International Training, parent organization to Technical Diving International / Scuba Diving International (TDI), and Technical Diving International / Scuba Diving International - offers both TDI and SDI versions of the Sidemount Diver course. Both courses have a lot in common. Both courses use identical learning materials (which we also wrote). So, what is the difference?
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Sidemount diving was originally developed in cave diving. However, it has now made its way into recreational non-overhead diving. Simply put, sidemount diving means that you no longer wear one or two tanks on your back. Instead, you wear your tanks on either your side. The tanks can be attached to a Sidemount BCD with clips and/orbungee cords. This gives you great flexibility. Cave divers were able to use this flexibility to allow them to transport their tanks underwater and fit into tight spaces.
Sidemount is a great option for cave diving, as it can offer many benefits to divers. Sidemount was invented by cave divers. These are just a few of the many benefits.
In addition to the Sidemount equipment, you will need your regular wetsuit and fins.
Your Sidemount BCD is a harness with a bladder and a somewhat intricate system of sliding D-rings, bungee cords, and clips. Their position and fit are crucial for your tank position and trim later in the water and your instructor will probably spend quite a bit of time to get them just right.
Technical divers dive at depths less than the recreational limit of 40 meters/130 feet. Technical divers can access underwater caves and other locations that aren't accessible by recreational diving.
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:
Your Sidemount BCD harness is made up of a bladder, sliding D-rings and bungee cords. Your tank position and trim will depend on their fit. Your instructor may spend a lot of time getting them right.
The entry-level tech diver will be trained to optimize their equipment to reduce drag and avoid dangling gear. This will ensure a maximum profile for efficient propulsion, awareness and propulsion.
International Training is the parent organization of Technical Diving International and Scuba Diving International. They offer both the SDI and TDI versions for their Sidemount Diver course. Both courses are similar. Both courses use the same learning materials (which we also wrote). What's the difference between them?
Sidemount PCB has the expertise to answer any questions you or your doctor may have about your medical fitness to dive.
A great fact book about technical diving is ‘Deco for Divers – A Guide to Decompression Theory and Physiology’ written by Mark Powell.
Sidemount rigs also include tank bands, clips, bungees, and likely some more to store your regs. The clips are attached to your harness. Also, their position will affect the position of your tanks.
The depth range of oxygen rebreathers (simple closed circuit) is limited to approximately 6 m, beyond which the risk of acute oxygen toxicity rises to unacceptable levels very quickly.
- Increased Bottom Time A Closed Circuit diver is not concerned with running out of gas because they are only limited by decompression. This can also be reduced by selecting an oxygen partial pressure that provides the diver with virtually limitless bottom times in 60 feet or less of water.
Technical diving (also known as tec diving or tech diving) is non-professional scuba diving that exceeds the agency-specified limits of recreational diving.