ANDI Level 3 INTRO to CAVE

Prospective students need to hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, preferably with technical diving experience (e.g. Intro to Tec or Sidemount), 25–50 logged dives, and a recent medical clearance. Additional prerequisites such as Rescue Diver or Cavern Diver certifications may be required for advanced cave courses.

Most cave diving courses with Tim Lawrence are run on the Thai mainland at sites like Song Hong, Khao Sok, and Spider Cave. These locations offer varied systems, ideal for learning and practicing essential cave skills.

Students can undertake Cavern Diver, Intro to Cave, and Full Cave Diver courses. Tim Lawrence also offers advanced cave and technical diving certifications, including closed circuit rebreather (CCR) training, sidemount configuration, and trimix diving for deep penetration and expedition-level cave exploration.

Basic cave diving courses run 4–7 days depending on level, and include academic study, skill development in open water and cave environments, guideline techniques, line markers, zero visibility drills, lost diver and line recovery, air-sharing, anti-silting, and staging tanks for extended penetration.

You’ll need twinsets or sidemount rigs, primary and backup regulators, backup masks, guideline reels, slates, dive computers, exposure suits (3–5mm), multiple torches, cutting tools, and signaling devices.

Safety is paramount: students learn navigation, team communication, gas management, backup procedures, handling emergencies (lost line, entanglement), anti-silting, and stress management in overhead environments. Training includes progressive skills development and controlled drills.

Tim Lawrence is one of Thailand’s most experienced technical diving instructor trainers, certified with ANDI, PADI, BSAC, TDI, and others. He specializes in cave and wreck exploration, leads the SEA Explorers Club, and is known for mentoring divers to the highest technical standards, offering personalized expeditions and coaching.

Yes, with proper progression through recreational and technical certifications, even beginners can train through Tim’s programs and become qualified for full cave diving and exploration expeditions.

Thailand hosts some of Southeast Asia’s most complex cave systems, with unique geological features, varying challenge levels, and new passages to explore—making it a premier destination for learning and advancing cave diving skills.