In Poland most caves are situated in either national or landscape parks, where according to regulation concerning conservation of nature tourism is liable to some restriction. Thus cave exploration and visiting are possible after receiving permission from local authorities. Scientists conducting research under the auspices of various scientific institutions can apply for relevant permits. The same regulation applies to cavers, speleologists, mountaineers and so on, under the agreement between Polish Mountaineering Association (PMA, in Polish Polski Związek Alpinizmu) and national park authorities. Permits concerning research are seasonal and are limited to particular caves or cave areas. After research is complated a written report with the research results should be submitted in order to enrich the scientific description of the subject. Permits for tourism, recreation or sport activity are issued individually after an application by a caving club associated in PMA is submitted. The leader of an expedition is responsible for its proper conduct. He is also responsible for any breach of regulations concerning conservation of nature. Foreign tourists can do caving only after receiving a special permit for each group. They are also allowed to cooperate with a Polish caving club, which in this case takes in full responsibility for all the members of an expedition. Those regulations do not apply to caves situated outside protected areas.

In Poland you can become a caver if you are over 18, in good health condition and after completing a special course. During the course you are taught caving techniques, safe mountaineering, climbing and general knowledge concerning geology, cartography, topography and first aid. The graduates are given speleological license that entitles them to apply to local authorities and national park managements for caving permissions.

Cavers are associated in clubs. You can become a member of a club without a special license. However, the sole membership of the club does not entitle you to caving activities. The number of members in particular clubs varies from a dozen or so up to almost two hundred. It does not mean however that all members are active to the same degree. The membership of a club does not oblige you to any sport activities, it only means you can identify yourself with a particular group. The exact number of associated members is not known as it varies with years. It is currently estimated at about eight hundred cavers.

Cavers are associated in 23 clubs, which along with climbers are subordinate to Polish Mountaineering Association, the member of UIAA and UIS. The management appointed every three years by all associated clubs representatives represents PMA. The role of PMA is rather that of representative. It decides on general rules of any sport activities in Polish mountains, supervises training courses and takes care of safety rules. PMA does not influence the clubs activity. PMA has some financial means and it sometimes supports some projects, such as expeditions, trainings, and editorial activities. Generally, as regards financing, the clubs rely on their members’ fees and sponsoring. The members themselves also do some jobs for their clubs. PMA includes Caving Commission that is also appointed by the representatives of all associated cavers for the period of three years. The Commission represents cavers and protects their interests before PMA, runs courses for caving instructors, coordinates joint clubs activities and maintains contacts with Polish and international caving and mountain organizations.

Currently, a quarterly for cavers titled „Jaskinie” (The Caves) is published in Poland (see back cover). It covers the newest information on Polish caving activities, both in the country and abroad. The magazine is published in Polish with short English summaries.