Although I've never attempted sidemount, after studying his online training I knew that Steve was the right man to guide me and make sure I succeed. I was right! It was truly a life-changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He's patient and takes time to explain sidemount. I have never tried it before, but after watching his online video training, knew that Steve was the best man to guide me through it. I was correct! It was truly a life-changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He is patient and gives his time to all of his students. Every step is carefully planned. It was memorable and rewarding. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course has changed the way I dive. I was amazed at how quickly my awareness and skills levels under water increased. Everything is in place: the harness, the weight and position of the swimmers, the cylinder trim and the balance in the water. This allows you to feel confident and relaxed. Although the course was quite challenging, it was extremely enjoyable. Every day began with a planning session, followed by a video review on our drills in the sea. Every time we got in the water, we had to drain our cylinders. That's why our learning curve was so steep! All of it was done with exceptional professionalism in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Steve is a great instructor and I recommend this course. Steve will guide you to greatness if you are passionate about Sidemount PCB. read less
Steve, just wanted thank you for your awesome online Sidemount PCB class. My PADI Sidemount training was completed last year. I still felt that the XDeep rig wasn't as streamlined and comfortable as I expected. While the instructor was competent, I could tell he didn't live sidemount. I had signed-up for your free course system, which was helpful at the time. However,... read moreSteve just wanted you to thank us for our amazing online Sidemount PCB Course. I had my PADI Sidemount training last year and felt that the XDeep system was not streamlined in the way I desired. The instructor was competent, but it was obvious that he didn’t live or breathe sidemount. I had signed up for the free course which was helpful, but it left me wanting more. I am completing my Overhead Environment Training in Florida this November. I wanted to make certain my setup and skills are up to the mark. I have completed your entire online course. I used all your suggestions to rebuild my XDeep sling harness. Your recommendations helped me redesign my entire harness system, including my attachment points. I feel confident in the water now that I know my setup is working properly. Once again, thank-you. Next is to continue working on my skills, which are much more manageable now that my harness works properly. I wish that I had paid for your training last year. Take care of yourself and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less
If you will not be using sidemount during your cave diver training, what you should be looking at is our CDS Basics Orientation course.
Your online course was a great learning experience. Although I have had a few lessons with instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I have never seen such detailed, practical and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. My PADI AOW training was difficult because I struggled with buoyancy control when I attempted to shoot my SMB ..... I just had this amazing experience with your online course. Although I have had a few lessons with other instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I've never seen such detailed, practical, and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. As I attempted to shoot my SMB, my buoyancy control was a problem when I completed my PADI AOW training. My instructor suggested ways to increase my buoyancy. He advised me to practice. He was sure he had good buoyancy control but didn't tell me the importance of weighting properly, breathing control, and so on. Your videos were eye-opening. My dive buddies didn't get it. Even my highly-recommended instructors still ask me why I do sm. Is it useful? It is mostly done by cave divers. It was a great decision. It's a whole new world. Although nobody taught me or checked my SM skills, many times when I dive with other divers, they comment on how great my trim is. Your videos taught me everything, including how to set up my equipment, exit the water, and solve problems. We should meet up and have training together. I want to help other divers become better and more qualified. While I know there are many great instructors and divers out there, I believe your contribution to the scuba diving community is significant and vital. We are grateful for your efforts. Regards, Csaba read less
Hi Steve, I wanted to thank you for all the sections of the online courses, it was really worth going through all these lessons, I learned more online than I thought. Your well-made videos, actually help me understand a lot of things much faster than from book and other materials. I am planning to repeat the most important lessons before the water course. Regards Rafal
Sidemount PCB Diving evolved in the early years of cave diving, pioneered by explorers such as Lamar Hires to use multiple tanks in a streamlined a compact fashion to get places that back mounted divers could not. As time went on, the technique has matured and evolved to become one of the fastest growing areas of our sport.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision so long as the following limits are adhered to:
You will need the same equipment as the course to learn how to operate and set up the equipment you'll use for your tech diving training. This includes:
Get the PADI Sidemount PCB Diver and Tec Sidemount PCB Diver Manual from your local PADI Dive Shop and start studying immediately. If you have a recreational sidemount diver certification, you'll focus on Chapters Two and Three, if not, you'll read the entire manual.
International Training, which is the parent organization of Technical Diving International / Scuba Diving International, offers both TDI (Sidemount PCB Diver) versions. Both courses can be used in the same way. Both courses use the exact same learning materials (which, obviously, we also wrote). What is the difference between these two learning materials?
Steve, Your tutorials were amazing and an excellent addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I am a PADI instructor in Cyprus. After taking a few courses, I was able to master this style of diving. Although it originated in cave diving, it has gained popularity among recreational divers. But, only by using your technique, I have been able to certify competent and confident sidemount diver. I teach PADI Cyprus and have completed a few courses in order to master this type dive, which although originated in cave diving, is becoming very popular among recreational divers. I learned that your technique only allowed me to certify competent and confident sidemount diver. Sidemount diving, I know, is not difficult for any dive boat or Dive guide. I also know they will be safe and appear sleek underwater. You have a structured approach that explains every aspect of sidemount dive, including the configuration. Any instructor who is teaching sidemount I would highly recommend this! Thank you! read less
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.
Your online training is excellent. Every time I log into my account, I learn something new. Your site is full of incredible value. It's even more amazing that you engage with your subscribers. We appreciate your time.
Grab the PADI Sidemount PB Diver and Tec Sidemount PB Diver Manual at your local PADI Dive Shop, and get started immediately. If you are a recreational diver, you can focus on Chapters Two to Three. Otherwise, you can go through the entire manual.
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.
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.