It takes passion, experience, and training to become a technical dive instructor. Technical diving comes with additional risks, so it's not worth taking on if you don't have the right combination.
The technical sidemount was completed the next day. This involved adding our 50-percent oxygen tank and 100 percent oxygen tanks to either side. This will increase your profile underwater. You must ensure that the tanks are as slim as possible. A couple of clips are located on either side of your waist. When your tanks become positively buoyant and you inhale, adjust the clip to match your tank position. It is important to keep your breathing as smooth as possible. Your breathing will change from one tank to another every few minutes. The pressure in each tank will drop at approximately the same rate. If a regulator or tank fails, you will still have gas to breath. Comfort and enjoyment can only be achieved by gaining experience. I spent the next few day doing deco dives using the sidemount rig with Evolution co-owner David Joyce, a Trimix instructor and Tec diver. We visited the Japanese Mogami wreck at 164ft, where I was charmed by the pieces of old gas masks and uniforms.
How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver MasterThe Sidemount diver's setup is slightly different than the backmount.
Sidemount cylinder mounting originated for cave diving and have become more popular in all forms of technical diving since. They separate the dual cylinders, with a 1st stage on each cylinder, and mount them on either side of the diver’s body. This doesn’t allow the diver to breathe from either cylinder in the event of a regulator failure, but does give the diver easier access to valves. Sidemount diving gives the diver a larger horizontal profile, but a smaller vertical profile.
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.
Sidemount diving is a form of sidemount diving that originated in cave diving but has been incorporated into recreational and non-overhead diving over the years. Simply put, your tanks will be worn on your side instead of being attached to your back. The tanks attach to a Sidemount BCD with clips or bungee chords, allowing for maximum flexibility. It was this flexibility that cave divers used to be able to lift their tanks from the bottom underwater, making it easier to pass through tight spaces.
The Sidemount diving setup is a little different from the setup when diving backmount and so is the equipment.
Computer-aided instruction is an integral aspect of almost all courses we teach. The Why? The simple answer is that eLearning allows students to get in the water faster and spend more time there. This is why we include any applicable eLearning program -- typically a $140 value -- in all our courses at no extra cost. This is equivalent to an additional day's in-water training. This is what it's worth. Priceless.
One of the most important changes in equipment cave divers have made since the start of the century was the switch from sidemount to backmounted doubles. Sidemount is a popular choice for cave divers. It's also possible that sidemount cave divers are more common than backmount cave divers.
Sidemount regulators will be taught. Asidemount regulators can be used on both long and short hoses. Sidemount regs are marked differently to normal regs. This allows you to easily identify the tank that you are currently breathing from. In my training, I was given a swivel elbow to use as a regulator for my short tube. There will be 2 SPGs available - one each for each stage.
Computer-assisted instruction is an integral part almost every course that we teach. The Why? The answer is simple: eLearning makes it easier for students to get in the water quicker and spend more time there. That's why we offer all applicable eLearning courses -- which are usually $140 worth -- at no extra cost. This means that you will get an extra day of training in the water. How valuable is that? Priceless.
Technical diving was something I didn't initially like to do. I clearly remember chuckling at the Tec divers that I saw and wondering why anyone would want more equipment underwater. The feeling of being close to nature and the freedom it can give you is something I love. Tom was an inspiring teacher and it seemed right to try, as I was working at a dive shop that offered Tec courses.
There are three parts to certification. Knowledge development, skill practice and open-water diving. You can do all three on your own, or take a break to complete one of them.
Skills (generally applicable) - The introductory tech dive will practice their buoyancy and trim with the new equipment configuration. This will help you to dive efficiently. Once this foundation has been established, students can practice locomotion to improve their skills.
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.
5-6 days
Rebreather training classes are typically 5-6 days long, but can be longer depending on a variety of factors such as the training agency, your local conditions, your instructor, and your ability to meet the class standards.
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).