GUE Standards Version 51

Global Underwater Explorers
General Training Standards, Policies, and Procedures
Version 5.1
© GUE, 2010
Table of Contents
1. PURPOSE OF GUE ..................................................................................................................................1
1.1. GOALS ........................................................................................................................................1
1.1.1. Education ........................................................................................................................1
1.1.2. Research ..........................................................................................................................1
1.1.3. Exploration .....................................................................................................................1
1.2. TRAINING PHILOSOPHY ...............................................................................................................1
1.2.1. Education ........................................................................................................................1
1.2.2. Equipment .......................................................................................................................1
1.2.3. Experience ......................................................................................................................2
1.3. TRAINING STRUCTURE ................................................................................................................2
1.3.1. Outline of Diver Training ...............................................................................................2
1.3.2. Diver Assessment (Qualification, Provisional Qualification, Failure) ...........................3
1.3.3. Training Categories ........................................................................................................4
1.3.4. General Training Standards ...........................................................................................4
1.4. GENERAL TRAINING LIMITS........................................................................................................
5
1.4.1. PO2 Limits ......................................................................................................................5
1.4.2. END Limits .....................................................................................................................5
1.4.3. Breathing Gas Requirements ..........................................................................................5
1.4.4. Parameters for Critical Skills .........................................................................................5
1.4.5. Issuing Qualification under Other Agencies ...................................................................6
1.4.6. Teaching and Rebreathers ..............................................................................................6
1.4.7. Buoyancy Considerations ...............................................................................................6
1.4.8. Conservation ...................................................................................................................6
1.4.9. Decompression Parameters ............................................................................................6
1.4.10. Course Size ......................................................................................................................6
1.5. GENERAL DIVING SKILLS............................................................................................................
7
1.6. GENERAL PREREQUISITES FOR ALL GUE COURSES....................................................................
7
1.7. CYLINDER MARKING STANDARDS ..............................................................................................7
1.8. QUALITY CONTROL .....................................................................................................................8
1.8.1. Instructor Evaluations ....................................................................................................8
1.8.2. Instructor Peer Review ...................................................................................................8
1.8.3. Instructor Renewals ........................................................................................................8
1.8.4. Instructor Re-Qualification .............................................................................................8
1.8.5. Diver Re-Qualification ....................................................................................................8
1.9. RECOGNITION OF CREDENTIALS .................................................................................................9
1.9.1. Waivers ............................................................................................................................9
1.10. COMPLAINTS ...............................................................................................................................9
1.10.1. Complaint Submission ....................................................................................................9
1.10.2. Complaint Procedure ......................................................................................................9
1.10.3. Penalties and Remedial Actions ......................................................................................9
1.10.4. Rights of Appeal ............................................................................................................10
1.10.5. Executive Suspension of Membership ...........................................................................10
2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

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1.12. CONDUCT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES .....................................................................................10
1.13. RECORDS ..................................................................................................................................10
2. GUE COURSE TRAINING STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ....................................................12
2.1. RECREATIONAL DIVER CURRICULUM .......................................................................................12
2.1.1. GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 - Nitrox Diver ..........................................................12
2.1.1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................12
2.1.1.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................12
2.1.1.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................12
2.1.1.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................12
2.1.1.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................12
2.1.1.6. Required Training Materials ............................................................................................12
2.1.1.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................13
2.1.1.8. Land Drills and Topics ....................................................................................................13
2.1.1.9. Required Dive Skills and Drills ......................................................................................13
2.1.1.10. Equipment Requirements ................................................................................................14
2.1.2. GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 - Triox Diver ............................................................15
2.1.2.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................15
2.1.2.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................15
2.1.2.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................15
2.1.2.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................15
2.1.2.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................15
2.1.2.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................16
2.1.3. GUE Recreational Diver Level 3 - Trimix Diver ..........................................................18
2.1.3.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................18
2.1.3.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................18
2.1.3.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................18
2.1.3.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................18
2.1.3.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................18
2.1.3.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................19
2.1.3.8. Land Drills & Topics .......................................................................................................19
2.1.3.9. Required Dive Skills & Drills .........................................................................................19
2.1.4. GUE Fundamentals Course ..........................................................................................21
2.1.4.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................21
2.1.4.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................21
2.1.4.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................21
2.1.4.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................22
2.1.4.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................22
2.1.4.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................22
2.2. TECHNICAL DIVER CURRICULUM .............................................................................................25
2.2.1. Technical Diver Level 1 ................................................................................................25
2.2.1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................25
2.2.1.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................25
2.2.1.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................25
2.2.1.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................25
2.2.1.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................25

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2.2.1.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................26
2.2.2. Technical Diver Level 1 “Plus” Upgrade .....................................................................29
2.2.2.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................29
2.2.2.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................29
2.2.2.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................29
2.2.2.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................29
2.2.2.5. Course Contents ..............................................................................................................30
2.2.2.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................30
2.2.3.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................31
2.2.3.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................31
2.2.3.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................31
2.2.3.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................31
2.2.3.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................32
2.2.3.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................32
2.2.4. Technical Diver Level 2 “Plus” Upgrade .....................................................................34
2.2.4.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................34
2.2.4.2. Course contents ...............................................................................................................34
2.2.4.3. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................34
2.2.5.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................34
2.2.5.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................35
2.2.5.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................35
2.2.5.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................35
2.2.5.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................35
2.2.5.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................35
2.3. CAVE DIVER CURRICULUM .......................................................................................................38
2.3.1. Cave Diver Level 1 ........................................................................................................38
2.3.1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................38
2.3.1.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................38
2.3.1.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................38
2.3.1.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................38
2.3.1.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................39
2.3.1.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................39
2.3.2. Cave Diver Level 2 ........................................................................................................42
2.3.2.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................42
2.3.2.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................42

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2.3.2.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................42
2.3.2.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................42
2.3.2.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................42
2.3.2.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................43
2.3.3. Cave Diver Level 3 ........................................................................................................46
2.3.3.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................46
2.3.3.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................46
2.3.3.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................46
2.3.3.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................46
2.3.3.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................46
2.3.3.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................46
2.4. AUXILIARY TRAINING CURRICULUM ........................................................................................49
2.4.1. GUE Doubles Primer ....................................................................................................49
2.4.1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................49
2.4.1.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................49
2.4.1.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................49
2.4.1.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................50
2.4.1.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................50
2.4.1.6. Training Materials ...........................................................................................................50
2.4.1.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................50
2.4.1.8. Land Drills ......................................................................................................................50
2.4.2. GUE Dry Suit Primer ...................................................................................................52
2.4.2.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................52
2.4.2.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................52
2.4.2.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................52
2.4.2.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................52
2.4.2.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................53
2.4.2.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................53
2.4.2.8. Land Drills ......................................................................................................................53
2.4.3. GUE Primer ..................................................................................................................55
2.4.3.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................55
2.4.3.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................55
2.4.3.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................55
2.4.3.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................55
2.4.3.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................56
2.4.3.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................56
2.4.3.8. Land Drills ......................................................................................................................56
2.4.4. Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 1 ..................................................................................57
2.4.4.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................57
2.4.4.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................57
2.4.4.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................58

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2.4.4.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................58
2.4.4.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................58
2.4.4.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................58
2.4.5. Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 2 / Cave DPV .............................................................60
2.4.5.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................60
2.4.5.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................61
2.4.5.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................61
2.4.5.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................61
2.4.5.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................61
2.4.5.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................61
2.4.6. Rebreather Diver ..........................................................................................................64
2.4.6.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................64
2.4.6.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................64
2.4.6.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................64
2.4.6.4. Course Limits ..................................................................................................................64
2.4.6.5. Course Content ...............................................................................................................64
2.4.6.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................64
3. GUE INSTRUCTOR STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ...............................................................67

3.1. ACTIVE STATUS INSTRUCTOR....................................................................................................
67
3.1.1. Maintaining Active Status .............................................................................................67
3.2. SUSTAINING STATUS INSTRUCTOR ............................................................................................68
3.2.1. Maintaining Sustaining Status ......................................................................................68
3.3. INACTIVE STATUS INSTRUCTOR ................................................................................................68
3.4. PROVISIONAL STATUS INSTRUCTOR ..........................................................................................68
3.5. INSTRUCTOR STATUS CHANGES ................................................................................................69
3.6. INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATE TRAINING PROCEDURES ...................................................................69
3.6.1. Description ....................................................................................................................69
3.6.2. ITC Prerequisites ..........................................................................................................69
3.6.3. Recreational Instructor Training Courses ....................................................................70
3.6.4. Technical Instructor Training Courses .........................................................................70
3.6.5. Cave Instructor Training Courses ................................................................................70
3.6.6. GUE Instructor Training Progression ..........................................................................70
3.6.7. GUE Instructor Upgrades within the Same Training Category ...................................71
3.6.8. Fulfillment of Internship Requirement ..........................................................................72
3.7. INSTRUCTOR TRAINER (IT) QUALIFICATIONS ...........................................................................72
3.7.1. Purpose .........................................................................................................................72
3.7.2. IT Prerequisites .............................................................................................................72
3.8. INSTRUCTOR EVALUATOR (IE) QUALIFICATIONS ......................................................................72
3.8.1. Purpose .........................................................................................................................72
3.8.2. Prerequisites .................................................................................................................72

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3.9. RECREATIONAL DIVING INSTRUCTOR COURSES........................................................................
72
3.9.1. GUE Recreational Instructor Training Course ............................................................72
3.9.1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................72
3.9.1.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................73
3.9.1.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................73
3.9.1.4. Program Limits ................................................................................................................73
3.9.1.5. Program Content .............................................................................................................73
3.9.1.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................73
3.9.1.9. Required Skills (Academic and In-Water) ......................................................................74
3.9.2. GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 Instructor ...........74
3.9.3. GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Level 2 Instructor .....................74
3.9.4. GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level 3 Instructor ...........74
3.9.5. GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Recreational 2 Instructor ...............................................75
3.9.6. GUE Recreational 2 to GUE Recreational 3 Instructor ...............................................75
3.9.7. GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Fundamentals Instructor ................................................75
3.9.8. Cave or Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 1 Diving Instructor .............................75
3.9.9. Technical Diver Instructor Course ................................................................................75
3.9.9.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................75
3.9.9.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................75
3.9.9.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................75
3.9.9.4. Program Limits ................................................................................................................75
3.9.9.5. Program Content .............................................................................................................76
3.9.9.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................76
3.9.9.9. Required Skills (Academic and In-water) .......................................................................76
3.9.10. Progress from Tech 1 Instructor to Tech 2 Instructor ...................................................78
3.9.10.1. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................78
3.9.11. Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Tech 3 Instructor ...................................................78
3.9.11.1. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................78
3.9.12. Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Rebreather Instructor ............................................78
3.9.12.1. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................78
3.9.13. Cave Diver Instructor Course .......................................................................................80
3.9.13.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................80
3.9.13.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................80
3.9.13.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................80
3.9.13.4. Program Limits ................................................................................................................80
3.9.13.5. Program Content .............................................................................................................80
3.9.13.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................80
3.9.14. Progress from Cave 1 Instructor to Cave 2 Instructor .................................................82
3.9.14.1. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................82
3.9.15. Progress from Cave 2 Instructor to Cave 3 Instructor .................................................83
3.9.15.1. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................83
3.9.16. DPV Instructor Course .................................................................................................83
3.9.16.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................83
3.9.16.2. Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................83

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3.9.16.3. Duration ..........................................................................................................................83
3.9.16.4. Program Limits ................................................................................................................83
3.9.16.5. Program Content .............................................................................................................83
3.9.16.7. Academic Topics .............................................................................................................84
3.9.17. Progress from DPV 1 Instructor to DPV 2 Instructor ..................................................86

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1. Purpose of GUE
Global Underwater Explorers was founded to improve the quality of aquatic education and to actively
engage in the exploration and conservation of the underwater world. It was founded by conservationists,
explorers, and educators with a desire to share the mystery of the underwater world.
1.1 Goals
1.1.1 Education
GUE’s educational platform was designed for divers seeking quality dive instruction. Its courses combine
rigorous in-water training with comprehensive academic instruction, to produce divers who are skilled,
competent and safe.
GUE’s instructors, like its other representatives, are carefully chosen for their ability to enrich the
organization—not for their capacity to generate revenue. As a result, GUE brings together a wide array of
professional talents, ranging from expertise in training, exploration and the sciences, to expertise in
education and conservation.
GUE is also dedicated to the global dissemination of educational information. To this end, our educational
outreach programs provide valuable information to schools, the media, and the general public.
1.1.2 Research
GUE is committed to promoting underwater research, focusing significant resources on scientific study.
GUE supports the efforts of a membership conducting original research around the globe.
GUE seeks to promote the research interests of other organizations. This is done by sharing successful
methodologies, helping to cultivate effective funding and sponsorship strategies, and constructing a
comprehensive database available to anyone working in education, conservation, or exploration. This data-
sharing will include both conventional publications and technological advancements—e.g., an interactive
web database.
1.1.3 Exploration
GUE is committed to global underwater exploration. It focuses assets on long-term exploratory activity; it
helps other organizations develop effective exploration techniques; and it shares the results of its findings
with other exploration groups.
1.2 Training Philosophy

1.2.1 Education
GUE maintains that a good education is vital for the safe enjoyment of recreational and technical diving,
and must include both a strong academic component and a rigorous practical one. This is achieved by:
1. Standards: GUE’s curriculum maintains the highest training standards, combining strong
academics with exacting practice (in-water training). Additionally, GUE requires diver and
instructor currency and a gradual building of experience.
2. Classes: GUE classes are lengthy and rigorous, demanding preparation before they begin.
3. Instructors: GUE instructors are encouraged to exceed minimum training standards when these
safely contribute to a participant’s learning process. Instructors are also actively encouraged to
deny qualification to students who are not completely prepared for the level pursued.
1.2.2 Equipment
GUE is committed to a standardized equipment configuration, a holistic approach to equipment
configuration that sees each element of a system as an integral part of the whole.

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1.2.3 Experience
GUE maintains that extensive in-water diver experience is at the core of diver proficiency. To cultivate this
proficiency, GUE incorporates critical-skills training, experience dives, and post-class practice in its diver-
training platform.
1. Critical-Skills Training
This is the first step toward acquiring the requisite skills that prepare divers for the rigors of
diving. Undertaken during formal training conditions, GUE employs a building-block method and
allows trainees to learn at their own rate, introducing new skills only when students are able to
incorporate them. An important aspect of critical-skills training is that failures and stressful
situations are simulated in a controlled and safe environment. Competence is established by skill
review, practice and repetition.
2. Experience Dives
Undertaken during formal training conditions, this phase of training seeks to cultivate real diving
experience, while providing a controlled context for further skill solidification.
3. Interim Class Requirement
GUE requires that formal diver training be punctuated by breaks, during which students must
practice a given skill set before progressing to a higher level of training. Before entering a higher
level of training in a given curriculum, all students must have undertaken a minimum of twenty-
five practice dives.
1.3 Training Structure

1.3.1 Outline of Diver Training
1. Screening
GUE seeks to promote the best interests of students by establishing whether they are capable of
meeting the demands made on them during training. This is done by careful screening during
registration, during which all student candidates must furnish GUE representatives with a
completed registration outlining their personal experience, medical history and previous training.
2. Advance Preparation
GUE maintains that some advance preparation is necessary for student’s to optimize their training.
Such preparation may include familiarization with a certain set of materials and/or a set of skills.
3. Academics
GUE academic sessions seek to instill in students a detailed comprehension of the theoretical
components of relevant diver training. Ideally, academic portions of GUE classes rely on advance
student preparation, so that the theoretical component of the class is more substantive.
4. In-water Training (confined and open water)
GUE in-water training is designed to help students cultivate essential diving skills and to test
student knowledge in a controlled environment; skills include problem-solving and emergency
management. By “confined water,” GUE means areas:
• that do not exceed 30 feet/9 meters in depth
• where visibility is sufficiently good to allow instructors to maintain a view of their
students
• that are not overhead areas
• that are lit by illumination levels comparable with daylight
• where surface conditions are relatively calm (no greater than 1- to 3-foot surge)
2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 2

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• where currents are negligible (under 1 knot). Such environments allow instructors
maintain maximum control over trainees.
Suitable open-water conditions are areas that allow instructors reasonable control over students;
depths are contingent on specific course requirements.
5. Testing, Evaluation and Qualification
Testing and evaluation is a vital part of the GUE training process. GUE requires students to pass
final exams with a score of 80 percent or higher. On review, students must demonstrate
proficiency with all test questions.
Student in-water performance is evaluated during post-dive debriefs. Upon completing a course,
instructors submit a Course Completion Form to GUE HQ, outlining student strengths and
weaknesses; such forms are available to students upon request.
GUE qualification is ultimately an instructor’s decision. However, students, on request, should be
provided with a written account of what remedial training they need in order to progress further
with their training. At any point during their training, GUE trainees may request an evaluation
from their instructor.
GUE’s evaluation scale ranges sequentially from 1 (failure) to 5 (excellence) as follows:
Grade 1: Indicates an unsafe diver in both ability and/or demeanor. The student should be
removed from the course immediately.
Grade 2: Indicates that the student cannot complete the required skill/task satisfactorily. If, at the
discretion of the instructor, continued practice of a skill/task places either the student or the class
at risk, the instructor may decide not to continue practicing a skill/task and fail the student.
Grade 3: Indicates that the student has completed the skill/task satisfactorily (passed) but needs
improvement.
Grade 4: Indicates that the student has completed the skill/task well.
Grade 5: Indicates that the student has completed the skill/task extremely well and deserves
commendation.
1.3.2 Diver Assessment (Qualification, Provisional Qualification,

Failure)
At the completion of GUE training, instructors must: a) decide whether a student is properly qualified to
pursue the type of diving for which they sought training; b) decide to make qualification conditional on a
student’s improving a given skill-set, specific to the particular diving activity; or c) decide that the student
is not able to dive in that environment. These assessments take the form of:
1. Full qualification
2. Provisional qualification
3. Failure
Provisional certifications are designed as an interim measure for student divers whose skill level in a given
class was close but not sufficient to pass a given class. Provisional qualification is not a form of
accreditation, and does not represent any certification status within GUE. Divers should be aware that the
original instructor is solely responsible for updating this rating. An instructor may make specific
arrangements with another GUE instructor but the original instructor is ultimately responsible for
upgrading their student’s provisional rating. The time and fees associated with provisional upgrades are
entirely at the discretion of the instructor.

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1.3.3 Training Categories
Recreational Diver
This training category is designed for individuals seeking training in the fundamentals of sound
recreational diving; recreational diving here is to be understood as diving in non-overhead
environments.
Technical Diver
This training category is designed for divers seeking training in technical diving. Technical diving
goes beyond the domain of recreational diving by exposing divers to (among other things) greater
depths, longer diving exposures, decompression, and to the requirements of gases other than air.
Cave Diver
This training category is designed for divers seeking training in cave environments. Cave-diver
training focuses on the skills and knowledge most specifically geared toward cave-diving
penetrations, yet these techniques are invaluable in a wide array of diving environments.
Auxiliary Training
This training category is designed for divers seeking instruction in a range of diving techniques
including rebreathers, diver propulsion vehicles and a range of other subjects not directly related
to the categories above.
1.3.4 General Training Standards

The general standards outlined below govern all GUE courses and those involved in them. These standards
seek to ensure that GUE courses remain consistent with respect to a common foundation (primary skills and
knowledge) necessary for building further skill and knowledge. Additional standards, governing specific
training categories and specific levels within these categories, are outlined in the relevant course sections.
1. An Active Status GUE instructor, qualified to teach the level of training being conducted, is to be
present and in control during any and all activities, including academic and in-water training.
2. All Active Status GUE instructors must have obtained, and be familiar with, a copy of the current
versions of the standards. i.e. this document.
3. With the exception of GUE cave instructors during cave or Rebreather training courses, no GUE
instructors may conduct critical-skill training in an overhead environment during any GUE
training course.
4. Experience portions (experience dives) of Technical or Rebreather classes may be conducted in a
cave environment, provided that the following requirements are met:
•Students engaged in such experience dives must be cave-qualified, to the skill level required
by the environment in which diving is undertaken.
•GUE instructors conducting experience dives in the cave environment must be cave
instructors.
•Instructors must be certified at least one level higher than that of the experience dive. For
example, dives carried out within Cave 1 limits require an instructor who is Cave 2 rated.
5. The minimum number of required dives for a given level of training must be completed before
moving on to the next level of training. Dives cannot be credited across curricula or across levels
of a given curriculum. Students may not take two courses concurrently (at the same time).
6. Students must receive full qualification for a level of training before progressing to the next level
of training.
7. GUE instructors conducting a particular course are required to use the equipment required of that
course.
8. All decompression and/or stage cylinders are to be clearly labeled in accordance with the
“Cylinder Marking Standards” set forth in section 1.7.

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9. Visibility is defined as the minimum distance in which divers can see one another and
communicate effectively.
10. GUE instructors should refrain from conducting training dives and drills in areas that contain:
•Delicate or sensitive formations
•Structures that are in relatively pristine condition
•Sensitive biological or archeological resources
11. GUE instructors should consider the impact of training on the sites they select, and should opt for
sites that are appropriate to the current skill and training level of their student(s). Instructors
should also refer to the recommended locations for certain training drills (see Appendix A), and
are encouraged to seek the advice of local divers and instructors when conducting training in
unfamiliar areas.
12. Careful selection of dive sites should take place during DPV training
13. GUE instructors must ensure that instructor-to-student ratios during land or surface drills do not
compromise the quality of student education.
1.4 General Training Limits

The following limits apply to ALL GUE classes (course-specific limits can be found in the relevant
sections).
1.4.1 PO2 Limits

All dives are to maintain a working PO2 of no greater than 1.4ATA and a resting PO2 of 1.6ATA +/- .05.
Oxygen partial pressures are adjusted downward, according to the demands made by diving conditions with
an average working PO2 of approximately 1.2ATA. “Resting dives” are defined as dives during which it is
not reasonably expected that a diver will have to expend any unusual amount of energy, for example during
decompression.
1.4.2 END Limits

No dives are to be planned to exceed an Equivalent Narcotic Depth (END) of 100 feet/30 meters; END is
established by the following equations
END(m) = (((1− fHe) × D ) −1) ×10m

ATA
END( ft) = (((1− fHe) × D ) −1) × 33 ft

ATA
Where END is the equivalent narcotic depth in meters or feet and DATA is the depth, expressed in ATAs.
1.4.3 Breathing Gas Requirements

All dives must begin with “minimum gas.” Minimum gas is defined as the volume needed for two divers
sharing gas to reach the surface or another breathable gas supply.
1.4.4 Parameters for Critical Skills

Drills or skills that involve loss of visibility; loss of lights; simulated out-of-gas scenarios; simulated
manifold failures; and rescue techniques involving assisting panicked divers, convulsing divers and
unconscious divers, are to be considered critical skills.
• Critical skills must first be conducted in a confined-water setting, after which instructors can
progressively increase the depth and/or penetration in which these are executed.
• Mask removal is restricted to confined water; under such training conditions, only the trainees
themselves are allowed to remove their masks, at the prompting of their instructor. Mask removal
is not permitted in any overhead environment (save decompression).

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• For the DPV program the following skills are considered critical: out of gas, towing a diver and
dealing with a runaway DPV.
• “Air gunning,” a form of simulating manifold failure, is restricted to Technical, Cave, Rebreather
and DPV level 2 courses.
• Under no circumstance should critical skills be conducted in delicate cave environments where
damage to the environment may occur.
• GUE instructors are prohibited from turning off student cylinder valves (right, left, or isolator)
EXCEPT in the event of a real regulator or manifold failure where turning off the relevant valve
would be required. However, during rebreather training, instructors may interrupt gas addition to
the rebreather.
1.4.5 Issuing Qualification under Other Agencies

Another agency’s qualifications may be awarded to a student - as a dual qualification - only if the student
has met GUE standards and has been awarded full GUE qualification. The student can then receive both a
GUE qualification card and the equivalent qualification of another agency.
Qualification from another agency may not be issued instead of a GUE qualification. This means that if a
trainee does not warrant full qualification under GUE’s standards and procedures, no qualification from
another agency can be awarded in its stead.
1.4.6 Teaching and Rebreathers

GUE instructors may not teach GUE courses while on a rebreather. The only exceptions are when training
rebreather instructors during an instructor training course (ITC), or when critical-skill testing is complete
during rebreather classes.
1.4.7 Buoyancy Considerations

Some diving environments (e.g., shallow caves) permit divers with no buoyant lift (e.g., failed buoyancy
compensator) to exit along a floor of reasonable depth; other environments, because of their depth, do not.
Divers should account for such conditions and seek to ensure that their systems enable them to return safely
to the surface in the event of a loss of buoyancy or a low-on-gas situation.
1.4.8 Conservation
As part of GUE’s commitment to global environmental conservation, Appendix A details recommended
areas for simulated zero-visibility drills, required by all GUE Cave programs.
1.4.9 Decompression Parameters

GUE recognizes that events may conspire to result in decompression sickness, despite the care exercised by
those involved. Nonetheless, GUE requires that, when training, GUE instructors follow conservative
decompression schedules and evaluate decompression schedules using GUE’s DecoPlanner as a standard.
Decompression times during training should approximate the time indicated by DecoPlanner when using
either gradient factors of 20/85 when using the Buhlmann algorithm, or on a conservatism setting of 2 when
using the Variable Permeability Model. These profiles will be known as Unadjusted Decompression
profiles. These may be adjusted in a pragmatic manner to enable simpler in-water implementation.
Dives where DecoPlanner does not indicate any decompression requirement longer than one minute at any
single stop depth are known as Minimum Decompression dives. These should be implemented by slowing
the ascent rate in the final half of the ascent.
1.4.10 Course Size

GUE courses must not be run with only one student. The only exception to this stipulation involves
instructor training courses, which may be conducted with one candidate.

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1.5 General Diving Skills
All GUE courses must ensure proficiency in the following diving skills; proficiency is measured by a final
grade of 3 (satisfactory) or better when demonstrating the skill. Course-specific requirements including any
deviation from a particular skill will be listed under the appropriate course section.
1. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving practices; this would include pre-dive preparation, in-water
activity, and post-dive assessment.
2. Demonstrate awareness of team-member location and a concern for safety, responding quickly to
visual cues and dive partner requirements.
3. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver in multiple gas-
sharing episodes.
4. Be able to comfortably demonstrate the frog and modified frog kicks, the flutter and the modified
flutter kicks, the helicopter turn and the backwards kick.
5. Demonstrate a safe and responsible demeanor throughout all training.
All GUE instructors are encouraged to exceed minimum training standards when by doing so they are
promoting the best interests of the student. Instructors are actively encouraged to deny qualification to
students when students have not met the standards of the certification level they are pursuing to the
satisfaction of the instructor.
1.6 General Prerequisites for All GUE Courses

All GUE courses have the following prerequisites (any additional prerequisite, as well as any deviations
from the following, will be listed under the specific course section):
1. Must submit a completed registration form, complete with medical history, and liability release to
GUE Headquarters.
2. Must be physically and mentally fit.
3. Must hold insurance that will cover diving emergencies such as hyperbaric treatment e.g. DAN
Master-level insurance or equivalent.
4. Must be a nonsmoker.
5. Must obtain a physician’s prior written authorization for the use of prescription drugs, except for
birth control, or for a prior medical condition that may pose a risk while diving. A partial list of
such conditions may be found on GUE’s medical history form. Conditions that pose a risk to
students while diving require a physician’s written approval to dive; this information must be
disclosed to their GUE instructor before the onset of training. Physician clearance for a specific
condition is valid for one year from the date it is given, assuming there are no further changes to
the student’s medical conditions. Physician clearance to dive under a specific medical condition
does not obligate GUE or a GUE representative to clear a trainee for diving; this remains at the
sole discretion of the instructor.
1.7 Cylinder Marking Standards

1. Dive cylinders should be free of unnecessary stickers and markings. They should bear a current
Visual Inspection sticker and Hydro test sticker, as detailed by current country-specific
regulations. VIP stickers (if required) should be placed so as to create minimum distraction from
the MOD markings.
2. All stage/decompression cylinders must be marked with the maximum operating depth (MOD) in
approximately 3-inch/7.5-centimeter numbers. Markings should be oriented in such a way as to be
easily read by both divers and their team members.
3. In countries where the metric system is used in diving, stage/decompression cylinders should be
marked in METERS.

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4. In countries where the imperial system is used in diving, stage/decompression cylinders marking
should be in FEET.
5. In all countries, in addition to the MOD, Oxygen cylinders should be marked with the word
“OXYGEN” (or the local equivalent) in approximately 3-inch/7.5-centimeter-high letters running
horizontally down the side. No additional Nitrox stickers, or indication that the cylinder does not
contain air, are required.
6. Once filled, cylinders must be all analyzed and the results, to the decimal point, placed near the
neck of the cylinder. The label should include the date the cylinder was analyzed and the tester’s
initials. Dedicated cylinders used for the inflation of drysuits are exempted from analysis
requirements.
1.8 Quality Control

GUE’s quality control program seeks to ensure that GUE courses, instructors, and members maintain the
highest standards possible before, during, and after training. This is done through: instructor evaluations,
instructor renewals, instructor and diver re-qualification, detailed course completion objectives, and
rigorous training in conformity with agency standards.
1.8.1 Instructor Evaluations

GUE’s qualification process requires all GUE trainees to complete an Instructor Evaluation Form at the
completion of their training. Available electronically, GUE’s Quality Control Form enables: 1) students to
evaluate their training experience; and 2) GUE to monitor instructional quality.
1.8.2 Instructor Peer Review

GUE maintains a peer-review program that encourages instructor cooperation and requires them to report to
GUE Headquarters any practices not in keeping with GUE’s standards.
1.8.3 Instructor Renewals

To insure currency of qualifications, all GUE instructors are required to renew annually.
1.8.4 Instructor Re-Qualification

GUE instructors must formally re-qualify every three years. This must be performed in each curriculum
(Recreational, Tech, Cave) in which they are qualified to teach. This requirement must be fulfilled by
joining a formal GUE workshop, usually organized around an event such as the GUE conference. This
workshop is conducted by a GUE IE and is tailored to the specific curricula in need of update.
Instructors may choose to reset the three-year clock at any point within this three-year window.
GUE instructors must also re-qualify anytime the safety or effectiveness of their training is questioned. In
such a case, GUE’s Quality Control Board may immediately suspend an instructor’s teaching privileges
until a thorough review of these allegations is made.
Instructors who fail to re-qualify within three years will be put on inactive status and required to return their
instructor cards to GUE Headquarters at once.
1.8.5 Diver Re-Qualification

All GUE diver-qualification cards expire three years after the date of issue. A diver can be re-qualified six
months before or six months after the expiration of their qualification period by having his/her individual
dive experience reviewed by either a qualified GUE instructor or by GUE Headquarters. To maintain GUE
qualification, GUE divers must certify that they have conducted twenty-five dives at the level of their
qualification within a three year period. Upon review, divers can be issued a new qualification card for a
nominal fee. This re-certification process may be completed up to five years from the last re-qualification.
If the duration between either the initial class or the last re-qualification exceeds five years, then formal
approval from a GUE instructor at the appropriate level will be required.

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1.9 Recognition of Credentials
Accomplished divers from other agencies who wish to be qualified as GUE divers may petition GUE HQ to
have their training and experience recognized, and a suitable level of GUE qualification issued. Upon
receipt of such a request, GUE HQ will arrange for an in-water evaluation of the petitioning diver by a
GUE instructor trainer. If, upon evaluation, the GUE IT considers that the petitioning diver’s request should
be honored, s/he should recommend to GUE HQ, in writing, that it issues an appropriate level of GUE
qualification. Upon receipt of this recommendation, GUE HQ will consider awarding the petitioning diver a
suitable level of GUE qualification.
1.9.1 Waivers
Qualified GUE divers seeking upper-level qualification can petition a GUE Instructor Evaluator to waive
the 25-dive prerequisite between GUE courses.
1.10Complaints
GUE’s Quality Control Board is responsible for handling complaints promptly and thoroughly. Following
an investigation of a complaint, the Quality Control Board will decide whether or not disciplinary action is
warranted.
1.10.1 Complaint Submission

Complaints can be lodged against any GUE member, all of whom are bound by GUE’s standards and
procedures.
Formal complaints against any GUE member must be sent to GUE’s Director of Quality Control at GUE
Headquarters and must include:
• A written statement outlining the nature of the complaint,
• Name and contact information
• The date, time, and location of incident
• A complete account of the event, including names and contact information (if possible) of any
witnesses
Complaints can be lodged either by mail or electronically. Mail should be sent to the Director of Quality
Control, Global Underwater Explorers, 15 South Main Street, High Springs, FL, 32643, USA. Email should
be send to qc@gue.com.
No action, other than review, can be taken as a result of an anonymous or a verbal complaint.
1.10.2 Complaint Procedure

1. Following review of a complaint, a summary of the complaint is sent to a charged member by
regular and/or electronic mail. Charged member(s) must respond in writing to the complaint (by
mail or electronically) within thirty days from the date the review was sent. It is the responsibility
of GUE members to maintain current contact information with GUE HQ.
2. Charged members who fail to respond to a written complaint within thirty days are automatically
suspended, and all membership privileges are revoked until resolution of the matter.
3. Charged members who respond to a written complaint are able to maintain their membership
privileges until a final determination is reached by GUE’s Quality Control Board. Upon receipt of
a charged member’s response, GUE’s Quality Control Board can decide to dismiss the complaint,
resolve the matter by negotiation, suspend the member in question, or terminate his/her
membership.
1.10.3 Penalties and Remedial Actions

GUE’s Quality Control Board is empowered to render the following decisions:
1. Private censure

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2. Public censure
3. Prescribed educational rehabilitation
4. Defined probationary period
5. Defined suspension
6. Revocation of membership and/or teaching privileges
1.10.4 Rights of Appeal

Charged members who have been subject to an unfavorable decision by GUE’s Quality Control Board may,
within thirty days of the decision, appeal the decision to GUE’s Board of Directors. Such an appeal must be
lodged in writing to the Board of Directors, Global Underwater Explorers, 15 South Main Street, High
Springs, FL, 32643, USA.
1.10.5 Executive Suspension of Membership

In cases where GUE’s Director of Training or GUE’s officers suspect that student safety has been or is
believed to be compromised, GUE HQ has the right to immediately suspend the GUE instructor(s) in
question WITHOUT going through a formal complaint process. This suspension will be followed by a
review of the case by GUE’s Quality Control Board, who will be responsible for rendering a final decision.
1.11Conduct Policies and Procedures

1. GUE representatives must promote the best interests of GUE.
2. GUE members and its representatives must demonstrate financial responsibility when transacting
business with GUE.
3. GUE instructors must process student Course Completion Forms in a professional and timely
fashion. GUE instructors must cooperate with GUE Headquarters when certification-card issues
arise.
4. All correspondence found on the Instructors Forum, instructors@gue.com, is confidential. Any
instructor who knowingly allows these discussions to become public may be subject to
disciplinary action.
5. GUE instructors must behave professionally when interacting with GUE trainees, with GUE HQ
and with other persons who have been solicited to help promote GUE (e.g., diving facilities).
6. All GUE members and its representatives are bound by the standards and procedures outlined in
this document.
7. GUE membership and renewal applications do not constitute perpetual offers of membership.
GUE HQ reserves the right to refuse membership or renewal to any party without assigning any
reason.
8. GUE instructor qualification cards issued by GUE Headquarters are the property of Global
Underwater Explorers, and must be surrendered upon request to the Board of Directors or their
representatives.
1.12Records
GUE headquarters will maintain the following records (if applicable) for each instructor, student, and class
for up to seven years after the class:
1. Student Registration
2. Student Liability and Release and Assumption of Risk
3. Student Agreement
4. Student Medical Questionnaire
5. Accident Report

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6. Instructor Registration
7. Instructor Liability and Release and Assumption of Risk
8. Instructor Agreement
9. Course Completion Form
10. C-Card Replacement Form
11. Instructor Evaluation Form
12. Membership Registration

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2. GUE Course Training Standards and Procedures
2.1 Recreational Diver Curriculum
2.1.1 GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 - Nitrox Diver
2.1.1.1 Purpose
The GUE Recreational Diver level 1 course is designed to develop the essential skills required in all sound
diving practice. This course provides the non-diver with an opportunity to develop fundamental diving
skills that will support comfort, confidence, and competence in the water. This course also provides a solid
diving foundation for individuals with aspirations for more advanced diver training. Divers who
successfully complete the GUE Recreational Diver level 1 course will not be required to pursue the GUE
Fundamentals course.
2.1.1.2 Prerequisites
1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6.
2. Must be a minimum of sixteen years of age. This may be reduced under exceptional
circumstances, and with written approval from GUE HQ,
2.1.1.3 Duration
The GUE Recreational Diver level 1 class must be conducted over at least eight full days; course time
should total at least sixty hours, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.
2.1.1.4 Course Limits

1. General training limits as outlined in section 1.4.
2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 8:1 during land drill or surface exercises, but cannot
exceed 4:1 during any direct in-water training In-water ratios should be adjusted downward to
account for bad conditions and/or poor visibility.
3. Maximum depth 70 feet/21 meters.
4. No decompression.
5. No overhead environment diving.
6. No night diving
2.1.1.5 Course Content

The GUE Recreational Diver level 1 course is normally involves a minimum sixty hours of instruction
including ten lectures, ten confined water dives and 10 open water dives. If the course is conducted in
drysuit there will be additional confined and open water dives. The GUE Recreational Diver level 1 course
emphasizes creating the fundamental diving skills required for all sound diving practice. This focus in
creating a proper set of skills increases diving fun by reducing stress and increasing diver proficiency; this
is accomplished through educating students on GUE principles including but not limited to proper control
of buoyancy, trim, propulsion, breathing gases and teamwork.
2.1.1.6 Required Training Materials

1. Submerged: Mastering the Art and Science of Scuba Diving. Global Underwater Explorers, 2006,
High Springs, Florida.
2. Beginning with the End in Mind - The Fundamentals of Recreational Diving. Jesper Berglund.
Global Undwerwater Explorers. 2008. Stockholm, Sweden.

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2.1.1.7 Academic Topics
1. Introduction to Scuba Diving
2. Physics, Physiology, and basic diving techniques
3. Diving Equipment
4. The Balanced Rig and Going Beyond the Basics
5. Going Beyond Basic Physiology and Physics
6. Breathing Gas Dynamics
7. Decompression
8. Dive Planning
9. Accident and Problem Solving Underwater
10. The Aquatic Realm
2.1.1.8 Land Drills and Topics

1. Equipment fit and function
2. Dive team protocols
3. Analyze and mark cylinders
4. Pre-dive drills
5. Basic 5 scuba skills
6. S-drill and valve-drill
7. Propulsion techniques
8. Surface-marker deployment
9. Straight line compass navigation
10. Basic 5 Rescue skills
2.1.1.9 Required Dive Skills and Drills

1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills 1.5
2. Must be able to swim at least 300 yards/275 meters in under fourteen minutes without stopping.
This test should be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal protection.
3. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 16 yards/15 meters on a breath hold.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques, including pre-dive preparations, in-water
activity, and post-dive assessments.
visual cues and dive-partner needs.
6. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver.
7. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver followed by an
ascent to the surface, utilizing Minimum Decompression.
8. Comfortably demonstrate at least two propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicate
and/or silty environments; students should demonstrate comprehension of the components
necessary for a successful backward kick.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to deploy a surface marker while utilizing a spool.

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11. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum of 30 degrees off
horizontal while remaining within 5 feet/1.5 meters of a target depth. Frequency of buoyancy
variation and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.
12. Demonstrate proficiency in underwater communication.
13. Demonstrate basic equipment proficiency and an understanding of the GUE equipment
configuration.
14. Demonstrate aptitude in the following open-water skills: mask clearing, mask removal and
replacement, regulator removal and exchange, long hose deployment.
15. Demonstrate safe ascent and descent procedures.
16. Demonstrate proficiency in executing a valve drill.
17. Demonstrate dive rescue techniques
2.1.1.10 Equipment Requirements

Each student should have, and be familiar with, all of the following required equipment:
1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use a single tank/cylinder with a K-, H-, or Y-valve. Students may
also use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for the
use of two first-stages.
2. Regulators: One of the second-stages must be on a 5 to 7 foot/1.5 to 2 meter hose. One of the first-
stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).
3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held to a
diver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the
plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower
end of this platform and looped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up a
diver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should
support five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in line
with a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone,
and the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/
stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for
the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with no
unnecessary components.
4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-
mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other
material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell.
In addition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs/25kgs for a single tank and 80 lbs/40kgs for double
tanks. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.
5. At least one time-/depth-measuring device
6. Mask and fins: Mask should be low-volume; fins should be rigid, non-split
7. At least one cutting device
8. Wet Notes
9. One spool with 100 feet/30 meters of line per diver
10. At least one surface-marker buoy per diver
11. One wrist compass
12. Exposure suit appropriate for the duration of exposure
Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a GUE representative to verify
equipment requirements. Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE’s equipment requirement
remains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives. Participants are responsible for
providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure the use of necessary equipment before the start

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of the course. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment.
However, students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring
substandard equipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information
about recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web
site.
2.1.2 GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 - Triox Diver
2.1.2.1 Purpose
GUE’s Recreational Diver level 2 course is a no-decompression class structured to prepare divers for
deeper recreational diving using proper equipment, diving techniques, and breathing mixtures. In this class,
students will be introduced to the theory and practice of decompression and schooled in correct ascent
procedures. GUE’s Recreational Diver level 2 training focuses on expanding the fundamental skills learned
in GUE’s Recreational Diver level 1 course and/or the GUE Fundamentals course (or elsewhere), and is
designed to cultivate, integrate, and expand the essential skills required for safe deeper diving. This will
include problem identification and resolution, and building the capacity for progressively more challenging
diving. In this class, students will be trained in: a) the use of single or double back gas tanks/cylinders, and
in the potential failure problems associated with them; b) the use of Nitrox and Triox for extended bottom
times; and c) the use of Helium to minimize narcosis, CO2, gas density, and post-dive “nitrogen stress.”
1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6
2. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age. This may be reduced under exceptional circumstances, and
with written approval from GUE HQ,
3. Must have passed the GUE Recreational Diver level 1 class or a GUE Fundamentals class
4. Must have a minimum of twenty five dives beyond open-water qualification.
2.1.2.3 Duration
The GUE Recreational Diver level 2 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a
minimum of forty hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.

1. General training limits as outlined in section 1.4
3. Maximum depth 30 m / 100 ft.
4. No overhead environment diving

The GUE Recreational Diver level 2 course normally involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction
designed to provide a working knowledge of Nitrox, Triox, the history of decompression and practice,
physics, physiology, tables, and operational considerations.
Course requirements include nine hours of academics and twelve dives.
The initial two dives will be conducted in water no deeper than 15 m / 40 ft to evaluate the diver’s ability
and to identify any skill deficiencies. The last two dives are to be Triox dives at depth for experience, but
not in excess of course depth limitations.

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1. Doing it Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001, High Springs,
Florida.
2. Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001,

1. Applied diving physics
2. Applied diving physiology
3. Understanding compressed gas elimination
4. Introduction to Triox
5. Triox versus other gases
6. GUE equipment configuration
7. Dive planning and logistics
8. Rescue skills

1. Situational awareness
2. Dive team order and protocols
3. Pre-dive drill
4. Gas sharing and touch contact
5. Use of safety spools and surface marker buoy
6. Basic navigation skills
7. Rescue skills

1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills, section 1.5
2. Must be able to swim at least 275m / 300yds in under fourteen minutes without stopping. This test
should be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal protection.
3. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 16 yards/15 meters on a breath hold
4. Demonstrate proficiency in procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation and gas-
sharing.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in lift bag/surface-marker buoy deployment.
7. Comfortably demonstrate four propulsion techniques. Students should demonstrate comprehension
of the components necessary for a successful backward kick.
8. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of touch-contact communication during out-of-gas situations.
9. Demonstrate familiarity with required course equipment.
10. Gas-sharing scenarios to include a gas-sharing horizontal swim for at least 200 feet/60 meters.

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11. Gas-sharing scenarios to include a direct ascent while managing decompression obligations.
12. Demonstrate effective proficiency with proper ascent/descents, including the implementation of
deep stops.
13. Demonstrate proficiency in recovering an unconscious diver to the surface and the surface
management of a range of simulated diving incidents.

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use single or dual tanks/cylinders with a single outlet, Y-valve, or
if in doubles, a dual-outlet isolated manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Regulators:
Single first-stage if using a single tank with single outlet, or two first-stages if using either a single
tank with Y-valve or double tanks. A minimum of two second-stages. One of the second-stages
must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. The diver must have a pressure gauge and BCD inflator.
2. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform, of metal construction with minimal padding, held to a
end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up a
the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/
the placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach with no
5. Compass
6. Appropriate minimum and no-decompression tables
8. Minimum of one cutting device
9. Wet Notes
providing all equipment or for making provisions to secure all necessary equipment before the start of the
course. In general, it is better for the student to learn while using his or her own equipment. However,
students should exercise caution before purchasing new equipment to avoid acquiring substandard
equipment. Please contact a GUE representative prior to making any purchases. Information about
recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site.

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2.1.3 GUE Recreational Diver Level 3 - Trimix Diver
2.1.3.1 Purpose
The GUE Recreational Diver level 3 course is a minimum decompression class structured to prepare divers
for deeper recreational diving using proper equipment, diving techniques and breathing mixtures. In this
class, students will be introduced to the theory and practice of decompression and trained in correct ascent
procedures. Recreational Diver level 3 training builds on the fundamental skills learned in previous GUE
Recreational courses (GUE Fundamentals, Level 1 and Diver level 2) and is designed to cultivate the
essential skills required for safe diving at greater depths. The training will include problem identification
and resolution as a means of building capacity for progressively more challenging dives. In this class,
students will be trained in: a) the use of double, back-gas tanks/cylinders as well as the problem resolution
skills required for safe doubles diving; b) the use of Nitrox for decompression; c) the use of Helium to
minimize narcosis, CO2, gas density, and post-dive “nitrogen stress”; and d) the use of a single
decompression cylinder for stage decompression techniques.
1. Must meet GUE General Course Prerequisites outlined in Section 1.6
2. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
3. Must be GUE Recreational Level 2 or GUE Fundamentals certified
4. Must have a minimum of seventy-five non-training dives, 10 dives using doubles
2.1.3.3 Duration
The GUE Recreational Level 3 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum
of forty hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.

1. General Training Limits as outlined in Section 1.4
3. Maximum depth of 39 m / 130 ft
5. Dives should not be planned to incur more than 15 minutes of decompression

The GUE Recreational Diver level 3 course normally involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction
designed to provide a working knowledge of enriched air diving as well as normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix;
this overview includes instruction in proper decompression procedures with hyperoxic mixes, including the
use of decompression tables and proper ascent practices. Fundamental aspects of physics and physiology
will be reviewed as a means to support safe diving at greater depths. Divers will also be trained in the
proper operational and dive planning procedures necessary to conduct recreational dives in deeper water,
including accident management and problem resolution.
The course includes nine hours of academics and eight dives. Of these dives, four will be critical skill dives
and four will be experience dives.

1. Submerged: Mastering the Art and Science of Sport Diving. Jablonski, Alexakos, GUE, 2005,
High Springs, Florida

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Florida.
3. Getting Clear on the Basics: The Fundamentals of Technical Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, GUE,
2001, High Springs, Florida.

1. Applied diving physics
2. Applied diving physiology
3. Introduction to normoxic trimix
4. Nitrogen narcosis
5. Gas density
6. Carbon dioxide
7. Oxygen limitations
8. Understanding inert gas on-gassing and elimination
9. Decompression theories
10. Decompression practices while using nitrox
11. Decompression planning using decompression tables and DecoPlanner
12. Decompression sickness
13. GUE equipment configuration
14. Dive planning and logistics
2.1.3.8 Land Drills & Topics

3. GUE-EDGE and Pre-dive drill
4. Out of gas scenarios and touch contact
5. Valve management including failure procedures
6. Use of safety spools and lift bag
7. Ascent and decompression protocols
8. Gas switching protocol
9. Unconscious/Toxing Diver
10. Descent/Ascent Drill
2.1.3.9 Required Dive Skills & Drills

1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills, Section 1.5
4. Demonstrate proficiency in procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation and gas-
sharing.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in lift bag/surface marker buoy deployment.

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7. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate for
delicate and/or silty environments. Students should demonstrate comprehension of the components
8. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of touch contact communication during out-of-gas situations.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the primary light including passive and active
communication.
11. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with a single decompression cylinder.
12. Gas-sharing scenarios to include a gas-sharing horizontal swim.
13. Gas-sharing scenarios to include a direct ascent while managing decompression obligations.
14. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with valve-management by conducting a GUE “valve drill”
which includes: shutting down one’s valve, switching regulators and returning the valve to an open
position.
15. Demonstrate proficiency with proper ascent/descents, including the implementation of SMB
usage, deep stops and safe gas switches.
16. Demonstrate proficiency in surfacing an unconscious diver from depth and administering rescue
breaths.

Each student should have, and be familiar with, all of the following required equipment.
1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students required to use dual tanks/cylinders with a dual outlet isolated
manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Students also need one decompression tank/
cylinder. The cylinder should not be smaller than approximately 30 cubic feet / 4 liters and no big
larger than approximately 80 cubic feet / 11 liters. Cylinders must be free from any unnecessary
decals/stickers or cylinder wraps.
2. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must
be on a 7-foot/2 meter hose and provide inflation for a wing style BCD. One of the first-stages
must supply a pressure gauge. One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gas, supplying
a single second-stage and a pressure gauge. One first stage fitted with an over pressure valve
providing dry suit inflation (where applicable).
3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform, of metal construction with minimal padding, held to
a diver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the
end of this platform and looped through the waistband will prevent the system from riding up a
diver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. The webbing should
support five D-rings. The first should be placed at the left hip. The second should be placed in line
with the diver’s right collarbone. The third should be placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone.
The fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/
In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80lbs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the
cylinder size(s) employed for training.

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5. One primary light. A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consist
of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external head (fitted with a
Goodman handle) via a light cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of a 50-
watt halogen/10-watt HID lighting or greater.
6. Two reserve lights; Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a single attachment
at its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front bezel.
7. At least one time/depth-measuring device
8. Compass
9. Appropriate Decompression and No-Decompression tables
10. Mask and fins: Mask should be low volume; fins should be rigid, non-split
11. Reserve Mask
12. Minimum of one cutting device
13. Divers note book
14. One spool with 100 feet/30 meters line
15. One surface marker buoy
recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s web site.
2.1.4 GUE Fundamentals Course
2.1.4.1 Purpose
The GUE Fundamentals course is designed to cultivate the essential skills required by all sound diving
practice, irrespective of level or environment. A prerequisite for all GUE classes, save Recreational Diver
level 1 course, GUE Fundamentals performs a three-fold function:
• it provides the recreational diver, who does not desire further diver training, with an opportunity to
advance his/her basic diving skills, thereby developing more comfort, confidence, and competence
in the water
• it provides the diver with aspirations of more advanced diver training with the tools that will
contribute to a greater likelihood of success
• it provides non-GUE trained divers with a gateway to GUE training.
1. Must meet GUE general course prerequisites, as outlined in section 1.6
2. Must be a minimum of sixteen years of age
3. Must be a certified open-water diver from a recognized training agency
2.1.4.3 Duration
The GUE Fundamentals class must be conducted over at least four full days, encompassing both classroom
and in-water work. Classes in which the student-to-instructor ratio (both in water and surface) does not
exceed 3:1 may be conducted in no fewer than three full days. Course requirements include a minimum of

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ten hours of academics and five in-water sessions; at least two of these dives must include a depth of at
least 25 feet / 8 meters.

3. Maximum depth 60 feet/18 meters
4. No decompression

Combining lecture and in-water sessions, this course focuses on cultivating the basic skills required for all
sound diving practice. It is focused on increasing diving fun by reducing stress and increasing diver
proficiency through proper control of buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork, and other GUE principles.
Course requirements include a minimum of ten hours of academics and five in-water sessions; at least two
of these dives must include a depth of at least 25 feet / 8 meters.

Florida.
2. GUE Fundamentals Workbook.

1. GUE organization
2. Why GUE Fundamentals?
3. Diving proficiency
4. Buoyancy and trim
5. Streamlining and equipment configuration
8. Communication
9. Breathing gas overview
10. Decompression overview
11. Dive planning and gas management
12. Diver preparedness

1. Dive team protocols
2. S-drill and valve-drill
5. Pre-dive drills

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6. Surface-marker deployment
7. Unconscious diver recovery

1. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques; this would include pre-dive preparations, in-
water activity, and post-dive assessment.
6. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver followed by an
ascent to the surface, utilizing minimum decompression.
7. Comfortably demonstrate at least three propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicate
and/or silty environments; students should demonstrate comprehension of the components
9. Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to deploy a surface marker while using a spool.
11. Demonstrate basic equipment proficiency and an understanding of the GUE equipment
configuration.
12. Demonstrate dive-rescue techniques, including effective management of an unconscious diver.
Differences between the management of an unconscious diver and a convulsing diver should be
noted.
13. Demonstrate a comfortable demeanor while swimming without a mask, in touch contact.
15. Demonstrate aptitude in the following open-water skills: mask clearing, mask removal and
replacement, regulator removal and exchange, long-hose deployment.
17. Demonstrate proficiency in executing a valve drill.
18. Demonstrate proficiency in four propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicate and/or
silty environments; students should also demonstrate competence in the backward kick. *
19. Demonstrate proficiency with a primary light by using it during all skills except SMB
deployment.*
20. Demonstrate efficient deployment and stowage of a reserve light.*
21. Demonstrate an efficient valve drill with double tanks.*
variation and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.*
*Skills and drills 18-22 apply only to students seeking admittance into Tech or Cave training. These
students must perform skills 16-19 at a grade of 4 or above to qualify for registration into the Tech or Cave
curriculum (see 1.3.1 Outline of Diver Training).

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1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator
manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Students may also use a single tank/cylinder
with a K-, H-, or Y-valve.
2. Regulators: One of the second-stages must be on a 5- to 7-foot/1.5- to 2-meter hose. One of the
first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).
8. Wet Notes
12. Double cylinders with isolation manifold, and appropriately sized double-tank buoyancy
compensation device.*
13. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should consist
of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via a light
cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-watt HID lighting
or greater.*
14. Two reserve lights: Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a single attachment
at its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front bezel.*
*Required equipment 12 through 14 applies only to students seeking admittance into Tech or Cave training.
site.

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2.2 Technical Diver Curriculum
2.2.1 Technical Diver Level 1
2.2.1.1 Purpose
GUE’s Technical Diver Level 1 (Tech 1) course is structured to prepare divers for the rigors of technical
diving and to familiarize them with the use of different breathing and decompression mixtures. Tech 1
training focuses on expanding the fundamental skills learned in the GUE Fundamentals course (or
elsewhere), and is designed to cultivate, integrate, and expand the essential skills required for safe technical
diving. This will include problem identification and resolution, and building the capacity for progressively
more challenging diving. In this class, students will be trained in: a) the use of double tanks/cylinders and
in the potential failure problems associated with them; b) the use of Nitrox for accelerated and general
decompression strategies; c) the use of Helium to minimize narcosis; and d) the applications of single-
decompression stage diving, with respect to decompression procedures.
The class will focus on nitrox and Trimix as breathing gases for dives down to 170 feet/51 meters, and
provides an excellent foundation on which divers can build their technical diving experience and prepare
for GUE’s Technical Diver 2 course (Tech 2).
2. Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals using the equipment outlined in section 2.1.4.10, and have
demonstrated competence in skill and drills listed in section 2.1.4.9 at a grade of 4 or above
4. Must have a minimum of 100 dives beyond open-water qualification
5. Students participating in a Tech class conducted in a cave must be at least GUE Level 2 Cave
divers
2.2.1.3 Duration
The Tech 1 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours of
instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.

exceed 3:1 during any direct in-water training.
3. Maximum depth 170 feet / 51 meters
4. Dives should not be planned to incur more than 30 minutes of Unadjusted Decompression (see
section 1.4.10)
5. No overhead diving except by active GUE Cave 2 Level instructors while teaching in the cave
environment

The GUE Tech 1 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction designed to provide a working
knowledge of nitrox, normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix and decompression mixtures, including history,
physics, physiology, tables, and operational considerations.
Course requirements include ten hours of academics and eight dives, six of which will be critical-skill dives
and two will be experience dives.

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Initial dives will be conducted in shallow water to test diver ability and to fill in any deficits in skill levels.
The last two dives are to be Trimix dives at depth for experience.

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1. Physics
2. Pressure and gas-law review
3. Equations relevant for planning, mixing, and using enriched air
4. Physiology
5. Hypoxia
6. Hyperoxia
7. Oxygen toxicity
8. CNS
9. Pulmonary toxicity
10. Tracking multilevel, multi-dive, and multi-day exposures
11. Inert gas narcosis
12. Inert gas absorption and elimination
13. Carbon dioxide toxicity
14. Carbon monoxide toxicity
15. Hyperthermia
16. Hypothermia
17. Decompression illness
18. Accelerated and general decompression strategies
19. Decompression practices on air, enriched air, and Oxygen
20. Generic tables, computers, and custom tables
21. Introduction to normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix
22. Advantages over deep air
23. Equipment considerations
24. Stage cylinders
25. Doubles
26. Decompression stage cylinders
27. BC/harness
28. Regulators, depth gauges, pressure gauges, and hose routing
29. Manifolds
30. Surface-marker buoys and spools (for deco platforms)

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31. Computers and bottom timers
32. Exposure suit appropriate for the environment
33. Dive planning
34. Operational planning
35. Support
36. Teams
37. Team planning
38. Gas matching
39. Oxygen limits
40. Nitrogen limits
41. Emergency procedures
42. Omitted decompression procedures
43. Miscellaneous issues, including limited deco gas, out of gas, team separation, etc.
44. Procedures
45. Bottom and deco gas
46. Normal operations
47. Procedures for failure, loss, or inadequate supply
48. Gas mixing
49. Analyzing and labeling gas supplies
50. Line following

1. Reel and guideline use
3. Touch contact
4. Manifold operation and failures
5. Use of safety spools and reels
7. Pre-dive drills

2. Must be able to swim at least 400 yards/375 meters in under fourteen minutes without stopping
(This test should be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal protection)
4. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching as
appropriate.
5. Surface-marker buoy deployment.
6. Use of touch contact for limited and simulated zero-visibility situations.
7. Reel and guideline use.

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9. Gas-sharing scenarios, to include a prolonged gas-sharing event.
10. Demonstrate the effective deployment of a reserve light in under thirty seconds.
and/or silty environments; one of these kicks must include the backward kick.
12. Demonstrate effective valve management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in under
fifteen seconds and returning the valve to the open position again in under fifteen seconds.
14. Demonstrate proficiency with effective decompression techniques, including depth and time
management.
15. Demonstrate a comfortable demeanor while sharing gas without a mask.
16. Demonstrate dive-rescue techniques, including effective management of unconscious diver.
Differences between the management of unconscious and toxing diver should be noted.
horizontal while remaining within 3 feet/1 meter of a target depth. Frequency of buoyancy

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet
isolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Divers must also have access to one
deco tank/cylinder of 50-percent Nitrox.
be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide
inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).
One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gas, supplying a single second-stage and
pressure gauge.
In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate
to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.
6. Decompression tables

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9. Wet Notes
11. One primary reel per team, with a minimum of 300 feet/90 meters of line
or greater.
17. One reserve mask
2.2.2 Technical Diver Level 1 “Plus” Upgrade
2.2.2.1 Purpose
The Tech 1 Plus Upgrade is designed to allow the Tech 1 certified diver to develop their technical diving
skills and to progress towards more complex and advanced dives. The existing skills learned at Tech 1 will
be expanded to include the use of a bottom stage to either allow more flexibility for multiple dives, or to
allow longer bottom times. Students will be trained in safe gas planning and management strategies, failure
management and resolution and contingency measures.
3. Must have passed GUE Technical Diver level 1
4. Must have a minimum of 25 technical dives at the Tech 1 level.
divers
2.2.2.3 Duration
The Tech 1 Plus Upgrade is normally conducted over a 1-2 day period. It normally involves a minimum of
8 hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.

2. Student-to-instructor ratio is not to exceed 3:1 during any in-water training
3. Maximum depth 54 m / 180 ft

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section 1.4.10)
environment
2.2.2.5 Course Contents

The GUE Tech 1 Plus Upgrade course involves a minimum of eight hours of instruction designed to extend
the Tech 1 divers knowledge and capacity using nitrox, normoxic and hyperoxic Trimix and decompression
mixtures.
Course requirements include four hours of academics and two dives, one of which will be critical-skill
dives and one will be an experience dive.
Initial dives will be conducted in shallow water to test diver ability and to fill in any deficits in skill levels.
The last dive is to be a Trimix dive at depth for experience.

Florida.

1. Gas management
2. Equipment configuration
3. Decompression strategies
4. Contingency planning

1. Gas switch procedures
2. Failed/lost decompression gas strategies

2. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching as
appropriate.
and/or silty environments; one of these kicks must include the backward kick.
management.

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11. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with a bottom stage cylinder including ensuring that the
correct gas is being breathed at all times, and a proficient switch from the stage to backgas.
12. Demonstrate the ability to manage a failed or lost decompression gas scenario.

As outlined in 2.2.1.10
One bottom stage cylinder. This should be a minimum of 80 cuft / 11L capacity, and marked as outlined in
section 1.7.
One first-stage regulator for bottom stage gas, supplying a single second-stage and pressure gauge.
2.2.3.1 Purpose
GUE’s Technical Diver 2 (Tech 2) course is the second in a series of three courses designed to develop
technical diving excellence, building upon previously learned skills with a focus on extending essential
technical diving skills. Tech 2 training focuses on building diving proficiency at increasing depth, using
Helium diving gases with Oxygen-enriched decompression gases. These skills include: the use of multiple
stages; the use of Trimix; the use of greater percentages of Helium; gas management; Oxygen management;
decompression; accelerated, omitted and general decompression strategies; dive planning, and technical
equipment configurations. Course participants will gain experience working with a variety of different gas
mixtures for use as bottom-mix and multiple-decompression gases.
2. Must be a minimum of twenty-one years of age
3. Must have passed GUE Tech 1
4. Must have a minimum of 200 dives, with at least fifty dives on double tanks/cylinders; twenty-five
of these should have utilized a single decompression cylinder
5. Must have a minimum of twenty-five dives beyond Technical Diver Level 1 qualification
divers
2.2.3.3 Duration
The Tech 2 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours of

3. Maximum depth 75m / 250 ft
section 1.4.10)
environment

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The GUE Tech 2 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction, designed to instill in divers a
working knowledge of extended-range diving, including physiology, tables and logistics. Special emphasis
is placed on extended exposures and on their associated considerations (gas consumption, DCS, Oxygen
toxicity, and thermal concerns).
Course requirements include a minimum of six hours of academics, and eight dives, four of which will be
critical-skill dives and four will be experience dives. Four dives must utilize Helium.

Florida.

1. GUE organization
2. Limits of training
3. Course completion requirements
4. Review of decompression, gas utilization and risk, diving physiology
5. Accelerated, omitted, and general decompression strategies
6. Dive logistics and planning

1. Spool, reel, and guideline use
3. Gas-switching procedures and protocols
4. Bottom stage, and decompression cylinder use

4. Review procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator
switching (as appropriate).
5. Effectively and comfortably demonstrate the ability to deploy a lift bag/surface-marker buoy in
under two minutes while hovering stationary. Participants should not vary in depth more than 5
feet/1.5 meters.
6. Demonstrate the clean and effective removal and exchange of multiple stages and decompression
cylinders while hovering horizontally. The participant must be capable of removing and replacing
each of at least two cylinders in under one minute, i.e. one minute per cylinder.
7. Equipment familiarization.

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10. Demonstrate excellent buoyancy-control skills, including when conducting stage and
decompression gas-switches.
ten seconds and returning the valve to the open position again in under ten seconds.
and/or silty environments; one of these kicks must include the backward kick

isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Also required are a bottom gas
stage cylinder (80cuft/11L) and two decompression cylinders: one greater than 40 cubic feet/6 L
for Nitrox and one 40 cubic feet/6 L, or greater, for an additional deco gas.
inflation for a dry suit (where applicable). One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gas
and one first-stage regulator for travel/decompression gas; each one is to supply a single second-
stage and a single pressure gauge.
the placement of reserve light lights.. The system should retain a minimalist approach with no
In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40 kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate
5. At least one time/depth measuring device
6. Compass
9. Wet Notes
of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head via a light
or greater.

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14. Exposure suit appropriate for the duration of exposure.
15. At least one surface-marker buoy per diver.
17. Diver’s breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back
gas) dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air cylinder. Divers may not inflate the dry suit
from the back gas.
2.2.4 Technical Diver Level 2 “Plus” Upgrade
2.2.4.1 Purpose
The Tech 2 Plus Upgrade is designed to recognize the experienced Tech 2 certified diver to progress
towards more complex and advanced dives.
The existing skills learned at Tech 2, combined with post class experience will be recognized, and the
certification depth and decompression limits will be extended to reflect the students progression, allowing
the diver to execute dives to a maximum of 90m / 300ft, and to plan no more than 90 minutes Unadjusted
Decompression (see section 1.4.10). Divers will be limited to using a maximum of three stages or
decompression cylinders.
2.2.4.2 Course contents

The Tech 2 upgrade is an experience based qualification. Students wishing to obtain the Tech 2 upgrade
should provide GUEHQ with evidence of 25 dives at the tech 2 level. Depth, bottom time, decompression
time, date and location of dives, gasses used and team members should all be included in the information
provided.
Must meet GUE general course prerequisites as outlined in section 1.6
Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age
Must have passed GUE Technical Diver level 2
Must have a minimum of 25 technical dives at the Tech 2 level.
2.2.5.1 Purpose
GUE’s Technical Level 3 (Tech 3) course is the culmination of a series of three courses designed to
establish technical diving excellence and facilitate deep, mixed-gas diving. Emphasis is placed on
aggressive diving profiles, including advanced decompression theory, advanced gas mixture/management,
control over extreme exposures to Oxygen, and proficiency in the use of a DPV for propulsion at depth.
This course is heavily experience-based and deals mostly with the practical implications of deep diving;
divers are expected to be capable technical divers.

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3. Must have passed GUE Tech 2 and GUE Cave Level 1
4. Must have a minimum of 300 dives, with at least 200 dives in double cylinders
5. Must have at least fifty dives beyond Tech 2 training
2.2.5.3 Duration
The GUE Tech 3 class is normally conducted over a seven-day period and involves a minimum of forty
hours of instruction. Training consists of at least ten dives, of which six are critical skills/drills and four are
experience dives, as defined by GUE standards.


The GUE Tech 3 course involves a minimum of forty hours of class-oriented instruction (lecture and in-
water) designed to instill divers with an advanced understanding of mixed-gas diving. Special emphasis
will be placed on extended exposures and their associated considerations (dive planning, gas management,
DCS, Oxygen toxicity, DPV propulsion, and thermal concerns).
Course requirements include a minimum of six critical-skill dives (three days) with training in scooter
diving, multiple stage/deco cylinders, navigation, advanced gas management and advanced decompression
strategy; and four Trimix experience dives (four days) with practical implementation of critical skills during
deeper/longer diving.

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3. Beyond the Daylight Zone: The Fundamentals of Cave Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, Panos Alexakos
and Todd Kincaid, GUE, 2001, High Springs, Florida.
4. The Physiology and Medicine of Diving. Peter Bennett and David Elliott, W. B. Saunders
Company Ltd, London.

1. GUE organization
2. Limits of training and course completion requirements
3. Conservation
4. Logistical planning, project support, and operational planning
5. Advanced diving techniques, including scooter diving, use of multiple stage and decompression
cylinders, navigation, advanced gas management, and advanced decompression strategy


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3. Scootering protocols
4. Touch contact
5. Advanced navigation skills

4. Assess and review diving limitations.
5. Skillfully demonstrate gas-failure procedures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and
regulator switching (as appropriate).
6. Demonstrate the ability to deploy a lift bag/surface-marker buoy in under two minutes while
hovering stationary. Participants should not vary in depth more than 5 feet/1.5 meters.
7. Demonstrate good touch-contact skills for limited and simulated zero-visibility situations.
8. Demonstrate excellent reel and guideline use.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while managing multiple stages.
10. Demonstrate safe and efficient operation of a DPV.
11. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while piloting a DPV.
12. Demonstrate the ability to run/retrieve a guideline while using a DPV.
13. Demonstrate the ability to tow a diver with a failed DPV.
14. Demonstrate proficiency in DPV power management.
16. Demonstrate excellent buoyancy control skills.
17. Demonstrate clean and efficient removal/attachment of multiple stage and/or decompression
cylinders while hovering horizontal.
18. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced decompression techniques by: 1) explaining trends in
decompression tables, and 2) explaining how to manage decompression in the event of a lost
decompression gas.
19. Be able to explain how to safely carry out all decompression obligations, assuming the loss of all
back gas.
20. Demonstrate proficiency in navigation, using both a compass and natural navigation.

isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Divers must also maintain the use
of at least four appropriately marked decompression cylinders. Decompression cylinders should
include: one Oxygen cylinder, one cylinder for use at 70 feet/21 meters, one cylinder for use at
120 feet/36 meters, and one cylinder for use at 190 feet/57 meters.

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inflation for a dry suit where applicable.
Four first-stage regulators, one for each stage/decompression cylinder; each one is to supply a
single second-stage and a single pressure gauge.
5. Approved tow behind DPV
8. Survey compass and slate
12. Wet Notes
13. One reel/spool with 100 feet/30 meters of line per diver
or greater.
from the back gas.

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2.3 Cave Diver Curriculum

2.3.1 Cave Diver Level 1
2.3.1.1 Purpose
GUE’s Cave Diver Level 1 (Cave 1) course is a diver education program that introduces divers to the
underwater cave environment and to an appreciation of its subtle dangers. The course covers the basic
principles of cave diving and is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required for
limited penetration into the underwater cave environment. Training includes an emphasis on awareness,
dive-planning, teamwork, cave environments, stress management, navigation, conservation, standard and
emergency procedures, cave-diving techniques, and the hazards of cave diving. To qualify for this type of
instruction, participants do not need prior overhead training, but must be proficient with advanced
buoyancy control skills. Only very capable divers should consider this training.
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals using the equipment outlined in section 2.1.4.10 and have
demonstrated competence in skill and drills listed in section 2.1.4.9 at a grade of 4 or above
4. Must have a minimum of seventy-five dives beyond open-water qualification
2.3.1.3 Duration
The GUE Cave 1 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours
of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.

exceed 3:1 during any overhead diving activity.
3. Gas consumption: 1/3 of the starting gas supply should be subtracted from the total and reserved
for emergencies. Of the remaining amount divers may use up to 1/3 for penetration. This process
may be continued until divers reach the minimum starting volume of 100ft3 / 2832 liters.
4. Maximum depth: 100 feet / 30 meters
5. Minimum 30 feet/9 meters of visibility to enter a cave
6. Minimum 100 cubic feet/2832 liters of gas to begin a Cave 1 dive
7. No passages in which divers are forced to travel single file for a prolonged distance. (i.e.
approximately 10 ft/3 meters).
8. No complex navigation (jumps, traverses, circuits)
9. Allowed to navigate past one permanent intersection
10. Allowed to navigate “gaps”, a gap occurs where the main line ends and begins a short distance
later; normally this occurs where the line has reached another entrance/exit point
11. No planned decompression
12. No scooter diving

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13. No exploration
14. No stage-cylinder use allowed

The GUE Cave 1 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction (lecture and in-water) designed
to instill in divers an appreciation of the dangers, challenges, and beauty of the cave environment. Special
emphasis is placed on the unique challenges posed by overhead exposure and the identification,
management, and resolution of these.
Course requirements include ten hours of academics and twelve dives at a minimum of three different
locations. At least eight of these dives will be beyond the daylight zone. During flood conditions, this
requirement can be modified with the prior consent of the Cave training director.

Florida.
2. Beyond the Daylight Zone: The Fundamentals of Cave Diving. Jarrod Jablonski, Panos Alexakos,

1. GUE organization, limits of training, and course completion requirements
2. Conservation
5. Touch contact
7. Dive Planning
8. Gas management
9. Accident Analysis
10. Stress
11. Environment
12. Communication

1. Reel and guideline use in standard operating procedures
2. Team order and protocols
3. Use of safety spools and reels
4. Reel and guideline use in emergency procedures, including touch contact and gas-sharing
techniques
5. Lost-diver procedures
6. Lost-guideline procedures
8. Visual referencing skills

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4. Pre-dive planning to include:
• Assess and review diving limitations
• Dive plan review
• Equipment review
• Equipment familiarization
5. Navigation, to include:
• Visual reference
• Guideline use
• Limited and simulated zero visibility
• Demonstrate proficiency deploying, installing and retrieving a line marker
6. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator switching (as
appropriate).
7. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving techniques, including pre-dive preparations, in-water
activity, and post-dive assessment.
8. Gas-sharing scenarios to include:
• Breath-hold management
• Out-of-gas diver
• Gas-sharing scenarios, to include a prolonged gas-sharing event.
9. Use of various propulsion techniques.
11. Use of line-following techniques for limited/no visibility experiences.
12. Demonstrate the ability to mentally record depth, time and gas consumption during a dive and
apply these parameters to future dive planning
13. Demonstrate the efficient deployment of a reserve light in under thirty seconds.
14. Perform a lost-diver drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral
posture.
15. Perform a lost-line drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral
posture.
fifteen seconds, and then returning the valve to the open position again in under fifteen seconds.
17. Demonstrate proficiency with guideline management in the following situations:
• Simulated zero-visibility line following; this would incorporate touch-contact skills
• Efficient deployment of the guideline
• Efficient removal of the guideline
18. Show aptitude in resolving line entanglement where appropriate.

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isolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. Regulators: Two first-stages, each
supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One
of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where
applicable).
4. One time/depth-measuring device
7. One cutting device
8. Wet Notes
or greater.
14. At least six line markers, of which at least three should be directional (line arrows) and three non-
directional

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2.3.2.1 Purpose
GUE’s Cave Diver Level 2 (Cave 2) course is the second in a series of three courses designed to develop
cave-diving proficiency. This very demanding course seeks to refine the cave-diving techniques of divers
who have mastered the requirements of Cave 1. To succeed in this course, students must be practiced in the
fundamental aspects of cave diving and comfortable in the use of double tanks/cylinders.
The Cave 2 course builds upon previously learned skills, focusing on extending essential cave-diving
techniques. These skills include: a focus on environmental awareness, dive-buddy awareness, problem
resolution, stress management, and advanced navigation. This course is heavily experience-based, and
includes many practical, task-oriented skills that must be mastered before a student is competent to dive at
this level.
2. Must be a minimum of eighteen years of age
3. Must have passed GUE Cave 1
4. Must have proof of at least 200 dives, with at least twenty dives in double tank/cylinder
configuration; twenty-five of these must be non-training cave dives
5. Must be Nitrox-trained
2.3.2.3 Duration
The GUE Cave 2 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours

3. Gas consumption: maximum use of 1/3 of gas supply for cave penetration
4. No training dives are to exceed a depth of 100 feet / 30 meters
5. Minimum 20 feet/6 meters of visibility to enter a cave
6. Minimum 150 cubic feet/3950 liters of gas necessary to begin a Cave 2 dive
7. No scooter diving

The GUE Cave 2 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction (lecture and in-water) designed
to instill in divers an appreciation of the dangers, challenges, and beauty of the cave environment. Special
emphasis here will be placed on: the demands of extended overhead penetration, advanced navigation
techniques (including traverses, circuits and siphons), advanced gas management, restrictive passage
negotiation, precision propulsion techniques, and decompression risk, management and protocol.

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Course requirements include a minimum of ten cave dives at a minimum of three different diving locations.
During flood conditions, this requirement can be modified with the prior consent of the Cave training
director.

Florida.

3. Touch contact
5. Dive Planning
6. Gas management
7. Accident Analysis
8. Stress
9. Environment
10. Communication
11. Restrictions
12. Basic Survey Techniques
13. Decompression

1. Spool, reel, and guideline use in standard operating procedures
3. Spool, reel, and guideline use in emergency procedures, including touch contact and gas-sharing
techniques
6. Basic and advanced navigation skills, including gaps/jumps and circuits/traverses
8. Basic survey techniques


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4. Pre-dive planning to include:
• Assess and review diving limitations
• Dive-plan review
• Equipment review
• Equipment familiarization
5. Navigation, to include:
• Visual reference
• Guideline use
• Demonstrate proficiency deploying, installing and retrieving a line marker
• Limited and simulated zero visibility
6. Procedures for gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas sharing, and regulator switching (as
appropriate).
7. Gas-sharing scenarios to include:
• Breath-hold management
• Out-of-gas diver
• Gas-sharing scenarios, to include a prolonged gas-sharing event.
8. Demonstrate a comfortable demeanor while sharing gas without a mask.
11. Use of line-following techniques for limited/no visibility situations.
13. Perform a lost-diver drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral
posture.
14. Perform a lost-line drill while remaining calm and maintaining a horizontal attitude and neutral
posture in simulated zero-visibility conditions.
15. Demonstrate effective valve-management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in less
than ten seconds and returning the valve to the open position again in under ten seconds.
16. Demonstrate proficiency with guideline management in the following situation:
17. Problem resolution, including line entanglement, navigation in restrictive areas, and multiple line
management.
18. Demonstrate advanced navigational technique by completing at least two jumps and by
successfully completing a circuit and/or traverse.
19. Demonstrate a calm demeanor while sharing gas in simulated zero-visibility for a prolonged
distance.
20. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of a stage cylinder for the purpose of extending
penetration.

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isolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. One aluminum 80 cubic feet/10 liter
cylinder, rigged for stage diving, is also required.
inflation for a dry suit (where applicable). One additional regulator, with first and second-stages,
outfitted with a pressure gauge, and a 40”-inch low-pressure hose is also required.
the placement of reserve light powered. The system should retain a minimalist approach with no
9. Wet Notes
11. One primary reel per team, with a minimum of 300 feet/ 90 meters of line
or greater.
15. At least twelve line markers, of which at least six should be directional (line arrows) and six non-
directional.

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2.3.3.1 Purpose
GUE’s Cave Diver Level 3 (Cave 3) course is the culmination of a series of three courses designed to
establish cave-diving excellence. Cave 3 schools divers in the techniques necessary to sustain longer-range
cave dives. Training emphasis is placed on advanced cave-diving strategies, advanced gas management,
efficient manipulation of multiple-penetration stage cylinders, cave-survey techniques, and scooter diving.
Participants must be experienced cave divers who are dedicated to mastering the art of cave diving.
3. Must have passed GUE Cave 2 and GUE Tech 1
4. Must have proof of at least 300 dives, with at least 100 dives in the GUE double tank/cylinder
configuration; 100 of these must be cave dives with fifty cave dives beyond Cave 2 training
2.3.3.3 Duration
The GUE Cave 3 class is normally conducted over a seven-day period and involves a minimum of forty
hours of instruction. Training consists of at least ten dives, of which six are critical skills and four are
experience dives.

3. Gas consumption: maximum use of 1/3 of gas supply for cave penetration
4. No training dives are to exceed an equivalent narcotic depth of 100 feet / 30 meters

The GUE Cave 3 course involves a minimum of forty hours of class-oriented instruction (lecture and in-
water) designed to instill divers with an advanced understanding of cave diving. Special emphasis here will
be placed on extended cave diving penetrations/bottom times and their associated considerations (dive
planning, gas management, DCS, Oxygen toxicity, and thermal concerns).

Florida.

1. GUE organization
2. Limits of training and course completion requirements

Version 5.1
3. Conservation
4. Logistical planning, project support, and operational planning
5. Advanced diving techniques, including scooter diving, use of multiple stage/deco cylinders,
navigation, extended penetration, advanced gas management, and decompression strategy

1. Use of safety spools/reels
techniques
5. Basic and advanced navigation skills, including gaps, jumps, and survey techniques

4. Effective pre-dive planning.
7. Use of line-following techniques for limited/no visibility situations.
8. Demonstrate efficient deployment of a reserve light in under ten seconds.
9. Perform a lost-diver drill while remaining calm and maintaining both a horizontal and neutral
position in the water.
10. Perform a lost -line drill in simulated zero-visibility conditions while remaining calm and
maintaining both a horizontal and neutral position in the water.
ten seconds, and returning the valve to the open position again in under ten seconds.
12. Demonstrate proficiency with guideline management in the following scenarios:
• Problem-solving, including line entanglement, navigation in restrictive regions, and multiple-
line management
13. Demonstrate advanced navigational skills by completing at least two jumps and successfully
completing a circuit and/or traverse.
14. Demonstrate a calm demeanor while sharing gas in simulated zero visibility for at least 300 feet/
90 meters.
15. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of stage cylinders.
16. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while managing multiple stages.

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17. Demonstrate safe and efficient operation of a DPV.
18. Demonstrate proficiency in gas-sharing while piloting a DPV.
19. Demonstrate the skill required to run a guideline while using a DPV.
20. Demonstrate the skill required to tow a diver with a failed DPV.
21. Demonstrate the ability to mentally record depth, time and gas consumption during a dive and
apply these parameters to future dive planning
22. Demonstrate facility with advanced decompression techniques by: 1) explaining trends in
decompression tables, and 2) explaining how to manage decompression in the event of a lost
decompression gas.
23. Demonstrate the skill required to carry out all decompression obligations, assuming the loss of all
back gas.
24. Demonstrate the ability to manage failed regulators, first- and second-stages.

isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with a
minimum of 140 cubic feet/2250 liters of gas. Divers must also maintain the use of at least four
appropriately marked stages. Stage cylinders should include one Oxygen stage, one
decompression cylinder for use at 70 feet/21 meters, one cylinder for use at 120 feet/36 meters,
and one cylinder for use at 190 feet/57 meters.
inflation for a dry suit (where applicable). Four first-stage regulators for decompression gases,
each supplying a single second-stage and a pressure gauge.
5. Approved DPV
7. Survey compass and slate

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11. Wet Notes
or greater.
directional.
gas) dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air bottle. Divers may not inflate the dry suit from
the back gas.
recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site
2.4 Auxiliary Training Curriculum

2.4.1 GUE Doubles Primer
2.4.1.1 Purpose
GUE’s Doubles course is designed to prepare divers for diving a double tank/cylinder configuration using
proper equipment and techniques.
In this class, students will be trained in the use of double tanks/cylinders and in the potential failure
problems associated with them.
2. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
2.4.1.3 Duration
The GUE Doubles Course must be conducted over at least two days, encompassing both classroom and in-
water work. Course requirements include a minimum of 6 hours of academics & land drills and a minimum
of four in-water sessions; at least two of these dives must include a depth of at least 40ft/12m. Course time
should total at least 16 hours encompassing classroom, land drills and in-water work.

Version 5.1
exceed 3:1 during any in-water training, and should be adjusted downward to account for bad
conditions and/or poor visibility.
4. No decompression

Combining lecture and in-water sessions, this course focuses on cultivating the basic skills required. The
GUE Doubles course is focused on increasing proficiency with double tank configuration, through proper
control of the buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork and other GUE principles.
2.4.1.6 Training Materials

• GUE Doubles Presentation

1. Class Overview
2. GUE Introduction
3. Double Tank Introduction
4. Developing Diver Capacity
5. Tanks/Cylinders and bands
6. Manifolds
7. Regulators, depth gauges, pressure gauges and hose routing
8. Buoyancy and Trim
9. Skills overview
10. Pre dive sequence
11. Situational Awareness
2.4.1.8 Land Drills

1. Gas analysis and labeling
2. Valve Drill
3. S-Drill
4. Valve failure procedures
5. SMB deployment (review)
6. Backup light deployment (review)
7. Pre-dive sequence
8. Team positioning
9. Communication

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water activity and post-dive assessment
4. Demonstrate proficiency with required course equipment and an understanding of the GUE
equipment configuration.
5. Demonstrate good buoyancy and trim, i.e. approximate reference maximum 30 degrees off
horizontal while remaining within 5ft/1.5m of the target depth. Frequency of buoyancy variation
and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria
7. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver, followed by an
8. Demonstrate proficiency in executing a valve drill with double tanks.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to deploy a surface marker while using a spool.
and/or silty environments.
12. Demonstrate proficiency with effective valve management by first sharing gas with a team
member (as a receiver), then shutting down a valve and returning it to the open position.
15. Demonstrate proficiency with a primary light by using it during all skills except SMB
deployment.*
16. Demonstrate efficient deployment and stowage of a backup light.*
17. Demonstrate an efficient valve drill with double tanks.*
18. Comfortably demonstrate an efficient backwards kick.*
horizontal while remaining within 3ft/1m of the target depth. Frequency of buoyancy variation and
the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.*
*Skills 12-17 apply to students wishing to use the GUE Doubles class to upgrade a GUE Fundamentals
Recreational pass to a Technical pass. These students must perform all skills, including 12-16, at a grade 4
or higher to qualify for registration to the Cave or Tech curriculum.

Each student should have, and be familiar with, all of the following equipment:
isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages.
2. Regulators: One of the second-stages must be on a 5- to 7-foot/1.5- 2-meter hose. One of the first
3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimum padding, held to
a diver by one continuous piece of webbing. This webbing should be adjusted through the plate
and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end
of this platform and hoped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up on the divers

Version 5.1
back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should support
five D-rings; the first should be placed on the left hip, the second should be placed in line with the
divers right collar bone, the third should be placed in line with the divers left collar bone, the
fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing
gear. The harness below the diver’s arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the
placement of reserve lights. The system should retain a minimalist approach, with no unnecessary
components.
mounted and minimalist in nature. It should be free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material.
There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. In
addition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs/25kg for a single tank and 80 lbs/40kg for double
5. Wet Notes
6. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; it’s power source should
consist of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via a
light cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10watt HID or
greater.
8. One spool with at least 100ft/30m of line per diver.
9. At least one surface marker buoy per diver.
10. At least on time-/depth-measuring device with stop watch and/or seconds display
11. Mask and fins: mask should be low-volume, fins should be rigid, non-split
2.4.2 GUE Dry Suit Primer
2.4.2.1 Purpose
GUE’s Dry Suit course is designed to prepare divers for dry suit diving using proper equipment and
techniques.
The GUE Dry Suit course is designed to provide a diver the opportunity to develop proficiency using a dry
suit, thereby developing more comfort, confidence and competence in the water.
2. Must be a minimum of sixteen years of age
2.4.2.3 Duration
The GUE Dry Suit Course must be conducted over at least two days, encompassing both classroom and in-
of four in-water sessions; at least two of these dives must include a depth of at least 40ft/12m. Course time
should total at least 16 hours encompassing classroom, land drills and in-water work.


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4. No decompression

Combining lecture and in-water sessions, this course focuses on cultivating the basic skills required. The
GUE Dry Suit course is focused on increasing dry suit proficiency through proper control of the buoyancy,
trim, propulsion, teamwork and other GUE principles.

• GUE Dry Suit Presentation

1. Class Overview
2. GUE Introduction
3. Dry Suit Introduction
5. Dry Suit Selection
6. Undergarment Selection
7. Dry Suit Inflation
8. Cold water equipment considerations
9. Cold water dive planning and logistics
10. Buoyancy and Trim
11. Dry Suit skills overview
12. Pre dive sequence
14. Dry Suit maintenance and field repairs
2.4.2.8 Land Drills

2. Team positioning
3. Communication

water activity and post-dive assessment.

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4. Demonstrate proficiency with required course equipment and an understanding of the GUE
equipment configuration.
6. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver, followed by an
7. Demonstrate proficiency in executing a valve drill, including dry suit inflation if appropriate.
8. Demonstrate the ability to connect/disconnect the dry suit inflation hose.
9. Demonstrate the ability to manage a dry suit inflation valve that is stuck in the open position by
disconnecting the inflation hose and dumping gas.
10. Demonstrate the ability to connect/disconnect the buoyancy compensator inflation hose.
11. Demonstrate the ability to manage a primary inflator that is stuck in the open position by dumping
gas and disconnecting the inflation hose.
horizontal while remaining within 5ft/1.5m of the target depth. Frequency of buoyancy variation
and the divers control of their buoyancy and trim are important evaluation criteria.
13. Demonstrate proper management of a free flowing second stage regulator.

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use a single tank cylinder with a K-, H- or Y-valve. Students may
of this platform and hoped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up on the divers
back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should support
five D-rings; the first should be placed on the left hip, the second should be placed in line with the
divers right collar bone, the third should be placed in line with the divers left collar bone, the
fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing
components.
addition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs / 25kg for a single tank and 80 lbs / 40kg for double
Wet Notes
5. Wet Notes
6. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; it’s power source should
consist of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister powering an external light head via a

Version 5.1
light cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10watt HID or
greater.
8. At least one time-/depth-measuring device with stop watch and/or seconds display
9. Mask and fins: mask should be low-volume, fins should be rigid, non-split
11. Dry suit and undergarments appropriate for the duration of exposure
2.4.3 GUE Primer
2.4.3.1 Purpose
The GUE Primer course is designed to introduce students to the essential skills required for sound diving
practice. The course is non-certification; therefore completion of this class has no bearing on future GUE
dive training.
The GUE Primer is designed to accomplish the following goals:
1. Provide the recreational diver an opportunity to advance his/her basic diving skills, thereby
developing more comfort, confidence and competence in the water
2. Provide an introduction to GUE training while demonstrating the techniques necessary for success
in future GUE courses
2. Students that are not able to meet the prerequisites in section 1.6 are able to participate in the GUE
Primer Course, provided they obtain a physician’s written approval to dive and disclose this
information to the GUE instructor before the onset of training. Physician clearance to dive does
not obligate GUE or a GUE representative to clear a trainee for diving; this remains at the sole
discretion of the instructor.
4. Must be a minimum of fourteen years of age
2.4.3.3 Duration
The GUE Primer Course must be conducted over at least two days, encompassing both classroom and in-
of four in-water sessions. Course time should total at least 14 hours encompassing classroom, land drills
and in-water work.

4. No decompression

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The GUE Primer Course is a non-certification class, normally conducted over a two-day period, combining
lecture, land drills, and in-water sessions. The GUE Primer course is focused on increasing diver
proficiency through proper control of buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork, and other GUE principles.

1. GUE Primer Workbook
2. Doing it Right: the Fundamentals of Better Diving, Jarrod Jablonski, GUE, 2001, High Springs
Florida.

1. GUE Introduction
2. What is the GUE Primer?
3. Why this discipline?
5. Pre Dive Overview
6. Equipment
7. Buoyancy
8. Body Position
9. Trim
10. Propulsion
2.4.3.8 Land Drills

2. Body Positioning
3. Trim and Balance
4. Equipment overview & fitting
5. Propulsion Techniques
6. Team Communication

water activity and post-dive assessment.
2. Demonstrate awareness of team-member location and concern for safety, responding quickly to
3. Demonstrate a safe and responsible demeanor throughout all training
5. Demonstrate basic proficiency managing a GUE equipment configuration.
7. Demonstrate comprehension of the components necessary for successfully performing at least two
propulsion techniques that would be appropriate in delicate and/or silty environments.
8. Demonstrate comprehension of the components necessary to maintain good buoyancy and trim.

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1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use a single tank cylinder with a K-, H- or Y-valve. Students may
of this platform and looped through the waistband prevents the system from riding up on the
divers back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should
support five D-rings; the first should be placed on the left hip, the second should be placed in line
with the divers right collar bone, the third should be placed in line with the divers left collar bone,
the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while scootering or towing/stowing
components.
addition, diver lift should not exceed 50 lbs / 25 kg for a single tank and 80 lbs / 40 kgfor double
6. Mask and fins: mask should be low-volume; fins should be rigid, non-split
2.4.4 Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 1
2.4.4.1 Purpose
GUE’s Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 1 course (Open Water DPV) is a diver education program that
introduces divers to the use of underwater propulsion vehicles. The course covers the basic principles of
DPV diving and is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required for limited use of
propulsion vehicles. Training includes an emphasis on awareness, dive-planning, teamwork, environment,
stress management, navigation, conservation, standard and emergency procedures, DPV maintenance and
trouble shooting and the potential hazards of diving with a DPV. To qualify for this type of instruction,
participants do not need prior DPV training, but must be proficient with advanced buoyancy control skills
and high awareness level.
3. Must have passed GUE Recreational Level 1 Diver or GUE Fundamentals.
4. Must have a minimum of seventy-five dives beyond open-water qualification.
5. Must have a minimum of fifty dives beyond GUE Recreational level 1 or GUE Fundamentals

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2.4.4.3 Duration
The GUE DPV 1 class is normally conducted over a three-day period. It involves a minimum of twenty
four hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work.

3. Maximum depth 30m / 100ft, or the limit of the students qualification, whichever is shallower.
4. No overhead diving
5. Minimum starting visibility of 20ft/6m

The GUE DPV 1 course involves a minimum of twenty four hours of instruction designed to provide a
working knowledge in the use of tow-behind propulsion vehicles, and operational considerations.
Course requirements include four hours of academics and five dives, two of which will be critical-skill
dives and three will be experience dives.
Initial dives will be conducted in confined water to test diver ability and to fill in any deficits in skill levels.

1. GUE DPV Powerpoint

2. DPV components
3. DPV maintenance
4. Surface-marker buoys and spools (for deco platforms)
5. Towing a surface marker while using a DPV
7. Dive planning
9. Support
10. Teams
11. Team planning
12. Procedures
13. Gas Planning
14. Gas matching
15. Considerations for managing and stowing a DPV while not in use.

1. Proper position while using a DPV
2. Runaway DPV

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3. Use of Goodman handle while riding a DPV
5. Use of spools and reels
7. Pre-dive drills

4. Demonstrate proficiency adjusting buoyancy while using a DPV
5. Demonstrate effective use of compass and navigation
6. Matching speeds with team members
7. Towing diver with non-functional DPV
8. Demonstrate control while dealing with a runaway DPV
9. Procedures for gas-sharing, and regulator switching as appropriate.
13. Demonstrate competence with diver rescue skills.
management.

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator
manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Students may also use a single tank/cylinder
with a K-, H-, or Y-valve.

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5. DPV: The DPV should be of a tow-behind type. It should have variable speed adjustment, as well
as a clutch. The DPV must include an attached cord at the back with a bolt snap to be clipped on
the front D-ring located in the crotch strap, used to tow the diver. The DPV should also have a
leash attached to the front to be used for towing it in case it fails to work.
11. Wet Notes
or greater.
site.
2.4.5 Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 2 / Cave DPV
2.4.5.1 Purpose
GUE’s Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 2 (Cave DPV) course is a diver education program that introduces
divers to the use of underwater propulsion vehicles in the overhead environment. The course covers the
basic principles of DPV diving and is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required for
the use of propulsion vehicles in the overhead environment. Training includes an emphasis on awareness,
dive-planning, teamwork, environments, stress management, navigation, conservation, standard and
emergency procedures, DPV maintenance and trouble shooting and the potential hazards of diving with a
DPV and managing multiple DPVs. To qualify for this type of instruction, participants need prior DPV
training, and/or experience and must be proficient with advanced buoyancy control skills.

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3. Must have passed GUE Cave 2 or equivalent as outlined in section 1.9.
4. Must have passed GUE DPV 1 or show proficiency in the use of DPVs.
5. Must have a minimum of two hundred dives beyond open-water qualification.
6. Must have a minimum of fifty non training cave dives
2.4.5.3 Duration
The GUE DPV 2 class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours

3. No training dives are to exceed a depth of 100 feet (+/- 30 feet)/30 meters (+/- 9 meters).
4. Minimum 215 cubic feet/6,600 liters of gas necessary to begin a cave DPV dive.
5. During overhead dives no gas in doubles can be used. Only gas from stage cylinders will be used

The GUE DPV 2 course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction designed to provide a working
knowledge in the use of tow-behind propulsion vehicles, and operational considerations in overhead
environments.
Course requirements include four hours of academics and seven dives, four of which will be critical-skill
dives and three will be experience dives.
Initial dives will be conducted in open water to test diver ability and resolve any deficiencies in skill level.
If a diver doesn’t hold GUE DPV 1 qualification all critical skills need to be conducted in open water
before entering the overhead environment

• GUE DPV Powerpoint

2. DPV Components
3. DPV maintenance
4. Stage cylinders
6. Dive planning
8. Matching different speeds while using a DPV
9. Emergency procedures (to include: gas sharing, towing diver and run away scooter)

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10. Procedures
11. Gas Planning
12. Considerations for DPV while not being used
13. Towing a DPV
14. Towing stage cylinders
15. Line use (installing, following and retrieving)

1. Proper position while using a DPV
2. Runaway DPV
3. Use of Goodman handle while riding a DPV
4. Reel and guideline use
5. Use of spools and reels
7. Pre-dive drills

1. All skills and drills as outlined in section 1.5
4. Demonstrate effective use of compass and navigation
5. Matching speeds with team members
6. Towing diver with non-functional DPV
7. Demonstrate control while dealing with a runaway DPV
8. Procedures for gas-sharing, and regulator switching as appropriate.
9. Reel, spool and guideline use.
13. Demonstrate proficiency towing a second scooter and multiple cylinders
management.

isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with a

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minimum of 215 cubic feet/6,600 liters of gas. Divers must also maintain the use of four
appropriately marked stages. Stage cylinders should include one Oxygen stage.
In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs/40 kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate
5. 2 Approved DPVs (tow behind type)
9. Wet Notes
or greater.
directional.
from the back gas.
17. One compass

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site.
2.4.6 Rebreather Diver
2.4.6.1 Purpose
GUE’s Rebreather Diver course is designed to 1) educate individuals in basic rebreather technologies and
2) cultivate diver proficiency in the use of Halcyon’s semi-closed-circuit technology. The course assumes
that divers are not experienced in the use of rebreather technology but are very capable open-circuit divers.
2. Must be a minimum of twenty-one years of age.
3. Must have passed GUE Tech 2.
4. Must have at least 300 scuba dives beyond open-water qualification. Fifty must have been in
doubles, with twenty-five dives at the Tech 2 level.
2.4.6.3 Duration
The Rebreather class is normally conducted over a five-day period. It involves a minimum of forty hours of

exceed 3:1 during any in-water training.

The GUE Rebreather course involves a minimum of forty hours of instruction designed to ensure a working
knowledge of rebreather diving, failures and life-saving solutions. Course requirements include a minimum
of twelve hours of academics and at least eight open-water dives.

Florida.
3. Recommended rebreather training materials.

1. Purpose
2. Common components of the Halcyon RB80 and how they function
3. Inherent risks of rebreathers
4. Introduction to the Halcyon rebreather
5. Halcyon rebreather alarms and warnings
6. The physics behind a Halcyon rebreather

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7. Configuration
8. Halcyon rebreather physical design
9. Problem recognition and management
10. The importance of instinctive physiological monitoring
11. Pre-dive planning
12. Diving the Halcyon rebreather
13. Post-dive procedures
14. Need for continuing education and skill reinforcement

1. Flow-checks
2. Manifold failures
3. Gas-addition failures
4. Gas-sharing
5. Rebreather functions

1. All skills and drills as outlined in General Diving Skills, section 1.5.
4. An understanding of diving limitations.
5. Skill required to manage gas failures, including valve manipulation, gas-sharing, and regulator
switching as appropriate.
6. Demonstrate the ability to deploy a lift bag/surface-marker buoy in under two minutes while
hovering stationary. Participants should not vary in depth more than 5 feet/1.5 meters.
7. Demonstrate the ability to recognize, evaluate and correct floods, and then discharge excess water.
8. Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and correctly respond to simulated rebreather problems.
9. Gas-sharing scenarios to include breath-hold management for gas-sharing for at least 200 feet/60
meters.
10. Demonstrate effective valve-management by switching regulators, shutting down a valve in under
11. Demonstrate proficiency in removing/attaching stage and/or decompression cylinders while
hovering horizontal. Trainees must be capable of removing, replacing and plugging in a deco
cylinder in under ninety seconds.
12. Demonstrate the ability to comfortably switch gases using the gas-addition manifold while
maintaining good trim and neutral buoyancy.
13. Demonstrate proficiency in safe diving procedures, including assembly, vacuum and pressure test,
pre-dive preparations, pre-dive vacuum test, flow check, in-water activity, and post-dive
assessment and breakdown.
14. Comfortably swim for at least 50 feet/15 meters without a mask while diving, breathing on semi-
closed circuit.
15. Demonstrate the ability to safely switch between semi-closed circuit and open circuit; i.e., flow
check.

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16. Efficiently and comfortably demonstrate how to donate gas to an out-of-gas diver in multiple gas-
sharing episodes from semi-closed circuit, with one or more experiences to include a distance of at
least 30 feet/9 meters.
17. Be able to comfortably demonstrate use, manipulation and failures of the gas-addition system.
18. Demonstrate awareness of a team member’s rebreather function and a concern for safety,
responding quickly to visual cues and dive-partner needs during diving and failures.
19. Demonstrate reasonable proficiency with use of the rebreather during ascents, descents and diving.

1. Rebreather: Halcyon semi-closed circuit rebreather.
isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. The double cylinders must be
accessible by both the rebreather and the open-circuit regulators. Two aluminum cylinders of 30
cubic feet/840 liters or greater are required for deco gases.
One first-stage regulator for shallow decompression gas and one first-stage regulator for travel/
decompression gas; each one is to supply a single second-stage and a single pressure gauge.
10. Wet Notes

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or greater.
from the back gas.
3. GUE Instructor Standards and Procedures

3.1 Active Status Instructor
To teach GUE-sanctioned training courses, one must be a GUE Active Status instructor.
3.1.1 Maintaining Active Status

To maintain an Active Status instructor rating in GUE, instructors must:
1. Maintain a current mailing address with Headquarters.
2. Annually complete and submit an Instructor Renewal Form.
3. Own current versions of all relevant GUE instructor manuals and current GUE standards and
procedures.
4. Meet the standards required to teach a specific training category and/or training level.
5. Pay all outstanding debts owed GUE.
6. Be a non-smoker.
7. Log twenty-five, non-training, qualification dives per year. Qualifying dives should encourage
personal skill development by challenging the instructor’s comfort level while also facilitating
personal experience across the range of classes in which the instructor is qualified to teach. Half of
these qualifications dives may be varied across multiple environments and depths but should be
oriented toward enhancing personal skill development. At least twelve of these dives should occur
at the highest level of instructional qualification—e.g. Cave 2 instructors must perform
(minimally) twenty-five non-training dives per year, twelve of which must be at the Cave 2 level.
8. Complete at least one of the following training obligations:
• Conduct and act as the lead instructor in one formal GUE course.
• Attend, serve on staff, or lecture at one GUE ITC.
• Serve as an assistant, audit, or participate in three complete GUE-sanctioned diving courses.
9. Be current in CPR and First-Aid

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10. Instructional insurance: Instructors residing in the United States of America and/or who teach U.S.
citizens while maintaining American citizenship themselves are required to have Instructional
Liability Insurance, and must obtain it as offered by GUE or, obtain a similar Instructional
Liability Insurance policy. Minimum coverage: $1 million. Terms: Substantially the same as those
in the current policy offered through GUE (submit a certificate of insurance, which covers GUE in
case of a claim). Instructors who are covered by city, state, federal or private institutional
insurance must request, in writing, an exemption from the insurance requirement. U.S. military
personnel who teach diving as part of their military duties are exempt from the insurance
requirement but must apply, in writing, for the exemption and provide letters of exemption from
their commanding officers.
11. Maintain a good state of mental and physical fitness. In the event that any substantive health
changes occur, instructor members are obliged to refrain from both teaching and supervising
diving students, and/or divers, until such time as they can meet GUE leadership medical
requirements for diving.
With each yearly renewal, Active Status instructors must furnish GUE Headquarters with proof of
compliance with respect to items 2, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
3.2 Sustaining Status Instructor

Sustaining instructors are instructors who opt not to actively conduct formal GUE courses or act as lead
instructors, but who want to retain the option of doing so at a later date (subject to the provisions of section
3.5). In the interim, sustaining instructors retain their GUE instructor-certification status, are able to
participate in GUE forums (Quest and instructor e-mail list) and receive all GUE instructor information.
3.2.1 Maintaining Sustaining Status

To maintain Sustaining Status, GUE instructors are annually required to:
1. Maintain a current mailing address with Headquarters.
2. Annually complete and submit an Instructor Renewal Form.
3. Assist an Active Status GUE instructor in one formal GUE course.
4. Pay all outstanding debts owed GUE.
With each yearly renewal, Sustaining Status instructors must furnish GUE Headquarters with proof of
compliance with respect to items 2 and 3.
3.3 Inactive Status Instructor

Inactive Status instructors are instructors who fail to meet the criteria for either Active or Sustaining Status.
Inactive instructors are instructors who no longer conduct formal GUE courses, act as lead instructors or
assist in GUE courses, and who no longer pay instructor membership dues or participate in the benefits of
GUE membership. Inactive instructors must return their Instructor Certification cards to GUE
Headquarters.
3.4 Provisional Status Instructor

Provisional-status instructors are GUE instructor candidates who have completed an instructor evaluation,
but who in the judgment of their instructor evaluators (IEs) are not yet prepared to teach independently. To
be upgraded to Active Status, Provisional Status instructors must: (1) remedy shortcomings outlined by the
IEs; (2) be re-evaluated by a GUE IE to determine whether these shortcomings have been satisfactorily
addressed; and (3) have the unanimous written support of both GUE instructor evaluators.
Provisional Status instructors are not qualified to independently conduct formal GUE classes; an Active
Status instructor must always be present during such activities.

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3.5 Instructor Status Changes
Sustaining or Inactive Status instructors may change their status at any time by meeting the following
requirements:
1. If in Sustaining Status for under one year, instructors seeking to renew their Active Status must:
• Meet all Active Status instructor requirements
• Obtain a letter of recommendation from a GUE training director
2. If in Sustaining Status for more than one year, but under three years, instructors seeking Active
Status must:
• Assist an approved GUE instructor (see section 3.6.8) with one formal GUE course, and
obtain a letter of recommendation from that GUE instructor
• Submit a letter requesting a status change
3. If in Sustaining Status for more than three years, or if in Inactive Status, instructors seeking to
regain Active Status must:
• Successfully pass an instructor evaluation; needs unanimous support by two GUE instructor
trainers
3.6 Instructor Candidate Training Procedures

3.6.1 Description
GUE’s training curriculum is designed around a common training and diving platform; all GUE courses,
regardless of environment, cultivate a common set of concepts and skills. Nonetheless, GUE recognizes the
need for environment-specific practices, and requires that GUE instructors take Instructor Training Courses
(ITCs) in the type of diving they wish to teach before being qualified to do so in an instructor evaluation.
GUE offers Instructor Training Courses (ITCs) in: Recreational, Technical, Cave, and Rebreather diving.
Specific details and pre-requisites for the recreation, technical and cave ITCs are listed in sections 3.9.1,
3.9.9 and 3.9.13 respectively.
3.6.2 ITC Prerequisites

2. Must be a minimum twenty-one years of age
3. With the exception of GUE Recreational instructor candidates, all GUE ITC candidates must be
qualified as GUE Recreational diving instructors or their equivalent (e.g., GUE Fundamentals
instructors)
4. Must be able to swim at least 600 yards/ 550 meters in under fourteen minutes without stopping.
5. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 70 feet/21 meters on a breath hold
6. Must have submitted a completed application packet to both GUE HQ and the ITC instructor
before the commencement of the ITC; this would include: registration, medical history, liability
release, instructional insurance (where applicable), and a dive resume
7. Must have satisfied all GUE internship requirements (see section 3.6.8)
8. Must be qualified in CPR and First-Aid

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9. Must be a nonsmoker
3.6.3 Recreational Instructor Training Courses

Recreational instructor training develops instructor proficiency in training principles applicable to those
GUE courses not part of the Technical, Cave, or Rebreather curricula (i.e., GUE Recreational Diving
programs 1 - 3).
Instructor candidates who matriculate in a GUE Recreational ITC, and who pass a GUE Fundamentals
instructor evaluation, will be qualified to teach GUE-sanctioned courses at the level determined by their
evaluation (.g., GUE Recreational 1, GUE Fundamentals). Instructors may progress within their training
category to other courses (i.e., from Fundamentals to Recreational Diver level 1) in the manner described in
section 3.6.7.
GUE ITC candidates who are certified diving Instructors with another agency for a minimum of 1 year and
have conducted a min of 10 classes or certified 25 students may receive 2 signatures at the ITC and as a
result be certified to teach GUE Recreational 1 courses directly after the ITC.
Alternatively, instructors who wish to teach courses in another training category (e.g., going from
Recreational to Technical) must undergo an ITC and an evaluation in the manner discussed in section 3.6.6
3.6.4 Technical Instructor Training Courses

Technical instructor training develops instructor proficiency in training principles directly applicable to
those GUE courses that are not part of the Cave, Rebreather, or Recreational curricula (i.e., GUE Tech 1, 2,
and 3). Instructor candidates that matriculate in a GUE Technical ITC, and who pass a GUE Technical
instructor evaluation, will be qualified to teach GUE-sanctioned courses at the level determined by their
evaluation (e.g. Tech 1). Instructors may progress within their training category to other courses (i.e., from
Tech 1 to Tech 2) in the manner described in section 3.6.7. Alternatively, instructors who wish to teach
courses in another training category (i.e., from Technical to Cave) must undergo an ITC and an evaluation
in the manner discussed in section 3.6.6.
3.6.5 Cave Instructor Training Courses

Cave instructor training develops instructor proficiency in training principles directly applicable to those
GUE courses that are not part of the Technical, Rebreather, or Recreational curricula (i.e., GUE Cave 1, 2,
and 3). Instructor candidates who matriculate in a GUE Cave ITC, and who pass a GUE Cave instructor
evaluation, will be qualified to teach GUE-sanctioned courses at the level determined by their evaluation
(e.g., Cave 1 ). Instructors may progress within their training category to other courses (e.g., from Cave 1 to
Cave 2) in the manner described in section 3.6.7. Alternatively, instructors who wish to teach courses in
another training category (e.g., from Cave to Technical) must undergo an ITC and an evaluation in the
manner discussed in section 3.6.6.
3.6.6 GUE Instructor Training Progression

1. With the exception of GUE Fundamentals instructor candidates, all GUE instructor candidates
must first qualify as instructors at the entry level of a particular training curriculum (e.g., as a Tech
1 instructor within the Technical diving curriculum).
2. All GUE instructor candidates must first serve as interns/assistants with an appropriate GUE
instructor (see section 3.6.8) in at least one complete GUE-sanctioned diving course at the entry
level of the category sought (e.g., Tech 1), before matriculating in an appropriate GUE ITC (with
the exception of GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 instructor candidates). This requirement is
waived in ITCs were an entire course of the level sought is incorporated (e.g., a Tech ITC that
begins with a Tech 1 class taught by GUE instructor trainers and assisted by GUE instructor
candidates).
3. Before enrolling in a GUE ITC, candidates must furnish both their training director and GUE HQ
with documentation showing compliance with ITC prerequisites. ITC prerequisites pertinent to all
GUE curricula are detailed in section 3.6.2 of this document; additional ITC prerequisites specific
to a given curriculum are detailed in each relevant section.

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4. A GUE ITC is normally conducted over a minimum seven-day period and schools candidates in
the theory and practice of a given GUE curriculum and how to communicate these effectively.
5. Upon completing a given ITC, instructor candidates may either 1) be recommended for an
instructor evaluation by his/her GUE instructor trainer (IT) or 2) be instructed by his/her IT to
undertake further internships with a GUE instructor to correct some instructional deficiency before
they are eligible for an instructor evaluation. The IT may require that the candidate co-teach with a
specific instructor; alternatively, the IT may allow the candidate to gain experience with any active
GUE instructor.
6. GUE Fundamentals instructor candidates must demonstrate competence using a drysuit during the
evaluation process.
7. GUE instructor evaluation is conducted using the “signature” process. A candidate must obtain
the signature, or approval, of two GUE instructor trainers, one of which must be a GUE instructor
evaluator. The first signature awarded can only be awarded as an IT signature, and the final
signature must be awarded by an IE. For example, a candidate being evaluated for a first signature
may only be awarded an IT signature, even if the trainer holds IE status. The second signature can
only be awarded by an IE.
This evaluation process may take place at separate events. They are are normally conducted during
a GUE sanctioned course at the level requested (e.g., Tech 1). During the instructor evaluation,
instructor candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate all relevant course
material in a usable fashion while also demonstrating an ability to maintain control over class
participants, to help ensure their safety. Instructor Evaluation forms must bear the signatures and
comments of both instructor trainer / evaluators.
8. Upon the satisfactory completion of an instructor evaluation, an instructor candidate will be
considered an Active GUE instructor, provided that they: 1) have submitted all relevant documents
(enumerated above) to both GUE HQ and their training director; 2) have ensured that all their
instructional documentation is in order (it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all the
relevant documents are properly executed); and 3) submit a signed instructor agreement letter,
along with the appropriate instructor fee..
3.6.7 GUE Instructor Upgrades within the Same Training Category

GUE instructor candidates must first qualify as instructors at the entry level of a particular training
curriculum (e.g., Tech 1 instructor in the Technical Diving curriculum) before being qualified to teach at the
next level (Tech 2). Thereafter, GUE instructors may progress within a given training curriculum (e.g.,
Tech) by:
1. Having acted as a lead instructor in at least five GUE-sanctioned courses at their given
qualification level.
2. Having interned with an approved GUE instructor (see section 3.6.8) in at least two GUE-
sanctioned courses at the next level (e.g., in a Tech 2 course). Instructors pursuing upgrades must
secure executed GUE internship evaluations from the approved GUE instructor at the completion
of each course and submit each within thirty days of completion to GUE HQ.
3. By being successfully evaluated by one GUE instructor evaluator while teaching a GUE-
sanctioned course at the next-highest level.
GUE Recreational instructors wishing to teach the primers (GUE Primer, doubles and drysuit) must become
GUE Fundamentals instructors. No further evaluations will be required.
Instructors are not required to undertake additional ITCs within a given category unless deemed necessary
by a GUE instructor trainer. However, except for Tech instructors who wish to qualify to teach Level Two
Recreational classes, all other GUE instructors seeking to move from one training curriculum to another
(e.g., from Technical to Cave) must undertake an additional GUE ITC (e.g., a Tech instructor wishing to
teach cave-diving must complete a Cave ITC) and be evaluated successfully by at least two GUE instructor
evaluators (at least one of whom is a GUE training director) during the teaching of a sanctioned entry-level
GUE course in the new training category.

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3.6.8 Fulfillment of Internship Requirement
To fulfill GUE's training prerequisite, internships must be conducted under the supervision of GUE
instructors who have taught at least three classes in the given curriculum. It is the responsibility of
instructor-candidates to obtain all properly executed evaluation forms and submit these within thirty days of
completion to GUE HQ
In extraordinary cases where appropriate GUE instructors are either unavailable, or access to whom
subjects an instructor candidate to unreasonable duress, a candidate can petition GUE HQ to have their
internship requirement amended to allow the required internship to be carried out with a GUE instructor
who does not meet the requirements outlined above. Though GUE HQ in principle discourages this, it will
consider petitions on a case-by-case basis
3.7 Instructor Trainer (IT) Qualifications

3.7.1 Purpose
A GUE IT is qualified to conduct GUE ITCs in preparation for a final GUE instructor evaluation.
3.7.2 IT Prerequisites
1. Must meet all the requirements of an Active Status GUE instructor at the level that the ITC
candidates are pursuing. Must have taught at least five entry-level courses in any curriculum in
which they are seeking IT status.
2. Staff at least one ITC in any curriculum in which they are seeking IT status.
3. Must receive a “signature” from a GUE IE while acting as a lead IT at a GUE ITC.
4. Be approved by a majority of the GUE Training Council
3.8 Instructor Evaluator (IE) Qualifications

3.8.1 Purpose
A GUE instructor evaluation is the final check on the instructor-development process; they are responsible
for determining whether a candidate is able to autonomously conduct training safely and knowledgeably at
a given level.
3.8.2 Prerequisites
1. Must meet all the requirements of an Active Status GUE instructor and IT at the level that the ITC
candidates are pursuing. Must have taught at least five entry-level courses in any curriculum in
which they are seeking IT status.
2. Staff at least one ITC in any curriculum in which they are seeking IE status.
3. Must receive a “signature” from a GUE IE while acting as a lead IE at a GUE ITC.
4. Be approved by a 2/3rds majority of the GUE Training Council.
3.9 Recreational Diving Instructor Courses

3.9.1 GUE Recreational Instructor Training Course
3.9.1.1 Purpose
The GUE Recreational Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to teach instructor candidates how to
effectively communicate relevant course information in a safe and positive manner.

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1. Must comply with GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in sections 3.6.2 and
3.6.8
2. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals at the technical level or GUE Recreational Level 3 Diver.
3. Must have suitable in-water and surface rescue skills.
4. Must have proof of at least 200 dives, with at least fifty dives in a GUE single tank/cylinder
configuration. At least twenty-five dives must have been in a double tank/cylinder configuration.
5. Candidates aspiring to teach the GUE Fundamentals class must also have passed GUE Tech 1
prior to a final evaluation (see section 3.6.6, point 7).
3.9.1.3 Duration
The GUE Recreational ITC is conducted over a minimum seven-day period. This time period may be
extended if prerequisites or program requirements have not been met to the instructor ’trainer’s satisfaction.
3.9.1.4 Program Limits

2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratio is not to exceed 4:1 (adjusting downward for environmental
conditions)
3. No overhead diving
4. Dives not to exceed 21m / 70ft
3.9.1.5 Program Content

The GUE Recreational ITC is a comprehensive training program conducted by a GUE instructor trainer.
This program is conducted over a minimum of seven days and is designed to prepare an instructor
candidate for a GUE instructor evaluation, which is conducted at a later date as per section 3.6.6.

Florida.

1. Discussion and implementation of GUE course content
3. Conservation
4. GUE standards and procedures
5. Demonstrate mastery of relevant topics contained within GUE Recreational diver training

Discussion of land drills pertinent to GUE Recreational Training

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3.9.1.9 Required Skills (Academic and In-Water)
Every ITC candidate must be able to perform or demonstrate:
1. Prepared classroom presentations
2. Impromptu classroom presentation
3. Relevant land drills
4. Relevant simulated training dives
5. Simulated in-water emergency/rescue scenario
6. Any relevant diving skill at a demonstration level when asked by the ITC staff
7. A safe, effective, and personable approach to teaching
8. An understanding of GUE standards and procedures
9. A respect for the conservation of the environment
10. Proper in-water positioning to provide appropriate care for, and control of, students
11. An awareness of each student’s ability level

ITC candidates must be well versed in both GUE single tank/cylinder and double tank/cylinder equipment
configurations, with either configuration available as needed.
3.9.2 GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level 1

Instructor
GUE Fundamentals instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Diver Level 1 class:
1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2.
2. Must successfully undergo a GUE instructor upgrade and evaluation by a GUE IE.
3.9.3 GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Level 2

Instructor
In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.8, prospective GUE Recreational Level Two
instructors must also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE
Recreational Level Two instructors:
1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2
2. Be a GUE Recreational Level 1 instructor
3.9.4 GUE Fundamentals Instructor to GUE Recreational Diver Level

3 Instructor
In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.8, prospective GUE Recreational Level 3
instructors must also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE
2. Be a GUE Recreational Level 2 instructor
3. Be a GUE Technical Diver 1
4. Must successfully undergo a GUE instructor upgrade and evaluation by a GUE IE while using a
dry suit.

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3.9.5 GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Recreational 2 Instructor
GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Diver Level
2 class:
2. Must meet the requirements outlined in 3.6.7
3.9.6 GUE Recreational 2 to GUE Recreational 3 Instructor

GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Diver Level
3 class:
2. Must meet the requirements outlined in 3.6.7
3. Must successfully undergo a GUE instructor upgrade and evaluation by a GUE IE, during which
they must also demonstrate competence using a drysuit.
3.9.7 GUE Recreational 1 to GUE Fundamentals Instructor

GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Fundamentals class:
2. Must meet the requirements outlined in 3.6.7.
3. Must successfully undergo a GUE instructor upgrade and evaluation by a GUE IE, during which
they must also demonstrate competence using a drysuit.
3.9.8 Cave or Tech Instructor to Recreational Level 1 Diving Instructor

GUE Cave or Tech instructors seeking qualification to teach GUE’s Recreational Level 1 class:
2. Must successfully undergo GUE instructor evaluation by a GUE IE.
3.9.9 Technical Diver Instructor Course
3.9.9.1 Purpose
The GUE Tech instructor training course (ITC) is designed to teach instructor candidates how to effectively
communicate appropriate course content for a GUE Tech 1 course in a safe, usable, and positive manner.
1. Must comply with GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in sections 3.6.2 and
3.6.8.
2. Must have proof of at least 300 dives with fifty dives in doubles. Training dives are not included.
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Tech 2, and GUE Cave 1
3.9.9.3 Duration
The Tech ITC is structured around a minimum five-day period. This time period may be extended if
prerequisites or program requirements have been met to the instructor trainer’s satisfaction.


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2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratio is not to exceed 3:1
3. Maximum depth 170 feet / 51 meters
4. Minimum of 20 feet/6 meters of visibility

The GUE Tech ITC is a comprehensive training program conducted by a GUE instructor trainer. This
program is conducted over a minimum of five days and is designed to prepare an instructor candidate for a
GUE instructor evaluation, which is conducted at a later date as per section 3.6.6.

Florida.

2. Conservation
3. Review of GUE standards and procedures
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all topics relevant to the GUE Tech 1 course

techniques
7. Be able to demonstrate capacity with all Tech 1 drills and topics
3.9.9.9 Required Skills (Academic and In-water)

Each Tech ITC candidate must be able to perform or demonstrate:
1. At least three prepared classroom presentations
2. At least one impromptu classroom presentation
3. At least one prepared line drill session
4. At least three impromptu Tech 1 simulated training dives
5. At least one simulated in-water emergency/rescue scenario
6. Any Tech 1 diving skill at a demonstration level when asked by the ITC staff member

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10. Proper in-water positioning to provide appropriate care for, and control, of their students
12. Demonstrate full capacity with all topics contained within GUE Tech 1 diver training

1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use a dual cylinders connected with a dual-outlet
isolator manifold, which allows the use of two first-stages. All dives must start with a minimum of
80 cubic feet/2250 liters.
2. Regulators: Two first-stages; each supplying a single second-stage, one of the second-stages must
inflation for a dry suit where applicable.
4. Buoyancy Compensator Device: A diver’s buoyancy compensation device should be back-
mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs or other material.
addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40 kg. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to
the cylinder size(s) employed for training.
9. Wet Notes
10. One spool with 100 feet/30 meters of line, per diver
or greater.
15. Divers breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas)
dry suit inflation source, such as an argon/air cylinder. Divers may not inflate the dry suit from the
back gas.

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3.9.10 Progress from Tech 1 Instructor to Tech 2 Instructor
In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.8, prospective GUE Tech 2 instructors must
also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Tech 2 instructors:
1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in sections 3.6.2.
2. Must have proof of at least 400 dives with 100 dives in doubles. Training dives are not included.
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 1, and GUE Tech 2.
4. Must meet all upgrade requirements outlined in section 3.6.7.
3.9.11 Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Tech 3 Instructor
In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.8, prospective GUE Tech 3 instructors must
also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Tech 3 instructors:
2. Must have proof of at least 700 dives with 150 dives in doubles. Training dives are not included.
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 1, and GUE Tech 3.
3.9.12 Progress from Tech 2 Instructor to Rebreather Instructor
In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.8, prospective GUE Rebreather instructors
must also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Rebreather
instructors:
2. Must have proof of at least 500 dives with 200 rebreather dives. Training dives are not included.
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, Tech 2, and GUE Rebreather.

1. Rebreather: Halcyon semi-closed circuit rebreather
2. Tanks/Cylinders: Students are required to use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-
outlet isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. The double cylinders
must be accessible by both the rebreather and the open-circuit regulators. All dives must start
with a minimum of 40 cubic feet/1120 liters of gas.

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3. Regulators: Two first-stages, each supplying a single second-stage. One of the second-stages
must be on a 7-foot/2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and
provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).
4. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform of metal construction with minimal padding, held
to a diver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable
through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap
attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the
system from riding up a diver’s back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left
webbing tab. This webbing should support five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left
hip, the second should be placed in line with a diver’s right collarbone, the third should be
placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone, the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the
crotch strap to use while using a DPV or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver’s
arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The
system should retain a minimalist approach with no unnecessary components.
mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs or other
material. There should be no restrictive bands or “bungee” of any sort affixed to the buoyancy
cell. In addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs / 40 kg. Wing size and shape should be
appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.
10. Wet Notes
13. One primary light: A primary light should be minimalist in design; its power source should
consist of a rechargeable battery pack residing in a canister, powering an external light head
via a light cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/10-
watt HID lighting or greater.
14. Two reserve lights: Reserve lights should have a minimum of protrusions and a single
attachment at its rear. The light should be activated and de-activated by twisting the front
bezel.
17. Divers breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back
from the back gas.
recommended equipment can be obtained from the equipment considerations section of GUE’s Web site

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3.9.13 Cave Diver Instructor Course
3.9.13.1 Purpose
The GUE Cave Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to teach instructor candidates how to
effectively communicate relevant course information for the Cave 1 course in a safe, usable, and positive
manner.
1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2 and 3.6.8
2. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Tech 1, and GUE Cave 2
3. Must have proof of at least 300 dives, with 100 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or their
equivalent. Training dives are not included.
4. Must have completed teaching outlines as assigned by GUE instructor trainer
3.9.13.3 Duration
The GUE Cave instructor training course (ITC) is structured around a minimum five-day period. This time
period may be extended if all prerequisites or program requirements have not been met to the training
director’s satisfaction.

2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratios are not to exceed 3:1
3. Gas consumption: 1/3 of double cylinders for cave penetration
4. Maximum depth: 100 feet/30 meters
5. Minimum of 20 feet/6 meters of visibility to commence training cave dive
6. Minimum of 80 cubic feet/2250 liters of gas to commence training cave dive

The GUE Cave ITC is a comprehensive training program conducted by a GUE instructor trainer. This
program is conducted over a minimum of seven days and is designed to prepare an instructor candidate for
a GUE instructor evaluation, which is conducted at a later date as per section 3.6.6.

Florida.

2. Conservation
3. Review of GUE standards and procedures
4. Demonstrate full capacity with all topics contained within GUE Cave 1 diver training

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techniques
9. Demonstrate a complete understanding of all topics contained within the GUE Cave 1 curriculum

Each Cave ITC candidate must be able to perform or demonstrate:
1. At least three prepared classroom presentations
2. At least one impromptu classroom presentation
3. At least one prepared line-drill session
4. At least three impromptu Cave 1 simulated training dives
5. At least one simulated in-water emergency/rescue scenario
6. Any cave-diving skill at a demonstration level when asked by the ITC staff
10. Proper in-water positioning to give appropriate care for, and control of, their students
12. Demonstrate capacity with all required dive skills and drills

80 cubic feet/2250 liters of gas.

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addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the
cylinder size(s) employed for training.
9. Wet Notes
cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/ 10-watt HID
lighting or greater.
15. At least six line markers, of which at least three should be directional (line arrows) and three non-
directional
16. Divers breathing Helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas)
back gas.
3.9.14 Progress from Cave 1 Instructor to Cave 2 Instructor
In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.8, prospective GUE Cave 2 instructors must
also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Cave 2 instructors:
2. Must have proof of at least 400 dives with 150 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 2, and GUE Tech 1 Diver.
4. Must have experience in high-flow systems and systems that require decompression.

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3.9.15 Progress from Cave 2 Instructor to Cave 3 Instructor
3.9.15.1Prerequisites
In addition to the general requirements specified in section 3.6.8, prospective GUE Cave 3 instructors must
also fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified GUE Cave 3 instructors:
2. Must have proof of at least 700 dives with 300 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or
3. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 3, and GUE Tech 2
3.9.16 DPV Instructor Course
3.9.16.1 Purpose
The GUE DPV instructor workshop is designed to teach instructor candidates how to effectively
communicate relevant course information for the DPV 1 course in a safe, usable, and positive manner.
1. Must meet GUE instructor candidate general prerequisites as outlined in section 3.6.2 and 3.6.8.
2. Must be certified as a GUE Tech 1 diver.
3. Must be an active GUE Fundamentals instructor or above.
4. Must have taught at least 5 GUE Fundamentals classes.
5. Must have completed at least 300 dives excluding training dives.
6. Must have experience using DPVs during at least 50 dives.
7. Must have completed requirements as assigned by GUE DPV instructor trainer.
8. Own a DPV
3.9.16.3 Duration
The GUE DPV 1 workshop is structured around a minimum one-day period. This time period may be
extended if all prerequisites or program requirements have not been met.

2. Instructor candidate-to-IT ratios are not to exceed 3:1.
3. Gas consumption: 1/3 of double cylinders
4. Maximum depth: 100 feet/30 meters.
5. Minimum of 20 feet/6 meters of visibility to commence training dive.
6. Minimum of 80 cubic feet/2,250 liters of gas to commence training dive.

The GUE DPV 1 workshop is a comprehensive training program conducted by a GUE DPV Instructor
Trainer. This program is conducted over at least one day and is designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability
to teach recreational DPV diving.

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Florida.
3. GUE DPV Power Point

1. GUE organization, limits of training and course completion requirements
2. Conservation
3. GUE standards and procedures
4. Use and maintenance of DPVs
5. Procedures and emergency management while diving DPVs

1. Reel and guideline use while using a DPV
3. Use of safety spools and surface markers
4. Emergency procedures, including towing a DPV while gas-sharing
5. Managing a runaway DPV

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the presentation of course content.
2. Demonstrate capacity with DPV line drills.
3. Demonstrate the ability to manage students during DPV training dives.
4. Demonstrate a safe, effective, and personable teaching style.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of GUE standards and procedures.
6. Demonstrate respect for the conservation of our aquatic environment. 7. Demonstrate proper
control and in-water positioning so as to promote student safety.
7. Demonstrate the capacity for critical analysis of student performance.
8. Demonstrate capacity with all required dive skills and drills.

80 cubic feet/2,250 liters of gas.
be on a 7 foot/2 meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide

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addition, diver lift should not exceed 80 lbs/40 kgs. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to
the cylinder size(s) employed for training.
6. A wrist mounted compass
10. Wet Notes
13. DPV: The DPV should be of a tow-behind type. It should have variable speed adjustment, as well
as a clutch. The DPV must include an attached cord at the back with a bolt snap to be clipped on
the front D-ring located in the crotch strap, used to tow the diver. The DPV should also have a
leash attached to the front to be used for towing it in case it fails to work.
cord. Primary lights should produce the equivalent output of 50-watt halogen/ 10-watt HID
lighting or greater.
17. One surface marker per team
18. Divers breathing helium mixtures and utilizing a dry suit must have a separate (from the back gas)
back gas.

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3.9.17 Progress from DPV 1 Instructor to DPV 2 Instructor
GUE DPV 2 instructors must fulfill the following prerequisites before they are eligible to become qualified
GUE DPV 2 instructors:
2. Must be a GUE DPV 1 instructor
3. Must have completed at least 700 dives with 300 cave dives beyond Cave 2 certification or
4. Must have completed at least 50 cave dives using multiple DPV
5. Must be an active GUE Cave 2 Instructor who has taught at least 10 Cave 2 classes
6. Must have passed GUE Fundamentals, GUE Cave 2, and GUE Tech 1 Diver.
7. Must have experience in high-flow systems and systems that require decompression.

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Appendix A
Recommended Cave Training Sites for Simulated Low-Visibility
Drills
1. Cave Sites: Florida
•Cow Springs: The downstream section; no training dives are allowed in upstream Cow Springs.
•Devil’s Eye and Ear System: From the Keyhole out, and the first 200 feet/60 meters of the
Catacombs.
•Little River: From Table Rock out on the main line.
•Orange Grove: From the warning sign.
•Peacock Spring 1: From the breakdown room out of the Peanut Tunnel.
•Telford Spring: The section between Telford Sink and Telford Spring.
2. Cave Sites: Mexico
The following is a list of suggested training sites for critical skills:
• Aktun Ha (Carwash): Upstream to Luke’s hope
• Ponderosa; Left side River Run: Up to first 90 degree turn right. Right side River Run: Up to
cenote Little Joe
• Mayan Blue; A Tunnel: Up to second jump to Death Arrow Passage (third jump). B Tunnel: Up to
90 degree turn left before jump to E Tunnel
• Taj Mahal; Jumna River Line: Up to dome. Line to Room of Cheers: Up to first jump right
• Xtabay; Downstream line: Before Wizard’s Den
• Temple of Doom; Madonna Passage: No zero-visibility drills. Canyons: No zero-visibility drills
• Naharon; Double Domes Line: No zero-visibility drills
• Aktun Koh; Upstream: Up to second jump. No zero-visibility drills
• Chac Mool; Kukulcan: Up to first jump. Downstream: Up to first big room, 90 degree turn right.
Upstream: Up to beginning of cave line.
Additional sites may be used for training as long as no critical skills are conducted in them.
Lost-line drills should ONLY be done on the following sites:
1. Aktun Ha (Carwash): Upstream
2. Ponderosa: both sides of River Run, close to cavern
3. Mayan Blue: B Tunnel, beginning of permanent line
4. Mayan Blue: Dead Zone, beginning of permanent line on right side

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Appendix B
Approved GUE Forms
1. Course Completion Form/Student Final Evaluation
2. Student Certification Agreement
3. Accident Report Form (two pages)
4. Intern Evaluation Form
5. ITC Completion Form
6. Instructor Evaluation Form
7. Instructor Agreement (two pages)
8. Instructor Application Form
9. Instructor Renewal Form

Version 5.1

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Global Underwater Explorers

General Training Standards, Policies, and Procedures

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

3. GUE INSTRUCTOR STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES ...............................................................67

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

1.2 Training Philosophy

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers

1.3 Training Structure

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 2

1.3.2 Diver Assessment (Qualification, Provisional Qualification,

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 3

1.3.4 General Training Standards

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 4

1.4 General Training Limits

1.4.1 PO2 Limits

1.4.2 END Limits

END(m) = (((1− fHe) × D ) −1) ×10m

END( ft) = (((1− fHe) × D ) −1) × 33 ft

1.4.3 Breathing Gas Requirements

1.4.4 Parameters for Critical Skills

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 5

1.4.5 Issuing Qualification under Other Agencies

1.4.6 Teaching and Rebreathers

1.4.7 Buoyancy Considerations

1.4.9 Decompression Parameters

1.4.10 Course Size

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 6

1.6 General Prerequisites for All GUE Courses

1.7 Cylinder Marking Standards

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 7

1.8 Quality Control

1.8.1 Instructor Evaluations

1.8.2 Instructor Peer Review

1.8.3 Instructor Renewals

1.8.4 Instructor Re-Qualification

1.8.5 Diver Re-Qualification

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 8

1.10.1 Complaint Submission

1.10.2 Complaint Procedure

1.10.3 Penalties and Remedial Actions

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 9

1.10.4 Rights of Appeal

1.10.5 Executive Suspension of Membership

1.11Conduct Policies and Procedures

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 10

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 11

2.1.1.4 Course Limits

2.1.1.5 Course Content

2.1.1.6 Required Training Materials

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 12

2.1.1.8 Land Drills and Topics

2.1.1.9 Required Dive Skills and Drills

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 13

2.1.1.10 Equipment Requirements

2010 © Global Underwater Explorers 14

2.1.2 GUE Recreational Diver Level 2 - Triox Diver

2.1.2.4 Course Limits