Etiquette In Cave Diving
What separates the human being from any other living creature is the ability to choose to put another living creature's interest ahead of our own. Consideration for other people is the glue that makes civilization obtainable.
In cave diving, etiquette is just as important. Below is a list of examples of cave diving etiquette/protocol. These are by no means all-inclusive.
When gearing up, talk to others getting ready and see where they may be heading on their dive. If they and your team are going to the same area, it may be a good idea to put some time between when the two teams enter the water. In any case, it's proper etiquette to stagger teams entering the water so everyone isn't piling up on top of each other entering the water.
If your team is entering the water and another team is ready to get out of the water, the exiting team has the right of way. Same holds true if you encounter a team exiting the cave as you are penetrating. The exiting team has the right of way. You should move to the side to allow them to pass.
Never place a line marker on someone else's primary reel unless it has been agreed before hand that the two teams are going to use the same reel. Also, when running your reel and you must cross someone else's line, always cross UNDER their line, preferably along the floor. Never cross your line over their line. It should also go without saying that you should never tie into someone else's line unless it has been OK'd before hand.
When passing an exiting team as you are penetrating, give them a hello or OK signal as you move to the side so you can be sure everyone in their team is OK and they aren't exiting under emergency conditions. They could need your help. In big tunnels, it's not necessary for your team to completely stop penetrating to allow the other team to leave, as long as there is room for everyone to pass. If there isn't enough room, then you should pull to the side and wait. Also, shine your light to the floor as the team passes. Don't blind them with your HID. This is especially important if the other team is videoing. Your light would cause a glare on the film.
Proper buoyancy control and finning technique are primarily for cave conservation. But it is also important regarding etiquette. It allows the buddy behind you to see something besides your silt cloud. It also preserves visibility for other dive teams that may be entering the tunnel later in the day.
If you and another team are penetrating at the same time, allow some space between the two teams so the front team doesn't feel rushed. Also, if another team is coming up behind you and they are faster than you (especially if they are scootering and you aren't), then move to the side and let them pass. If your team has stopped to resolve a non-emergency problem, then let the other team pass.
Never place line arrows pointing in the opposite direction than where the permanent line arrows already in place are pointing. You don't want to cause confusion for other divers. There is a potential for this when you make a jump, but entered the system from an alternative entrance/exit than where most people do. If you need direction confirmation, use a cave cookie. In addition, if you are ever in a tunnel and knock off a line placement or have to cut the permanent line for any reason, it's your responsibility to temporarily repair the line before you leave and notify the property manager after the dive of the need for a permanent fix.
Never disturb someone else's gear. If you didn't take it in, then it's not yours to mess with. Deco bottles at the entrance and stage bottles inside the cave are prime examples of this. Reels, line markers, and survey markers are a few other examples. Alternatively, if you find dive gear or personal items you truly believe were lost, take them to the property manager. If there isn't one, then post on the internet that some items have been found and try to get them back to their rightful owner.
Always be on your best behavior as a cave diver, above and below water. Good caves are hard to come by. Anything that could damage owner relations or taint the public eye of cave divers can get sites closed to everyone. This includes sneak diving, damaging cave, taking formations/fossils, digging out tunnel in hopes of further exploration without permission, etc.
In conclusion, just be mindful of other people. We're all there to have fun and get away from the hassles of life. Don't be a source of hassle for someone else at the very place they are retreating to. Your acting out can negatively affect another person's day. Dive safe, often, and with consideration.