Equipment and techniques developed for scientific exploration of oceanic caves

Abstract

Underwater cave divers using Scuba gear to perform scientific research (including measurement recording, biological collecting, geological sampling, and photographic recording) must overcome several unique problems to attain their goals. The equipment and methods have been developed over many years, and have been utilized on many underwater research expeditions in such places as the Bahamas, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Republic of Palau, and the United States. Although these items were developed to meet specific needs and purposes, the potential for other ocean development/ measurement applications could be of interest to scientific and sport diver organizations and commercial firms.