Sidemount PCB staging: This is where the diver is setting up cylinders with tank straps, bungee, clips and special valves (left and right-handed). and is the practice of using sidemount configuration (bungee loops and/or butt-plate rails) as a means for stowing stage/deco cylinders in a streamlined manner against the sides of the torso, when otherwise diving in back-mounted doubles or CCR
Computer-assisted instruction is an integral part almost all of the courses we teach. The Why? The simple answer is that eLearning allows students to get in the water faster and spend more time there. This is why we include any applicable eLearning program -- typically a $140 value -- in all our courses at no extra cost. This is equivalent to an extra day's in-water training. This is what it's worth. Priceless.
TDI Intro to Technical DivingThe TDI Intro to Tech Course is an introductory course that expands on recreational training by improving dive planning methods, in-water skills, and streamlining existing gear configurations in a controlled and fun learning environment. This course is excellent for those beggining their journey into the exacting world...
It is possible to obtain qualifying certifications through other diving training organizations. Please ask your Tec Sidemount PCB Instructor.
Stage-only diving is the use of standard deco/stage cylinder configuration, without back-mounted cylinders, on an otherwise standard, or partly modified tec/rec BCD. The lower cylinder is attached to waist D-Rings and the upper cylinder to shoulder D-Rings, both via direct bolt-snap. Some divers (untrained in specific sidemount diving techniques) often incorrectly assume this approach to be sidemount diving. No bungee cord is utilised in the upper attachment, causing the cylinders to hang low beneath the diver and not in line (parallel) with their torso beneath their armpits. Without change of the BCD design, the lack of back-mounted cylinders also causes taco’ing of wing designs and much instability.
Sidemount PCB Harness (or Sidemount Harness): This special Harness is similar to a BCD and is extremely light-weight. This harness includes several D-rings on the shoulder straps as well as a Buttplate with rings or sliders.
Sidemount PCB gear configuration offers an alternative to the traditional back mounted scuba cylinder(s) configuration. The NAUI Sidemount PCB Diver course provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct open water dives utilizing this particular gear configuration. Upon successful completion divers will be competent to use sidemount gear configuration in additional training and diving opportunities.
Sidemount PCB Diving courses are an excellent stand-alone course that technical divers can take if they want to improve their skills and proficiency with various gear configurations. This course can also be taught alongside any other open-circuit specialty courses offered by TDI, provided that all requirements and standards are met.
I just want to say, your online training is top notch. I learn something every time I log in. The fact that you go above and beyond to engage with your subscribers only adds to the already incredible value we get from your site. Thank you very much for your time.
Steve, I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing online Sidemount PCB training. My PADI Sidemount PCB training was last year. However, I felt that my XDeep harness setup was not as streamlined as I would like. Although the instructor was excellent, I could see that he didn't live and breathe sidemount. I had already signed up for your free course, which was very helpful. But... read moreSteve, I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing online Sidemount PCB training course. My PADI Sidemount PCB training was last year. However, I felt that my XDeep harness wasn't streamlined the way I wanted. Although the instructor was excellent, I could see that he didn't live sidemount. Your free course system was very helpful, but you left wanting more. I will be attending my Overhead Environment training in Florida this November and wanted to ensure that my setup and skills were up-to-date. I watched your entire online course (WOW). Your recommendations helped me to rebuild my XDeep harness. Your setup helped me re-do my entire bungee system and all my attachment points. I feel that my setup is correct and it feels very comfortable in the water. Again, thank you. Next, I will continue to improve my skills. It is much easier now that my harness has been properly set up. Your training was a great investment. I wish I had done it a year ago. Please take care, and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less
The course will require the same equipment, as you will need it for your technical diving and cave training. This includes:
Also, the SDI Sidemount PCB Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Development program.
If you're at the age of 18 and have logged at minimum 30 dives, you can apply for a Tec SIDEMOUNT PCB Diver course. It is highly recommended to also have a PADI Enriched A Diver certification.
If you're a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 30 logged dives, you qualify to enroll in a Tec Sidemount PCB Diver course. It's recommended that you also have a PADI Enriched Air Diver certification.
You must be a PADI Open Water Diver to enroll in the PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver course, but you must also be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver to become a PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver. Have at least 30 dives under your belt.
2-3 hours
Even with small cylinders, you can usually dive for 2-3 hours (rebreathers typically have two 2/3l cylinders or one 3/5l cylinder).
PADI Adventure Diver is a subset of PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. Have you ever considered trying your hand at digital underwater photography, fish identification, or dry suit diving? During this program, you can participate in a variety of scuba adventures.