GUE UW Cave Survey

Survey and Map Cave Systems

GUE UW Cave Survey, officially presented by GUE as Underwater Cave Survey, teaches experienced cave divers how to turn a cave dive into usable survey information. GUE explains that cave survey and cartography are important parts of cave exploration and valuable skills for advanced cave divers. The course covers the process from collecting in-water survey data to drafting a map, so it is especially relevant for divers who want to support exploration and documentation projects.

The class is available to experienced Cave 2 divers. GUE lists prerequisites including minimum age 18, fitness to dive, swimming ability, non-smoking status, medical clearance when needed, GUE Cave Diver 2 certification, and at least 25 dives beyond Cave Diver 2 certification. If the course is conducted using DPVs, students must also hold GUE DPV Cave certification, and drysuit experience requirements apply when relevant.

Course outcomes include understanding the basic principles of underwater cave survey, implementing a defined team approach to survey data collection, assisting productively in coordinated cave projects, and learning introductory cartography methods. GUE describes the course as normally five days, with at least 10 diving hours and 40 hours of classroom, land-drill, and in-water instruction. In High Springs, Florida, it is a strong fit for cave divers who want to contribute more than passage through the cave; they want to help document it accurately.