El Proyecto de Buceo Espeleologico México y América Central was founded in 1982. The purpose of the project was and is the advancement of knowledge of water filled caves and related features in Mexico and Central America. Exploration includes mapping and surveying as well as a study of the geology, biology, and hydrology of each system. Founded by Jim Bowden, the Proyecto is a dynamic, full time, and privately funded effort. Multiple expeditions are lead into Mexico and Central America each year. In April of 1990, exploration was begun in five unique cenotes, fresh water vertical caves, located on the Rancho Azufrosa near Tampico. Among these is Zacatón, which at greater than 1000 feet [305 meters] of depth, is the world's deepest known water filled pit. More than 800 dives have been made in the cenotes, with 130 in excess of 300 feet [91 meters] of depth, and seven dives in excess of 500 feet [152 meters]. A new women's world depth record of 554 feet [169 meters] was established in 1993 by team member, Dr. Ann Kristovich. In April, 1994, team leader Jim Bowden dove to a new men's world depth record, 925+ feet [282+ meters], in his pursuit of the bottom of Zacatón. The goal to explore the cave in its entire dimension and to attain the bottom at greater than 1000 feet [305 meters] remains. Its achievement will continue to incorporate advanced and diverse underwater technologies including the creation and utilization of customized dive tables, computer technology, side scanning sonar, rebreather applications, and studies in hyperbaric medicine and physiology.