How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Life

Accelerated Decompression

Skills (generally) - An introductory tech diver will practice his trim and buoyancy using the new equipment configuration. This is the first step to efficient diving. Once this foundation is established, the student can begin practicing locomotion before moving on to more advanced skills.

International Training, which is the parent organization for Technical Diving International / Scuba Diving International, offers both the SDI version and TDI versions their Sidemount Diver course. Both courses can be used in the same way. Both courses use the exact same learning materials (which, obviously, we wrote). What's the difference then?

While we are able to teach the SDI course if you ask, the default is the TDI. Although you can do this program as an individual course, we recommend that students combine it with our Apprentice Cave Diver course.

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.

How deep can a technical diver dive

My first courses were technical sidemount, and sidemount. Sidemount diving, which is the name of the course, involves placing your tank into your hands. My hands and knuckles were covered with cuts by the end. It is possible to remove the tanks from the clips and lay them out front of you Superman-style. The afternoon dive went much better after I made some adjustments to our harness. I was now comfortable with my harness, and was 'Superman'-ing with the tanks. Sidemount allows for an extraordinary level of freedom. Matt had set up obstacles courses. Soon we were flying around them, with tanks out front, barrel rolling and even swimming upside-down.

I can't recall when or why it was that I decided to take the Sidemount course. Like most of my diving decisions it was just a matter of "oh, that looks cool", and I was willing to give it a try. Sidemount would have been a valuable certification that I could use for future training. Sidemount certification would also be helpful if I wanted to go cave diving.

How deep can a technical diver dive
How many dives do you need for cave diving

How many dives do you need for cave diving

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You might also be interested in this scuba diving course from another scuba diving agency: PADI tec sidemount diving course.

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Light

Although I'm still learning, Sidemount diving is something I feel confident in. I have done 20 Sidemount dives and I can proudly say I'm a Sidemount diver.

Technical diving can still be fun but is not recommended for anyone who wants to go deeper. Cave and decompression diving are more dangerous. You can reduce this risk by training and planning well in advance. Divers who do these dives are expected to be of a higher standard. Technical diving requires practice. You can't learn enough by reading and researching. Divers will find that the minimum standards for diving are often exceeded during training and technical instructors may do this. Technical training teaches divers redundancy. Problems can be solved from 1500ft within a cave. Then, an exit to the surface is possible. This is a crucial aspect of diving in this environment. It sounds complicated and scary. Technical training is both challenging and fun. It also gives divers the opportunity to explore parts of the globe that are not accessible to them.

Divemaster
Divemaster

Technical diving is growing in popularity and it didn't take long until it grabbed our attention here at Girls that Scuba HQ! But we had a lot of questions first and a few nerves so we headed to the woman in the know - one of the only female tech instructors in Asia - Theresia Gollner - who is working at Blue Marlin in Gili T, Lombok. She gave us an intro course to twin sets and let us into the wonderful world of technical diving. Here's what she taught us:

Our SSI technical diving sidemount diver course will allow you to use up to four tanks (cylinders), and make extended dives. The technical sidemount dive course is a great way of getting into technical diving. This will allow you to safely handle multiple cylinders in a single dive. Additionally, you will learn how to configure your sidemount gear as well as how to set up a tec sidemount harness.

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Life
How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver 007

During the training, the instructor will provide you with the tools to complete the dives within the certification range, however it is up to you to gain experience and practice skills after the course to become automatic and an efficient and professional tech diver.

Every PADI Specialty completed will get you one step closer towards the Master Scuba Diver(tm).

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Frequently Asked Questions

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).