Penetration diving

Penetration diving is the practice of divers to enter a confined space where there is no possibility of direct ascent to the surface. There are generally two types of dive sites offering penetration diving: caves and shipwrecks (or other man made structures). The two are similar in most aspects of diving, but both require special attention.

Training in special techniques and equipment is essential. A redundant breathing gas supply and a line leading to the exit are the two most important differences from regular open-water diving. This type of diving is generally referred to as technical diving.

Because of the often prolonged dive time and/or increased depth, other breathing gases than air are often used. Nitrox is used for shallow diving and Trimix for deeper dives.

See also: scuba diving

External Links

• GUE - Global Unterwater Explorers (http://www.gue.com/)
• IANTD - International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (http://www.iantd.com/)
• NACD - National Association for Cave Diving (http://www.safecavediving.com/)
• NSS-CDS - National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section (http://www.nsscds.com/)
• WKPP Woodville Karst Plain Project (" class="external">http://www.wkpp.org)

• Dive Rite (http://www.dive-rite.com/ )
• The history of line arrows (http://www.dive-rite.com/products/history/linearrows.htm)