Nacd, Nss

[cmufieldhockey8]

I'm looking into finding a cave instructor and I've seen that some are NACD and some are NSS. I havn't found any info describing the differences. Anybody know?

 

[PerroneFord]

Some are both!

Really, there are some very excellent instructors in both organizations. In years past there seemed to be a lot of philosophical differences, but honestly, now there is little seperating them.

Choosing the instructor is FAR more important than the agency when learning to cave dive. At least that is my opinion.

 

[karstdvr]

I'm looking into finding a cave instructor and I've seen that some are NACD and some are NSS. I havn't found any info describing the differences. Anybody know?

You'll find that both NSS-CDS and NACD instructors follow the standards of their training organization which are fairly similar,plus to become an instructor they both must attend an institute with peer review. Descriptions of the courses can be found at: http://www.nsscds.org/training_new/trainingprograms.htm and http://www.safecavediving.com/training.htm Probably the only small difference you'll find is that NACD teaches intro to cave and NSS-CDS teaches basic cave which has some minor differences.

 

[Johnny Richards]

Both are excellent cave training agencies with the primary difference at the Basic/Intro Cave Diver level.

The CDS Basic Cave Diver program permits the use of double tanks to 1/6 gas supply upon satisfactory completion of the course.

The NACD Intro to Cave Diving course limits the diver to 1/3 of a single tank with a Provisional Apprentice required to be signed by an instructor prior to the use of doubles to sixths. The Provisional Apprentice may be issued in the instructor's discretion if the diver expresses an intent to proceed to Full Cave, is good for a period of sixty days and may not be extended beyond the initial sixty day period.

The NACD requires the use of two safety reels for all levels of training- this is left to instructor discretion by the CDS.

There are other minor differences between the two agency's Standards, but these are the "biggies".

Johnny
www.cavediving.com

 

[cmufieldhockey8]

Thanks everybody, that helps a lot.

 

[Jason B]

I highly recommend Johnny Richards (posted above you). Outstanding instructor.

 

[SparticleBrane]

Thoughts on the new NAUI curriculum?

 

[Doubles]

I would also suggest you consider Rick at Genesis Diving Institute of Florida

http://www.genesisdiving.com/

But be prepared to work hard and have fun.

You might also want to read this thread

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=162144

Cheers