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The links to the left are some of the underwater cave surveys I've done or helped with over the years. I owe a lot to the people who help with these projects, otherwise maps would never be made. I describe the way I have done things and some of my experiences. As you read these, please keep in mind that these dives were done after I had acquired a good bit of experience and the judgement that goes with the experience. I had 100 dives before I did any surveying work at all. Looking back, I could have used a few more, with focus on the skills needed for surveying. I had 200 swimming dives before I laid a hand on a scooter. I thought it was more trouble than it was worth, so I logged another 70 dives before I purchased one. The only reason I got one was I needed a tool to get farther to continue a survey. The degree of commitment required to map a cave varies. Suwannee Blue took one day to finish, although it was a four hour dive at a maximum depth of thirty feet. Peacock III and Convict Spring took about a year to complete. Peacock I took almost five years to complete. Others, like Old Bellamy with less than ideal conditions and seasonal variations, are open ended and could take decades to complete a map. A lot of time is spent before and after the dive logging data and crunching numbers. I generally estimate it requires 4 hours for every hour spent surveying to record the data and update the maps.
A few of these maps can be purchased at area dive shops or directly from me at
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