PRE-COURSE READING
The following information is intended to answer most questions about the cost, duration of training, and how to prepare before starting a technical or cave diving course.
Of course, we remain at your disposal for any further questions, so don't hesitate to contact us!
PRICE OF TRAINING
Technical diving courses are charged on a per-day basis, as the courses are performance-based, and additional training days may sometimes be necessary.
The training fee is $300 USD per day, per person. (If two divers are taking the course, the daily fee is $540 USD, and for three students, it is $720 USD.)
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE, WHAT'S NOT?
The daily fee includes transportation to and from the dive site, instruction, and the use of properly rigged cylinders (80 cu/11 L aluminum), whether for sidemount or backmount configurations, with EAN32 as the standard gas.
It also covers weights and certain parts of the equipment if needed. Additionally, we always provide fresh drinking water, an O2 kit, a complete toolbox, and spare parts.
The daily fee does not include basic equipment (wetsuit/dry suit, fins, mask, computer, etc.), entrance fees to cenote parks, food, or the TDI e-learning codes.
DURATION (and the meaning of "performance based training")
The course duration and the number of dives required are based on performance, ensuring that you are fully prepared to plan and dive autonomously with a teammate, without supervision.
Simply performing skills is not sufficient. Students must demonstrate a high level of mastery in the following areas:
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Fundamental Skills: Breathing, buoyancy control, trim, propulsion
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Dive Planning: Map reading, orientation and route planning, gas needs and limitations, cave conservatism
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Awareness: Self-awareness, global awareness, situational awareness
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Team Dynamics: Active and passive communication, positioning, pacing, placing
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Mindset: Positive, non-egoic motivation, cave conservatism, cave etiquette, risk assessment
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Stress Recognition & Management: Ability to act rationally under stress
The evaluation of these qualities is subjective and reflects the instructor's perception. CDT Mexico instructors are highly experienced and specialize in teaching cave divers. They are attentive to the efforts students put forth during this demanding course. While standards are high, instructors guide and support students in reaching these standards in the shortest possible time, always prioritizing quality and safety.
“Train Hard – Dive Easy”
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE COURSE?
This guidance applies to all courses except the fundamental ones (TDI Intro to Tech and TDI Sidemount), as mastering these skills is what you'll learn during those courses.
Preparing for a technical and/or cave diving course is essential for a successful experience. Before enrolling, fundamental skills must be mastered, and knowledge from previous levels is expected. What does that mean in practice?
Students must be able to control their position and remain static in three dimensions through:
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controlled, slow, and conscious breathing techniques
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buoyancy control using the wing/dry-suit with minimal use of lungs for micro-adjustment
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trimming body position, gear, and configuration
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use of advanced propulsion techniques such as modified frog-kick, back-kick, and helicopter-turn
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self, global, and situational awareness
Additionally, participants should ensure that their equipment is well-maintained and that they are familiar with it. We can send you the gear list for your course upon request, or you can download it yourself here.
Most TDI courses include e-learning, which is a prerequisite for us. If you have already completed it, we will require a digital copy; otherwise, we will send you a TDI e-learning code connected directly to CDT Mexico, with several benefits.
BEFORE STARTING THE COURSE / BOOKING
Students must complete the TDI e-learning before the start of the course (unless previously completed). The e-learning codes are paid in advance, along with a non-refundable down payment for one day of training, to secure the final booking.