Start studying right away by getting the PADI Sidemount PB Diver and Tec Sidemount PB Diver Manual from your local PADI Dive Shop. If you are certified as a recreational sidemount diver, Chapters Two and three will be your focus. If not you will read the entire manual.
Sidemount PCB, a configuration of scuba diving equipment, has diving cylinders that are mounted below the shoulders and along one's hips instead of on the back. This configuration was popular among advanced cave divers because it allows for easier penetration of smaller caves and can also be used to change tanks more quickly. Divers who did technical wreck diving penetrations also recognized the same advantages for operating in tight spaces. Our instructors are well-trained to provide scuba diving instruction in Thailand.
Steve/Vas, your instructor series is phenomenal. Please let me be the first to say you are correct in what you say. One can teach themselves how to SM just by watching the videos as I have done. However, I did compromise/sacrifice my learning curve without one of you (SM essentials instructor). It took me almost one year to get pretty good with AL80s. I then... read moreSteve/Vas, your instructor series is phenomenal. Please let me be the first to say you are correct in what you say. One can teach themselves how to SM just by watching the videos as I have done. However, I did compromise/sacrifice my learning curve without one of you (SM essentials instructor). It took me almost one year to get pretty good with AL80s. I then took the first level of tech diving a year after that and told my tech instructor I was doing it in SM configuration. I had to tell him I taught myself which he responded with “you most likely will have to take a SM workshop with me depending on how I do on dive one”. After the first dive he said “there is no reason for you to take a class with me”. So your online training is spot on but if I had it to do all over again I would see your guy Joe Seda first. I will, in the future, take the course with him so I can be the best I can be. Regards Tony read less
Please send me a renewal code to the Package 1 Instructor Course. I look forward to my fifth year with sidemountpcb.com. Your team and you continue to be an inspiration and guidance source. All the best! Scott
Items such as cylinders and primary lights, which my be difficult to travel with, are available for rental. Be sure to alert us if you will need any of these.
International Training is the parent company of Technical Diving International. Both courses have a lot in common. Both courses use identical learning materials (which we also wrote). So, what is the difference?
Sidemounting is something I haven't tried before. However, from watching his video training online, I knew Steve was the best man to teach me this skill and give me confidence about it. I was not wrong! It was truly life-changing! Sidemount PCB Essentials was beyond my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He is patient and gives a lot of his time. I was absolutely right! It was truly life-changing! Sidemount PCB Essentials was beyond my expectations. Steve is an excellent teacher. He's patient, hardworking and puts in a lot to every lesson he gives. Everything is planned and done with great attention to detail. It was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course completely transformed my diving. In a matter of a few weeks, my awareness level and skills were higher than I could have ever imagined. Everything is in place: your harness set-up, your weight and position, the trim of the cylinder, and your overall balance in the water. This gives you the feeling of true sidemount setup, with no back pain and makes you feel more confident and relaxed. This course was difficult but enjoyable. Every day started with a planning and theoretical session. Each day ends with a video review and discussion about the drills we performed in the water. The learning curve was steepened because we had a tendency to drain our cylinders whenever we were in the water. All was handled with professionalism and in a comfortable, safe environment. Steve will make this course easy for you. Steve will help to make you a better diver! read less
Sidemount PCB Harness: This is a specialised Harness, like a BCD, which is very minimum and light weight. This harness has several D-rings on shoulder straps, and a special Butt plate with rings or sliders.
PADI Sidemount PCB Diver. The PADI sidemount specialty provides training in the use of the sidemount gear configuration.
They are not issued unless earned. Not just taking part in the course does NOT guarantee certification. For cave courses certification cards may be available from multiple training agencies. C-cards can be purchased for around $30 depending on the agency. An instructor will be able to tell you more.
It's easy to use, portable, no steel back plates or aluminium backplates, light weight, adjustable, easy get into and out of the water. This makes it ideal for divers with back problems, disabled divers and female divers.
Sidemount is something I've never attempted before, but after watching his online training videos I was confident that Steve would be able to help me. It was a great experience! It was truly an unforgettable week! Sidemount PCB Essentials has exceeded all my expectations. Steve is a wonderful teacher. He has patience and takes a lot time to help you. Read moreI've never tried sidemount, but I was able to see his online training and knew that he was the right man for me to learn it and feel confident about it. I was right! It was truly an unforgettable week! Sidemount PCB Essentials has exceeded all my expectations. Steve is a wonderful teacher. He has patience and takes time to help his students. Every detail is meticulously planned. It was a memorable experience that I enjoyed. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course changed my diving. In a very short time, my awareness and skills under water rose to levels I had never imagined. Everything is in order: the harness setup, weight, position, cylinder trim, and your balance in water. You will feel relaxed and confident, and you'll experience true sidemount setup... with no back pain! It was challenging but very enjoyable. Each day begins with a planning and theoretical session. Then, we have a video review of our drills in water. Everything is explained in great detail. Our learning curve is steep because we had to drain our cylinders each time we entered the water. The entire process was performed in a relaxed, secure environment and yet showed extraordinary professionalism. You should not hesitate to take this course with Steve. Steve will show you how to become a great diver if you're passionate about Sidemount PCB. read less
It is easy to transport, lightweight, flexible, no steel/allum back plates, easy to adjust, get in and out of water easily, great for disabled divers, divers who have back problems, and female divers who are small but need extra time. You can also carry two cylinders simultaneously, making it safer and more convenient.
Steve, I just noticed the new chapters in your online classes. These chapters are fantastic. These are particularly useful for reviewing videos and finding a particular part within a video. These were very useful and I began using them right away. Timo, Cheers
Tec divers can visit reefs and wrecks at depths well below the recreational limit of 40 meters/130 feet. They can explore underwater caves and other locations far beyond the reach of mainstream sport diving with specialized training.
from 130 to 148 feet
Those who are already decompression certified can immediately qualify for rebreather decompression dives. Individual training agencies set depth limits ranging from 130 to 148 feet (40 to 45 meters).
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.