Technical Sidemount Diving

Tank

sidemountpcb.com is an essential component for recreational and technical divers. The beginning of my technical training was sidemount essentials. I completed a Tec40 / sidemount class in Florida before starting my training with Joe. Joe was able to concentrate on the in-water skills through online training. Although I had previously taken a Tec40 / sidemount class before starting my technical training with Joe, I consider that the start of my technical education sidemount essentials. Joe could focus on developing in-water skills through the online training. This was essential for cave training as well as all other technical training such trimix with Vas Profud. It demonstrates the high-quality inwater training that all divers should receive and accelerates in-water skill development. My daughter, who is beginning her journey into diving, watched the backmount dive videos before she started open water training. I am currently reviewing the instructor videos to make sure that I'm the best "buddy" I can be for her during her training process. These tools are vital in the safe development of technical and recreational divers. Daniel Glynn, father and cave diver

The NAUI Trimix I provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of utilizing helium-based trimix breathing gas mixtures for dives to a maximum depth of 200 fsw (61 msw) requiring staged-decompression and utilizing EANx mixtures and/or oxygen during decompression.

Steve/Vas your instructor series are amazing. I will be the first to admit that you are right in everything you have said. Watching the videos can help anyone learn SM. I had to sacrifice my learning curve and compromise without a SM essentials instructor. It took me almost a year to become proficient with AL80s. I was then able to... read mehrSteve/Vas. Your series of instructors is simply amazing. I am sure you are right. Watching the videos can help anyone learn SM. Without you, my learning curve was compromised/sacrificed. It took me almost a year to become proficient in AL80s. My tech instructor told me that I was doing tech diving in SM configuration. I had to admit that I was a certified instructor. He replied by saying "You most likely will have a SM workshop with us depending on my performance on dive one". After my first dive, he told me that there was no reason not to take a class. Although your online training is great, I would still go to Joe Seda for the class if it were over. I will take his course in the future so that I can be my best. Regards Tony read less

I just have this enlightening experience with your online course. I had few experiences with other instructors in my scuba 'career', but I can honestly say that I never saw such a useful, deep, and practical explanations about how to become a better scuba diver. When I did my PADI AOW training, I was struggling with buoyancy control as I tried to shoot my SMB.... read moreI just have this enlightening experience with your online course. I had few experiences with other instructors in my scuba 'career', but I can honestly say that I never saw such a useful, deep, and practical explanations about how to become a better scuba diver. When I did my PADI AOW training, I was struggling with buoyancy control as I tried to shoot my SMB. I asked my instructor how to improve my buoyancy. He said just practice. He had a good buoyancy control surely, but didn't explain to me about the importance of proper weighting, breath control, etc. Your videos were eye opener. Not to mention that every one of my dive buddy didn't really understand why I wanted to dive sidemount. Even now highly recommended instructors ask me why I dive sm. What is the use of it? Mostly cave divers do it. I am very happy that I did choose sm. It is a different world. Nobody really taught me or checked how I do SM, but many times I dive with others, they mention how good my trim is. I learned everything from your videos, how to setup my equipment, enter or exit water, or solve problems, etc. I hope we can meet sometimes and can have a training together, because I want to improve and help others to become much better, quality divers. I am sure that there many excellent divers and instructors out there, but I am sure that your contribution to the scuba diving society is huge and very important. Thank you for that! Regards, Csaba read less

How do I get into technical diving

Computer-aided instruction forms an integral part of most courses we teach. Why? The reason is simple. eLearning helps students get in the water earlier and spend more of their time there. That is why we charge no additional for any applicable online eLearning programs. These are typically $140. This can translate into an additional day in-water instruction. That is how valuable it is. Priceless.

Technical diving is not the same as regular diving. Tech divers usually have multiple tanks. SidemountPCB is becoming a more popular method to configure multiple cylinders when technical diving. You can learn how to tec dive with the Tec Sidemount PCB Diver Course and then transfer your knowledge to other TecRec courses. The instructor might offer to incorporate this course into the Tec 40, Tec 45, or Tec 50 courses.

How do I get into technical diving
Diver Training

Diver Training

Steve, thanks for the section on the online course. I found that I learned more online then I had expected. Your videos are very well made and help me to grasp a lot more quickly than I could from books or other materials. I intend to recite the most important lessons before going on the water course. Regards Rafal

Steve, just wanted thank you for your awesome online Sidemount PCB class. My PADI Sidemount training was completed last year. I still felt that the XDeep rig wasn't as streamlined and comfortable as I expected. While the instructor was competent, I could tell he didn't live sidemount. I had signed-up for your free course system, which was helpful at the time. However,... read moreSteve just wanted you to thank us for our amazing online Sidemount PCB Course. I had my PADI Sidemount training last year and felt that the XDeep system was not streamlined in the way I desired. The instructor was competent, but it was obvious that he didn’t live or breathe sidemount. I had signed up for the free course which was helpful, but it left me wanting more. I am completing my Overhead Environment Training in Florida this November. I wanted to make certain my setup and skills are up to the mark. I have completed your entire online course. I used all your suggestions to rebuild my XDeep sling harness. Your recommendations helped me redesign my entire harness system, including my attachment points. I feel confident in the water now that I know my setup is working properly. Once again, thank-you. Next is to continue working on my skills, which are much more manageable now that my harness works properly. I wish that I had paid for your training last year. Take care of yourself and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 9/11

Steve, your Sidemount PCB Essentials course was great! I have probably never spent my money on anything more. It was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it. Your dedication and experience are amazing. Your attention to detail is amazing and you always strive to improve the situation. I enjoyed the Sidemount PCB Essentials course at Gozo. I have probably never spent my money on anything more. It was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it. Your dedication and experience are amazing. Your attention to detail is amazing and you're always trying to improve. Your enthusiasm to capture every detail, whether it be new equipment or hints, is what I love. These details can be captured with the camera so that they can be included in future videos. Your online training videos are an excellent resource. These videos will prepare you for in-water training. I believe that this is the key to the steep learning curve. Because you can use your time underwater efficiently, it's possible to be well-prepared. Steve, thank you so much! Nils, Cheers!

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.

Sport Diving
Sport Diving

Steve, thank you so much for your amazing online Sidemount PCB Course. Although I completed my PADI SidemountPCB training last year, I always felt my XDeep Harness setup wasn't as streamlined as it should be. While the instructor was great, it was clear that he didn’t live and breathe sidemount. I had signed up with your course system at the time, which was useful but... continue readingSteve, thank you so much for your amazing online Sidemount PCB course. Although I completed my PADI SidemountPCB training last year, I always felt my XDeep Harness setup was not as streamlined as I would like. While the instructor was great, I could tell that he wasn't a sidemount expert. I had already signed up for your free course program, which was useful but left me wanting more. I'm going to Florida for my Overhead Environment training and wanted to be sure that my setup was up to par. Your entire online course (WOW) was very helpful. I followed all of your advice and rebuilt my XDeep Harness setup. Your system helped me to re-do all of my bungee systems, attachment points, and wing. I am happy with my setup and feel very comfortable in water. Thank you again. Next up is learning all the skills that I can now work on because my harness is properly setup. I wish I would have spent the money on your training one year ago. Keep up the good work and take care. Thanks, Jason read less

Sidemount PCB provides many benefits for all divers, but is best suited to cave diving. (It was cave divers who created sidemount. These benefits include:

Technical Sidemount Diving
How much does a rebreather course cost

I met Steve, a little over 10 years ago when he came to Portugal to teach our staff to Sidemount PCB (at the time it was the early days of Sidemount PCB). I could immediately see his level of enthusiasm, technical ability, and professionalism. That moved to an all-different level with his new website and online training. The contents are so complete either for someone starting, someone... read moreI met Steve, a little over 10 years ago when he came to Portugal to teach our staff to Sidemount PCB (at the time it was the early days of Sidemount PCB). I could immediately see his level of enthusiasm, technical ability, and professionalism. That moved to an all-different level with his new website and online training. The contents are so complete either for someone starting, someone experienced and instructors alike. Thanks for all the effort to make sidemount a known and easy way to dive. read less

You may be eligible to register in a Tecsidemount PCB Diver course if your age is at least 18 and you have logged at most 30 dives. A PADI Enriched air Diver certification is a must.

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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).

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.

According to experts, approximately 40% of technical divers enroll in additional education and training programs. This yields a reasonable estimate of approximately 160,000 active technical divers worldwide.