Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Quick Guide

What should you never do while scuba diving

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision, provided the following limits are adhered to:

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'.

What is the dangers of nitrox diving —

Certificate cards: These are issued only to those who have earned them. Certification is not guaranteed by simply taking part in a course. Multiple training agencies might offer certification cards for cave courses. C-cards usually cost about $30, depending on which agency you choose. Talk to your instructor for details.

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?

Is Titanic still at the bottom of the ocean

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.

Sidemount PCB dives are becoming more popular in technical diving for general decompression. There are many certification agencies that offer recreational and technical sidemount training programs.

Is Titanic still at the bottom of the ocean
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 2023

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 2023

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

Love your vids Steve. I’m in Nova Scotia Canada. Just got my tdi sm cert in August. I bought your online course to supplement my training. It’s helped me a lot! Thank you

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Zone

Easy to carry around, flexible, no metal or aluminium back plates. Lightweight, easy-to-adjust, easy to get in and back out of the water.

The SDI Sidemount PCB Diver certification can be used to earn a single specialty rating for the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

Sidemount Scuba Training
Sidemount Scuba Training

Thank you for your great work, it is a huge help for everyone getting into the Sidemount PCB world. I recently did a cave sidemount crossover course with Natalie Gibb in Mexico and could join her Training well prepared due to your online resource.

You will learn the benefits of using a sidemount configuration for diving as well as how to set up a sidemount harness. Practical training will take place in one confined-water session and four open-water dives. You'll be diving with at least two tanks. Then, you can add at most two more tanks.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Course

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

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.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Quick Guide
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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.

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).

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.