What is the maximum recommended duration for a cavern dive?

The maximum recommended duration for a cavern dive is best guided by planning rather than a strict time limit. This approach emphasizes the importance of assessing the specific dive conditions, the diver's experience level, and the dive plan itself, which includes factors like the depth of the dive, the complexity of the environment, and the necessity of maintaining a safe ascent and exit strategy.

A weighty focus on planning allows divers to take into account their air consumption rates, potential decompression obligations, and any contingencies that may arise during the dive. For instance, if a diver is in a situation where they are using air rapidly due to stress or environmental conditions, having a plan helps them make informed decisions about the dive duration.

The other options imply a fixed duration that does not account for the variability of conditions divers may encounter. Establishing a recommended duration based solely on conditions, air management, or air supply does not incorporate the comprehensive assessment required to conduct a safe cavern dive. Therefore, a planning-based approach offers a flexible, situationally aware strategy that promotes safety and enables divers to make informed decisions during their underwater exploration.