cave diving and the nss - bei Swiss-Cave-Diving

54 CAVE DIVING COMMUNICATIONS 55
Bridging a gap
Begin by using the loop in the gap reel to install a line-to-line connection.
It is best to install this connection a few inches away from the permanent-line
tie-oft. This allows for a clean, unencumbered attachment of the gap reel to the
permanent guideline. After bridging the gap, respool any excess line, then lock off
the gap reel. Make two wraps around the new permanent line with the gap reel,
then clip off the gap reel in the direction of travel.
CAVE DIVING AND
THE NSS
Founded in 1941, the National Speleological Society (NSS) joins
together thousands of individuals dedicated to the safe study, exploration,
and conservation of caves. As a nonprofit organization affiliated with the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, the NSS promotes
a variety of scientific, educational, and conservation projects—including
grants and scholarships to professional and student biologists, geologists,
hydrologists, and archaeologists for cave-related research; purchase of
cave properties for the public trust; conservation studies, clean-ups, and
restorations; a nationwide rescue-and-recovery network; and a multitude
of publications concerning all aspects of cave science, exploration, survey,
cartography, photography, and physical techniques.
The first cave-diving information ever published in the United States
was in a 1947 NSS Bulletin. In 1948, NSS divers were responsible for
the first cave dives in the United States using scuba. In 1953, the Florida
Speleological Society (a local NSS subsection or "grotto") conducted the
first cave-diver training course, complete with written standards. In 1968
an NSS member authored the first American manual on cave diving. By
1973, in response to a growing need to address the particular needs of
cave divers, the NSS formed the Cave Diving Section (NSS-CDS). In
1983 the Cave Diving Section was independently incorporated and in
1987 was granted official IRS nonprofit tax-exempt status as a scientific
and educational organization.
The NSS-CDS has the largest cavern- and cave-diving training program
in the world, and is a leader in setting cave-diving standards for the
rest of the diving community. The NSS-CDS was the first to institute the
concept of cavern-diving training, and has certified more than 7000
Cavern and Cave Divers. In addition, the NSS-CDS has a comprehensive
instructor training program.
The NSS Cave Diving Section has also trained more than 500 Cave
Diving Rescue/Recovery Specialists. In cooperation with the National
Association for Search and Recovery (NASAR), the National Cave Rescue
Commission (NCRC), and the National Crime Information Center
(NCIC), these Cave Diving Rescue/Recovery Specialists are made available
to law-enforcement agencies that are affected by underwater-caverelated
rescues and recoveries. The team of cave divers is available 24
hours a day. NSS-CDS members have performed numerous rescues and
recoveries throughout the United States and at the request of several