level 3 class:






3.9.13 Technical Diver Instructor Course

3.9.13.1 PurposeThe GUE Tech instructor training course (ITC) is designed to teach instructor candidates how to effectivelycommunicate appropriate course content for a GUE Tech 1 course in a safe, usable, and positive manner.


1. Must comply with GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in sections 3.6.2 and3.6.7.

2. Must have proof of at least 300 dives with fifty dives in doubles. Training dives are not included.

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Tech 2, and GUE Cave 1

3.9.13.3 Duration

The Tech ITC is structured around a minimum five-day period. This time period may be extended if prerequisites or program requirements have been met to the instructor trainer’s satisfaction.



2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratio is not to exceed 3:1

3. Maximum depth 170 feet / 51 meters

4. Minimum of 20 feet/6 meters of visibility


The GUE Tech ITC is a comprehensive training progr am conducted by a GUE instructor trainer. This program is conducted over a minimum of five days and is designed to prepare an instructor candidate for aGUE instructor evaluation, which is conducted at a later date as per section 3.6.6.







2. Conservation

3. Review of GUE standards and procedures

4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all topics relevant to the GUE Tech 1 course











7. Be able to demonstrate capacity with all Tech 1 drills and topics

3.9.13.9 Required Skills (Academic and In-water)

Each Tech ITC candidate must be able to perform or demonstrate:

1. At least three prepared classroom presentations

2. At least one impromptu classroom presentation

3. At least one prepared line drill session

4. At least three impromptu Tech 1 simulated training dives

5. At least one simulated in-water emergency/rescue scenario

6. Any Tech 1 diving skill at a demonstration level when asked by the ITC staff member




10. Proper in-water positioning to provide appropriate care for, and control, of their students


12. Demonstrate full capacity with all topics contained within GUE Tech 1 diver training



1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use a dual cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with a minimum of 80 cubic feet/2250 liters.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages; each supplying a single second-stage, one of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit where applicable.

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should

support five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensator Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs or other material.There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. In




addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40 kg. Wing size and shape should be appropriate tothe cylinder size(s) employed for training.





9. Wet Notes

10. One spool with 100 feet/30 meters of line, per diver




14. Exposure suit appropriate for the duration of exposure15. Divers breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas)

dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air cylinder. Divers may not inflate the dry suit from the back gas.


3.9.14 Progress from Tech 1 Instructor to Tech 2 Instructor


In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.7, prospective GUE Tech 2 instructors mustalso fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Tech 2 instructors:

1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in sections 3.6.2.

2. Must have proof of at least 400 dives with 100 dives in doubles. Training dives are not included.

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 1, and GUE Tech 2.

3.9.15 Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Tech 3 Instructor


In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.7, prospective GUE Tech 3 instructors mustalso fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Tech 3 instructors:


2. Must have proof of at least 700 dives with 150 dives in doubles. Training dives are not included.

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 1 and GUE Tech 3.




3.9.16 Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Rebreather Instructor


In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.7, prospective GUE Rebreather instructorsmust also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Rebreather instructors:


2. Must have proof of at least 500 dives with 200 rebreather dives. Training dives are not included.

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Tech 2, and GUE Rebreather.



1. Rebreather: Halcyon semi-closed circuit rebreather

2. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. The double cylindersmust be accessible by both the rebreather and the open-circuit regulators. All dives must start

with a minimum of 40 cubic feet/1120 liters of gas.3. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages

must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

4. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, heldto a diver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustablethrough the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strapattached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent thesystem from riding up a diver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the leftwebbing tab. This webbing should support five D-rings; the first should be placed at the lefthip, the second should be placed in line with a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone, the fourth and fifth should be affixed to thecrotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s

arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. Thesystem should retain a minimalist approach with no unnecessary components.

5. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs or other material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancycell. In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40 kg. Wing size and shape should beappropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.





10. Wet Notes



13. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source shouldconsist of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light headvia a light cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lighting or greater.




14. Two reserve lights: Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a singleattachment at its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front bezel.



17. Divers breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas) dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air cylinder. Divers may not inflate the dry suitfrom the back gas.

Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site

3.9.17 Cave Diver Instructor Course

3.9.17.1 Purpose

The GUE Cave Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to teach instructor candidates how toeffectively communicate relevant course information for the Cave 1 course in a safe, usable, and positivemanner.


1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2 and 3.6.7

2. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Tech 1, and GUE Cave 2

3. Must have proof of at least 300 dives, with 100 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or their equivalent. Training dives are not included.

4. Must have completed teaching outlines as assigned by GUE instructor trainer

3.9.17.3 Duration

The GUE Cave instructor training course (ITC) is structured around a minimum five-day period. This time period may be extended if all prerequisites or program requirements have not been met to the trainingdirector’s satisfaction.



2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratios are not to exceed 3:1

3. Gas consumption: 1/3 of double cylinders for cave penetration

4. Maximum depth: 100 feet/30 meters

5. Minimum of 20 feet/6 meters of visibility to commence training cave dive

6. Minimum of 80 cubic feet/2250 liters of gas to commence training cave dive


The GUE Cave ITC is a comprehensive training program conducted by a GUE instructor trainer. This program is conducted over a minimum of five days and is designed to prepare an instructor candidate for aGUE instructor evaluation, which is conducted at a later date as per section 3.6.6.










2. Conservation

3. Review of GUE standards and procedures

4. Demonstrate full capacity with all topics contained within GUE Cave 1 diver training










9. Demonstrate a complete understanding of all topics contained within the GUE Cave 1 curriculum


Each Cave ITC candidate must be able to perform or demonstrate:

1. At least three prepared classroom presentations

2. At least one impromptu classroom presentation

3. At least one prepared line-drill session

4. At least three impromptu Cave 1 simulated training dives

5. At least one simulated in-water emergency/rescue scenario

6. Any cave-diving skill at a demonstration level when asked by the ITC staff




10. Proper in-water positioning to give appropriate care for, and control of, their students


12. Demonstrate capacity with all required dive skills and drills






1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with a minimum of 80 cubic feet/2250 liters of gas.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with no

unnecessary components.4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-

mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs or other material.There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. Inaddition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to thecylinder size(s) employed for training.





9. Wet Notes



12. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head via a lightcord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/ 10-watt HIDlighting or greater.



15. At least six line markers, of which at least three should be directional (line arrows) and three non-directional

16. Divers breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas)dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air cylinder. Divers may not inflate the dry suit from the back gas.

Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verifyequipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirementremains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandard




equipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.

3.9.18 Progress from Cave 1 Instructor to Cave 2 Instructor


In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.7, prospective GUE Cave 2 instructors mustalso fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Cave 2 instructors:


2. Must have proof of at least 400 dives with 150 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or equivalent. Training dives are not included.

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 2, and GUE Tech 1 Diver.

4. Must have experience in high-flow systems and systems that require decompression.

3.9.19 Progress from Cave 2 Instructor to Cave 3 Instructor

3.9.19.1Prerequisites

In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.7, prospective GUE Cave 3 instructors mustalso fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Cave 3 instructors:


2. Must have proof of at least 700 dives with 300 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or equivalent. Training dives are not included.

3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 3, and GUE Tech 2

3.9.20 DPV Instructor Course

3.9.20.1 Purpose

The GUE DPV instructor workshop is designed to teach instructor candidates how to effectivelycommunicate relevant course information for the DPV 1 course in a safe, usable, and positive manner.


1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2 and 3.6.7.

2. Must be certified as a GUE Tech 1 diver.

3. Must be an active GUE Fundamentals instructor or above.

4. Must have taught at least 5 GUE Fundamentals classes.

5. Must have completed at least 300 dives excluding training dives.

6. Must have experience using DPVs during at least 50 dives.

7. Must have completed requirements as assigned by GUE DPV instructor trainer.8. Own a DPV

3.9.20.3 Duration

The GUE DPV 1 workshop is structured around a minimum one-day period. This time period may beextended if all prerequisites or program requirements have not been met.






2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratios are not to exceed 3:1.

3. Gas consumption: 1/3 of double cylinders

4. Maximum depth: 100 feet/30 meters.

5. Minimum of 20 feet/6 meters of visibility to commence training dive.

6. Minimum of 80 cubic feet/2,250 liters of gas to commence training dive.


The GUE DPV 1 workshop is a comprehensive training program conducted by a GUE DPV Instructor Trainer. This program is conducted over at least one day and is designed to evaluate the candidate’s abilityto teach recreational DPV diving.



2. Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001,High Springs, Florida.

3. GUE DPV Power Point


1. GUE organization, limits of training and course completion requirements

2. Conservation

3. GUE standards and procedures

4. Use and maintenance of DPVs

5. Procedures and emergency management while diving DPVs


1. Reel and guideline use while using a DPV2. Team order and protocols

3. Use of safety spools and surface markers

4. Emergency procedures, including towing a DPV while gas-sharing

5. Managing a runaway DPV





1. Demonstrate proficiency in the presentation of course content.

2. Demonstrate capacity with DPV line drills.

3. Demonstrate the ability to manage students during DPV training dives.

4. Demonstrate a safe, effective, and personable teaching style.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of GUE standards and procedures.

6. Demonstrate respect for the conservation of our aquatic environment. 7. Demonstrate proper control and in-water positioning so as to promote student safety.




7. Demonstrate the capacity for critical analysis of student performance.

8. Demonstrate capacity with all required dive skills and drills.



1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outletisolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with a minimum of 80 cubic feet/2,250 liters of gas.

2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7 foot/2 meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provideinflation for a dry suit (where applicable).

3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to adiver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up adiver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing shouldsupport five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in linewith a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,

the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with nounnecessary components.

4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs or other material.There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. Inaddition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs/40 kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate tothe cylinder size(s) employed for training.


6. A wrist mounted compass

7. Decompression tables8. Mask and fins: Mask should be low-volume; fins should be rigid, non-split


10. Wet Notes



13. DPV: The DPV should be of a tow-behind type. It should have variable speed adjustment, as wellas a clutch. The DPV must include an attached cord at the back with a bolt snap to be clipped onthe front D-ring located in the crotch strap, used to tow the diver. The DPV should also have aleash attached to the front to be used for towing it in case it fails to work.

14. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consistof a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head via a lightcord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/ 10-watt HIDlighting or greater.



17. One surface marker per team




18. Divers breathing helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas)dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air cylinder. Divers may not inflate the dry suit from the back gas.


providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of thecourse. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandardequipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information aboutrecommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.

3.9.21 Progress from DPV 1 Instructor to DPV 2 Instructor GUE DPV 2 instructors must fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualifiedGUE DPV 2 instructors:


2. Must be a GUE DPV 1 instructor

3. Must have completed at least 700 dives with 300 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or

equivalent. Training dives are not included.

4. Must have completed at least 50 cave dives using multiple DPV

5. Must be an active GUE Cave 2 Instructor who has taught at least 10 Cave 2 classes

6. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 2, and GUE Tech 1 Diver.

7. Must have experience in high-flow systems and systems that require decompression.




Appendix A

Recommended Cave Training Sites for Simulated Low-VisibilityDrills

1. Cave Sites: Florida

•Cow Springs: The downstream section; no training dives are allowed in upstream Cow Springs.

•Devil’s Eye and Ear System: From the Keyhole out, and the first 200 feet/60 meters of theCatacombs.

•Little River: From Table Rock out on the main line.

•Orange Grove: From the warning sign.

•Peacock Spring 1: From the breakdown room out of the Peanut Tunnel.

•Telford Spring: The section between Telford Sink and Telford Spring.

2. Cave Sites: Mexico

The following is a list of suggested training sites for critical skills:• Aktun Ha (Carwash): Upstream to Luke’s hope

• Ponderosa; Left side River Run: Up to first 90 degree turn right. Right side River Run: Up tocenote Little Joe

• Mayan Blue; A Tunnel: Up to second jump to Death Arrow Passage (third jump). B Tunnel: Up to90 degree turn left before jump to E Tunnel

• Taj Mahal; Jumna River Line: Up to dome. Line to Room of Cheers: Up to first jump right

• Xtabay; Downstream line: Before Wizard’s Den

• Temple of Doom; Madonna Passage: No zero-visibility drills. Canyons: No zero-visibility drills

• Naharon; Double Domes Line: No zero-visibility drills

• Aktun Koh; Upstream: Up to second jump. No zero-visibility drills

•

Chac Mool; Kukulcan: Up to first jump. Downstream: Up to first big room, 90 degree turn right.Upstream: Up to beginning of cave line.

Additional sites may be used for training as long as no critical skills are conducted in them.

Lost-line drills should ONLY be done on the following sites:

1. Aktun Ha (Carwash): Upstream

2. Ponderosa: both sides of River Run, close to cavern

3. Mayan Blue: B Tunnel, beginning of permanent line

4. Mayan Blue: Dead Zone, beginning of permanent line on right side




Appendix B

Approved GUE Forms

1. Course Completion Form/Student Final Evaluation

2. Student Certification Agreement

3. Accident Report Form (two pages)

4. Intern Evaluation Form

5. ITC Completion Form

6. Instructor Evaluation Form

7. Instructor Agreement (two pages)

8. Instructor Application Form

9. Instructor Renewal Form


GUE Standards v62

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Transcript of GUE Standards v62