Technical Sidemount Diving

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2nd stage regulator, 2nd stage regulator, exposure suit, BCD sidemount, BCD sidemount and SMB sidemount, cutting tool, diving pool, Jet fins, masks and spare masks, technical diving equipments, technical diving gears, 1 long Hose (2.10m-7ft), cave harness or hogarthian.

Sidemount diving requires only an Open Water Diver to begin. Although it's important to have excellent buoyancy and trim, you should also be able handle your equipment independently. Sidemount diving offers a whole new level of skill and equipment setup.

Initially I had no interest in technical diving. I distinctly remember chuckling to myself at the Tec divers I saw, wondering why anyone would want to carry more equipment underwater. I love the sense of freedom and proximity to nature that can envelop you in “the silent world.” However, Tom had a reputation as an inspirational teacher, and as I was working in a dive shop with Tec courses it seemed rude not to at least try.

These are the options for you if you're looking for alternative diving lessons and classes, or if you want to find out what next steps should be taken.

Gear

It is becoming more popular to do technical diving and we were immediately drawn to it at Girls that ScubaHQ! We had many questions and nerves, so we went to Theresia Gollner, who is working at Blue Marlin Gili T in Lombok. We were given an introduction to twin sets by her and then she let us in on the amazing world of technical diving. Here are the lessons she gave us:

2nd stage regulator; exposure suit with side pockets, BCD-sidemount, SMB cutting tool, diving spool. Jet fins. Mask and spare mask. Technical diving equipments. 1 long hose (2.10m-7ft), hogarthian, or cave harness.

Gear
How To Become A Dive Technician

How To Become A Dive Technician

Rebreathers offer an extension of diving abilities by forgoing large cylinders in favor of recycling the gas exhaled by the diver, scrubbing the CO2 exhaled, and injecting prescriptive amounts of gas from smaller cylinders. This can drastically increase the dive time compared to carrying double cylinders of the same generate size/weight, especially for deeper dives. Rebreathers can be back or sidemounted, and the profile they create is dependent on the configuration.

Divers using decompression oxygen mix all types can extend their time looking at wrecks or reefs on the oceanfloor. The sport diver may be limited to two short dives at 100ft. A decompression diver can cruise the seas for 60 minutes or longer, getting more bang for his buck.

Certified Diver

The freedom of movement of the head for sidemount divers is very attractive where a twinset can always be felt in the neck by a diver…something to get used to.

Don't worry if you are worried about how everything will fit together. You will learn how to set up your Sidemount equipment. Also, how to measure and adjust your bungees and clips so your tanks stay in line next to your legs. Your instructor will guide you through all this!

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Guide
How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Guide

You will also find tank bands, clips and possibly some additional bungees in your Sidemount rig to store your regs. Your harness will have clips that attach to it. Their position is critical for your tanks.

It was difficult to get into the pool for my first session. I felt like an open water diver, securing myself in twin tanks and conducting valve drills. As we went through the Tec 40, 45, and 50 courses, I found new skills and was enjoying the course. The best part about Tec diving is the ability to improve your buoyancy, awareness and dive skills. It's quite an experience to know that you can manage life-threatening emergencies at depth without having to go to the surface due to decompression requirements. It's also satisfying to execute your dive plan with military precision.

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Requirements

Academics - A technical course's academic portion is very similar to other scuba classes. Students will be required to do self-study and share their new knowledge with their instructor. Although the dive planning requirements for technical courses are more complex than what most people are used to, they are essential in executing a successful dive. The gas management portion of the planning discussion for overhead and decompression diving will take more time than most divers are used. A computer program is used to calculate the gas volumes and reserve required for each dive.

Although I have not yet mastered the art of Sidemount diving, I am proud to be a Sidemount diver.

Technical Sidemount Diving
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Frequently Asked Questions

To register for the PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver course, you must first: You must be a PADI Open Water Diver, 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.

Have a PADI Deep Specialty Instructor certification or have completed a PADI Deep Specialty Instructor course. Have at least 100 logged dives, including at least 20 enriched air dives, 25 dives deeper than 18 meters/60 feet, and 15 dives deeper than 30 meters/100 feet. You can become a Tec 45 diver.
 

from 170 to 350 feet
While conventional scuba diving has a recommended maximum depth of 130 feet, technical divers may work at depths ranging from 170 feet to 350 feet, and sometimes even deeper.