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How to use Dive ReelsDive reels are handy little devices that are good for everything from running search patterns to controlling lift Bags, but their most often used for cave diving. 
First you need to understand why cave divers run line. Cave divers have to be very careful not to kick up too much silt when diving. If they do, there’s not a dive light in the world powerful enough to punch through the muck that’ll fill the cave system. In addition, there’s also a slight possibility that a diver’s primary and back up lights could fail simultaneously. If either of these events occurs, then our hero could be stuck in a pitch-black labyrinth with little hope of making it out alive. Had the diver been running line from a dive reel, they could have found their way to safety. 
The first thing you need to do is find something in open water to tie your line to. This usually ends up being a tree branch or something similar.In the event of a silt out, you’ll know that once you reach this point it’s a straight line to the surface. The next thing you need to do is tie the line again to a tree stump or an outcropping located 3 to 5 meters inside the cave opening. This is just an added precaution in case another diver screws with your first tie down. Now that you’re line is properly secure, you’re ready to explore. Three things that require you to secure line.There are three things that you need to be on the lookout for when you’re moving through the cave system.They are depth changes, turns and cracks and ledges. You’ll need to secure your line before and after one of these items. I can’t tell you how many times I thought I was at the same depth only to look behind me and see that my line had buried itself because I was on a gradual down slope. Your line could just as easily disappear into a crack or be locked uselessly against the wall if you fail to tie it off at a turn. For the most part, these tie offs are pretty easy. You just need to find a secure piece of debris on the ground or a little outcropping along the wall. Loop the line around the outcropping and add a little twist at the end of the line so it stays in one continuous strand. If you ever want to check to make sure your tie offs are correct, you can secure your reel to an outcropping and go back over your line with your eyes closed. Is the line easy to follow? Do you lose your line at the tie offs? It takes some practice, but it’s definitely an important skill. 
Dive reels can be incredibly useful tools.If you’re interested in learning more, there are several professional dive associations that specialise in the technical aspects of diving. Chances are if your dive instructor isn’t certified to teach cave diving, he or she knows someone who is. Once you’ve mastered the basics of diving, branch out and try some specialties! Who knows? Cave diving may be right up your alley! For some more scuba accessories, have a look here. Return to Underwater Diving Equipment Home Page.
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