Where is the primary tie-off typically located in cave diving?

The primary tie-off in cave diving is typically located in a dry area. This is crucial because placing the tie-off in a submerged location presents several hazards, including risk of losing visibility, difficulty in securing the tie-off, and potential buoyancy challenges that make it harder to manage the primary line.

A dry area allows divers to secure their primary line in a stable environment free from water currents, easier access for deployment and retrieval, and ensures that the line can be properly managed as divers navigate the cave system. Additionally, securing the tie-off in a dry area increases safety by providing a solid point to which divers can return and from which they can explore further into the cave.

In contrast, tying off in open water does not provide the same level of safety or stability that a dry area does, particularly because divers may have difficulty managing their lines when submerged. Therefore, the best practice is indeed to use a dry area for primary tie-offs in cave diving.