Learn advanced cave navigation, line work and overhead diving skills for independent cave diving

TDI Full Cave Diver Course – Thailand

Advanced Cave Diving Training

Become a fully qualified cave diver with the TDI Full Cave Diver course in Phuket, Thailand. This advanced program trains divers to safely conduct complex cave dives beyond the limits of Intro to Cave, including navigation, multi-line systems, and advanced problem solving in complete overhead environments.

The TDI Full Cave course is the final step in open circuit cave diver training, preparing you for independent exploration and advanced cave diving projects.

What Is the TDI Full Cave Diver Course?

The TDI Full Cave Diver course is the highest level of cave diving certification before moving into advanced specialisations such as exploration or CCR cave diving.

This course expands your capabilities to include:

  • complex cave navigation (jumps, gaps, circuits)
  • extended penetration distances
  • advanced gas management strategies
  • team-based cave diving procedures
  • problem solving in zero visibility

Divers learn to operate safely in true overhead environments with no direct access to the surface.

Intro to Cave vs Full Cave – What’s the Difference?

This is where cave diving becomes fully autonomous.

Intro to Cave:

  • limited penetration
  • simple navigation
  • strict limits


Full Cave:

  • complex navigation (jumps, circuits, traverses)
  • extended penetration distances
  • full problem-solving responsibility
  • higher task loading and planning

👉 The Full Cave course is where you gain the skills to plan and execute complete cave dives independently.

Why Train for Full Cave Diving in Thailand?

Thailand provides ideal preparation conditions:

  • controlled environments for advanced skill development
  • focus on precision and discipline
  • structured progression while entering full cave systems

This ensures you develop the necessary skills before applying them in real cave environments.

What You Will Learn

The TDI Full Cave Diver course focuses on advanced cave diving theory and execution.

Theory Topics Include:

  • advanced cave navigation techniques
  • complex guideline systems (jumps, gaps, circuits)
  • gas planning for extended penetrations
  • stress management and decision-making
  • risk assessment and contingency planning
  • decompression considerations (if applicable)

Advanced Skills Developed

This is one of the most demanding diving courses available.

Skills Include:

  • precise buoyancy and trim in confined spaces
  • advanced line handling and navigation
  • lost line and lost diver recovery drills
  • gas sharing in zero visibility conditions
  • multi-task management under stress
  • emergency exit procedures
  • maintaining team awareness in complex environments

Every skill must be performed with consistency and control.

Equipment Used During Training

Divers use a full cave diving configuration:

  • twinset or sidemount system
  • primary and multiple backup lights
  • reels, spools, and navigation tools
  • redundant gas supply
  • streamlined technical setup

Equipment configuration must be consistent and reliable.

Real Challenges in Full Cave Diving

At this level, cave diving becomes highly technical.

Divers must manage:

  • complex navigation systems
  • zero visibility scenarios
  • long penetration distances
  • strict gas management rules
  • high task loading under pressure

The course is designed to build the ability to handle these challenges safely.

Who Is This Course For?

The TDI Full Cave Diver course is designed for:

  • Intro to Cave certified divers progressing further
  • technical divers specialising in overhead environments
  • exploration-focused divers
  • experienced divers seeking the highest level of cave training

Course Prerequisites

To enrol, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a TDI Intro to Cave Diver certification (or equivalent)
  • Have appropriate cave diving experience

For our training environment we also like you to have TDI Deco Procedures or PADI Tec 45

Course Structure

Typical duration:

  • Day 1: Advanced theory and planning
  • Days 2–5: Progressive cave training dives

Each dive increases complexity and responsibility.

What Comes After Full Cave?

Completing the TDI Full Cave Diver course opens the door to:

  • advanced cave exploration
  • CCR cave diving
  • trimix cave diving
  • expedition-level projects

This is where cave diving transitions from training to exploration.

Why Choose Us for Your Full Cave Course?

  • highly experienced cave diving instructors
  • strong focus on discipline and safety
  • small group training
  • structured progression pathway
  • real-world technical diving approach

You will leave this course prepared for independent cave diving.

Become a Fully Qualified Cave Diver

If you are ready to operate independently in complex cave systems, the TDI Full Cave Diver course is the final step in your cave diving progression.

Contact Us

Have questions or need help? Use the form to reach out and we will be in touch with you as quickly as possible.