ASF Cave Diving Group

ASF cave divers, in small groups, have been active within their respective ASF Caving Clubs since 1952. In 1957 the ASF appointed Sydney Speleological Society (SSS) president and diver Ben Nurse to oversee its cave diving projects.

The ASF Cave Diving Group formed in 2000 to facilitate the exchange of information between these cave diving groups and is the representative body for ASF cave divers in Australia. The main activities are exploration and supporting the many areas of cave related sciences. The ASF-CDG does not train divers. Cave qualified divers submit a membership request to the Commissioner. If successful they are assessed in various cave diving environments by experienced members. Overseas divers are welcome and can participate in expeditions as visitors.

The relevant codes, membership information and links to other organisations can be obtained from the DOWNLOADS section.

Latest News

21 Feb 2025:

The last few years has seen some exploration cave diving in Australia’s northern regions. There is potential in these regions to rival the Nullarbor Plain.

In January this year the 33rd ASF Bi-annual Conference was held at Buchan, Victoria. This year there were several presentations centered on cave diving in N.S.W. and Victoria. Stephen Fordyce conducted a cave diving display in the AE Lind swimming pool at the Buchan Caves Reserve. A diving themed museum display containing some of the historical diving equipment the ASF Library/Museum holds was also popular. Six new photos in the Gallery showing ASF Conference and Chillagoe, QLD cave diving.

4th Jul 2023:

The 32nd ASF Conference at Ceduna was finally held in April this year. Some historical cave diving equipment and posters were on display in the ASF Library/Museum display.

Tasmanian cave diving has been going full on with some record breaking dives.

Underwater Drones are being used with mixed results. Still need a diver to rescue them when they get stuck or entangled in the dive line.
Four new photos in the Gallery showing ASF Conference display and Underwater Drones in action.

27th Feb 2022:

The last couple of years has been chaotic for cave diving in Australia. Fire emergencies, floods and border closures due to COVID have all but halted most cave diving exploration projects, not only in Australia but on overseas projects as well. There have been two attempts at running the ASF Bi-Annual Conference at Ceduna, South Australia but both dates including post conference cave diving Nullarbor trips have been postponed. It has been rescheduled for April 2023.

14th Dec 2020:

Two new photos in NSW Gallery, Three new Trip Reports added, Vaughan-Taylor and OBrien in NSW, Eberhard in Tasmania.

27th September 2020

The ASF CDG website is now up and running - welcome!

Title photo is of John Dalla-Zuanna in Kija Blue Sinkhole, Western Australia, photo by Richard Harris.