They are not issued unless earned. Not just taking part in the course does NOT guarantee certification. For cave courses certification cards may be available from multiple training agencies. C-cards can be purchased for around $30 depending on the agency. An instructor will be able to tell you more.
The cylinders are lightweight and easy to carry, with no steel or aluminum back plates.
Steve/Vas Your instructor series is incredible. Let me be the one to confirm what you said. It is easy to learn SM from watching videos like I have. However, I did have to sacrifice my learning curve in order to avoid having to rely on SM essentials instructors. To become proficient in AL80s took almost a full year. I then... Read moreSteve/Vas your instructor series was phenomenal. Let me be the one to confirm what you said. Watching videos like mine can help you learn SM. I did have to sacrifice my learning curve and compromise without a SM essentials instructor. I took almost a full year to become proficient with AL80s. After that, I took my first level in tech diving and informed my instructor that I was learning it in SM mode. He responded by saying that I learned the technique myself. Depending on how I did on dive 1, he may have to teach me SM workshops. After the first dive, he stated that "there's no reason for you not to take a course with me". Your online training was spot-on, but if I could do it over again, Joe Seda would be my first choice. I'm going to take the course with Joe Seda in the near future. Regards Tony read less
Technical diving is a multi-tank sport. Sidemount PCB is a popular way to set up multiple cylinders for technical dive. The Tec Sidemount PCB Diver course will allow you to enter the world of tec dive and then apply the knowledge to other TecRec courses. This course may be integrated with the Tec 40 or Tec 45 courses by your instructor.
Sidemount PCB divers are increasingly becoming popular among technical divers. This is a great option for recreational and technical decompression diving.
I have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The sidemountpcb Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and... read moreI have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The Sidemount PCB Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and puts a lot of time and effort in everything he does with his students. Everything is planned and worked with great detail. I found it a memorable and a rewarding experience. The Sidemount PCB Essentials Course transformed my diving. My awareness and skills level under water raised where I never expected in such a short period of time. Everything is in the right place... the harness set up, the weight amount and position, the cylinder trim and your balance in the water. This makes you feel very relaxed, confident and experience the true sidemount set up... and no back pain!!! ?? The course was very demanding yet very enjoyable. Every day starts with a theoretical and planning session and ends with a video review about our drills in the water where everything is discussed in great detail. We drained our cylinders every time we went into the water and that's why our learning curve is so high! Everything was done in a relaxed and secure atmosphere yet with extraordinary professionalism. Don't think twice about taking this course with Steve. If you are truly engaged in Sidemount PCB and want to be a great diver, Steve will help you to achieve more than you ever expected! read less
This course will teach you how to set up and operate the equipment that you will use in your training as a cave diver or tech diver. This includes:
TDI Trimix DiverThe TDI Trimix course provides the training required to competently and safely utilize breathing gases containing helium for dives that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox and / or oxygen mixtures during decompression to a maximum depth 200’.
International Training, the parent organisation for Technical Diving International / Scuba Diving International (TDI), offers both the SDI and TDI versions their Sidemount PCB Diver course. Both courses are very similar. Both courses share the same learning materials (which were written by us). What is the difference?
After completing the course successfully, graduates are allowed to engage in sidemount diving activities with no supervision provided that they adhere to these guidelines:
Our CDS Basics Orientation course is the best option if you don't plan to use sidemount while you cave diver training.
TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression ProceduresThese are the first two classes of technical diving and represent the first step on the road to becoming an elite diver.Best taken together, these classes will train you to safely use gas mixtures with up to 100% oxygen and execute staged decompression diving to a depth of 150'.
Steve, Your Sidemount PCB Essentials class in Gozo was a great experience! I doubt that I will ever spend more money on something else. It was so much fun. It's amazing to see the dedication and your experience. You are attentive to every detail and always looking to improve. Read moreHi Steve! Your Sidemount PCB Essentials class in Gozo was great. I can't think of anything better. It was so much fun. Your passion and knowledge are truly amazing. You pay attention even to the smallest details, and are constantly striving for improvement. I love your passion for capturing all the details, new equipment, and tips. to include them in future videos. I am very impressed with your online training videos. These videos prepare you for the in-water training. And I think this is what makes the steep learning curve so manageable underwater. Steve, I am so grateful for all your help. Nils, Cheers
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
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).
Tec divers can visit reefs and wrecks at depths well below the recreational limit of 40 meters/130 feet. They can explore underwater caves and other locations far beyond the reach of mainstream sport diving with specialized training.
The PADI Rebreather/Advanced Rebreather Diver courses take four days to complete. The course fee is $1250, which includes books and rental.