Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Course

Sidemount Essentials

Sidemount PCB Diving developed from cave diving in the early decades. Lamar Hires, an explorer, was the first to use multiple tanks to reach places where back mounted divers were unable to. As the sport developed, sidemount PCB diving has become one the fastest growing segments.

Don’t just take our word for it…here’s why we are VERY PROUD of our truly 5-STAR experience…

Z90 Diving Systems —

This was an enlightening experience that I had with your online course. While I've had limited experiences with other instructors over my scuba "career", I can honestly say I've never seen so many practical, useful and deep explanations of how to become a better diver. I had difficulty with buoyancy control while trying to take my PADI AOW course. While I had limited experiences with instructors in my scuba "career", I can honestly say I have never experienced such useful, deep, and practical explanations of how to become a better diver. My buoyancy control was an issue when I attempted to shoot my SMB during my PADI AOW course. My instructor told me how to improve my buoyancy. He suggested that I just practice. He did have a good buoyancy, but didn’t explain to me how important proper weighting and breath control are. Your videos were eye opening. I was also surprised that none of my diving buddies understood why I wanted sidemount. Even highly-recommended instructors have questions about why I dive sm. It is what does it do? This is what cave divers do. I'm very glad that I chose sm. It is an entirely different world. While nobody really taught me or inspected how I do SM diving, I have been praised by others for my good trim. I learned everything through your videos. How to set up my equipment and how to exit or enter water. Also, how solve problems. I would love to have a training session with you, and we could meet. This is because I want others to be better divers. There are many outstanding instructors and divers out, but I'm sure your contribution is enormous and important to the scuba diving industry. I am grateful for this! Regards, Csaba read less

Steve, my pleasure! I enjoyed your Sidemount PCB Essentials training in Gozo. I can't think of anything better. It was so much of a lot of fun. Your passion and knowledge are truly amazing. You pay attention even to the smallest details, and you strive to make things better. I also enjoyed your Sidemount PCB Essentials program in Gozo. I doubt that I will ever spend more money on something better. It was so much of a lot of fun. It's amazing to see the dedication and your experience. You are attentive to even the smallest details and always strive to make things better. I love your enthusiasm for capturing details, new equipment, tips, etc. These can be added to future videos. Your online training videos, I must say, are amazing. They prepare you for all the necessary information during in-water training. In fact, I believe this is the key to the steep learning curve. The time spent underwater can be utilized efficiently. Steve, we are grateful for your efforts! Nils, Cheers

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Course

Side Mount Diving

Sidemount has never been something I tried before. However, from watching his online video training, it became clear that Steve was the ideal man to show me how and give me confidence about sidemount. It was an amazing experience, and I didn't regret it! It was truly life-altering! Sidemountpcb Essentials exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has patience, and... I was absolutely right! It was truly life-changing! Sidemount PCB Essentials was beyond my expectations. Steve is an excellent teacher. He's patient, hardworking and puts in a lot to every lesson he gives. Everything is planned and done with great attention to detail. It was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course completely transformed my diving. In such a short amount of time, my awareness level and skills were higher than I could have ever imagined. Everything is in place, including the harness setup, the weight amount, position, the cylinder trim, as well as your balance in and out of water. This will make you feel calm, confident, and allow you to experience sidemount setups that are truly comfortable. The course was difficult but enjoyable. Every day started with a planning session. Each day ends with a video review and discussion about the drills we performed in the water. The learning curve is high because we had a tendency to drain our cylinders whenever we were in the water. Everything was done in a relaxed atmosphere, with great professionalism. Steve will make this course easy for you. Steve will help to make you a better diver! read less

For items such as primary and cylinder lights that may prove difficult to transport, rental is possible. We will be happy to assist you if you have any questions.

Side Mount Diving
How much does a rebreather weigh

How much does a rebreather weigh

You can enroll in Tec Sidemount PCB Diver courses if you are at least 18 years of age and have logged at least 30 dives. You should also hold a PADI Enriched Diver certification.

Thank you Steve and Vas for your guidance. It is a mistake to not ask questions and explore options. This can stop the progress of safety and growth in diving. Your online trainings have been invaluable to me for over 2 years. I have trained my muscle memory and practiced it. But, most importantly, I never shut my mouth when asked by other divers... read moreThank you Steve and Vas for all your guidance. It is a common mistake to not ask questions and explore options. This can stop the progress of safety and growth in diving. Your online trainings have been a valuable resource for me for over 2 years. I have trained my muscle memory and practiced it, but most importantly, I never shut up when asked by divers. They now see a better way and the results are amazing. I have to say, however, that you were always willing to help me or explain the process in my two years of learning! Every opportunity exists to learn, teach, discuss and grow. There should never be any stupid questions when diving. I am sure that I will continue to open my mouth to ask more questions in the future. Lol

Dive Center

Sidemount PCB refers to scuba divers who have their diving cylinders placed along the diver's side, below the shoulders, and along the hips. As smaller cave sections can be penetrated, the tanks can be changed more easily. This was originally a popular configuration for cave divers. Diving professionals who perform technical wreck diving penetrations recognized the same benefits. To teach scuba divers in Thailand, we have highly-trained instructors.

I just want you to know that your online courses are top-notch. Every time that I log in, something is new. The incredible value that we receive from your website only increases when you go above an ordinary level to engage with our subscribers. We appreciate your time.

How long can you dive at 50 feet
How long can you dive at 50 feet

Sidemount PCB diving is now growing in popularity within the technical diving community for general decompression diving and is becoming an increasingly popular specialty training for recreational diving, with several diver certification agencies offering recreational and technical level sidemount training programs

Graduates may take part in sidemount diving activities after completing this course. However, they must adhere to the following restrictions:

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Manual

Sidemount is something I've never attempted before, but after watching his online training videos I was confident that Steve would be able to help me. It was a great experience! It was truly an unforgettable week! Sidemountpcb Essentials has exceeded all my expectations. Steve is a wonderful teacher and has a lot... read moreI've never attempted sidemount, but after watching his online training I knew that Steve was the right man to help me. I was right! It was truly an unforgettable week! Sidemount PCB Essentials has exceeded all my expectations. Steve is a wonderful teacher. He has patience and takes time to help his students. Every detail is meticulously planned. It was a memorable experience that I enjoyed. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course changed my diving. In a very short time, my awareness and skills under water rose to levels I had never imagined. Everything is in order: the harness setup, weight, position, cylinder trim, and your balance in water. You will feel relaxed and confident, and you'll experience true sidemount setup... with no back pain! It was challenging but very enjoyable. Each day begins with a planning and theoretical session. Then, we have a video review of our drills in water. Everything is explained in great detail. Our learning curve is steep because we had to drain our cylinders each time we entered the water. The entire process was performed in a relaxed, secure environment and yet showed extraordinary professionalism. You should not hesitate to take this course with Steve. Steve will show you how to become a great diver if you're passionate about Sidemount PCB. read less

Steve, thank you so much for your mentorship. The lack of asking questions and exploring all options can prevent you from progressing in safety and learning more about diving. I have been studying in depth your online trainings for two years and counting. I have trained and practiced muscle memory, but most importantly, I never kept my mouth shut when other divers asked... read onThanks Steve and Vas for your mentoring. The lack of asking questions and exploring all options can stop you from progressing in safety and learning more about diving. I have studied your online courses for two years and counting. I have trained and practiced muscle memory, but more importantly, I have never been afraid to tell others if they ask. It is amazing how they see the world in a better light. I want to mention that during my 2 years of training, you were always kind enough and willing to answer any questions or offer suggestions for improvement. You have the opportunity to ask questions, share your knowledge, teach others, and learn. No stupid questions are acceptable in diving. I'm certain I will ask another question in the future! Lol

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Frequently Asked Questions

A typical diver, at a typical depth, with a typical tank

Based on personal experience, an average open-water certified diver on a 40-foot dive with a standard aluminum 80-cubic-foot tank will be able to stay down for 45 to 60 minutes before surfacing with a safe reserve of air still in the tank.

332.35 m
Hello and welcome to the Officially Amazing universe. Ahmed Gabr. Ahmed, 41, of Egypt, has broken the record for the deepest SCUBA dive, diving 332.35 m (1,090 ft 4.5 in) in the Red Sea off the coast of Dahab.

from 130 to 148 feet
Those who are already decompression certified can immediately qualify for rebreather decompression dives. Individual training agencies set depth limits ranging from 130 to 148 feet (40 to 45 meters).