Access Criteria:
Conditions for access are as follows;
1. Permit application: Apply in writing to dive at least four weeks in advance of trip to: District Manager Department of Parks and Wildlife P.O Box 234 ESPERANCE, WA 6450 Ph: (08) 9083 2100 Fax: (08) 9071 3657.
Application forms/indemnities can be found here
2. There must be at least one person on the trip who has been to the cave before, and is experienced with the access protocols, conservation measures, hazards and risks associated with the cave; and
3. All applicants must meet the CDAA rating and experience requirements as outlined in this document
4. There will be a maximum of 8 team members on each permit
5. A maximum of 6 permits will be issued in any calendar year, with a minimum 2 week ecological ‘rest’ period between each trip
6. The Cave will be closed to divers from 1st November to January 31st inclusive
7. All visiting groups are required to assist with the ongoing research of the bat population in Pannikin Plains cave by completing a Bat Monitoring form which can be downloaded via the CDAA website.
CDAA Rating, Experience and Additional Responsibilities
Site access coordinator: At least one person on the lawful authority notice must take accountability as the Site Access Coordinator. This person must:
1. ensure that all persons on the lawful authority have: a. appropriate cave diving qualifications,
b. appropriate SRT/vertical access qualifications
c. completed and submitted the relevant indemnities as required by State authorities and insuring bodies.
d. received practical instructions on the use of emergency equipment being used on the trip for surface to lake communications.
2. ensure all emergency/safety equipment identified in this document is in place, and a copy of the Risk Management Plan (RMP) and the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) submitted to Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
3. ensure weather patterns and forecasts are monitored on a daily basis. Where there are predictions of heavy rain or storms in the area, cease all in-cave activities until extreme weather risks have ameliorated.
4. complete the Bat Monitoring form to be submitted to the CDAA Science Officer and the DBCA upon completion of the trip.
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