Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Guide

Certified Diver

I've never tried sidemounting before, but I learned a lot from his online video training and I knew Steve was the man for me to learn it. I was correct! It was truly a life changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials far exceeded my expectations. Steve is an excellent teacher who has patience and spends a lot... read moreI had never tried sidemount but I learned from his online video that Steve was the ideal man to teach me how to do it. I was not wrong. It was truly a life changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a wonderful teacher. His patience is amazing and he puts in a lot time and effort with his students. Everything is well planned and executed with great care. It was both memorable and rewarding. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course was a transformative experience for me. In such a short time, I saw a change in my awareness and skill level below water that I didn't expect. Everything is in its right place, from the harness setup to the weight amount and location, through the cylinder trim to your balance in the pool. This will make you feel calm, confident, and allow you to experience sidemount set-ups that are true... without any back pain. This course was both challenging and very enjoyable. Each day begins with a planning session. We end the day with a video review of what we did in the water. It was a tedious process to drain the cylinders before we could go into the water. This is why our learning curve has been so steep. Everything was handled in a calm and secure environment, yet with remarkable professionalism. Steve's course is worth it. Steve will assist you in achieving more than you could ever imagine if Sidemount PCB is your passion. read less

Technical diving requires divers to have at least one tank. Sidemount PCB, which allows you to create multiple cylinders and use them for technical diving, is becoming more popular. You can dive into the world of Tec diving by taking the Tec Sidemount PCB Diver class. Then, you can apply what your learned to other TecRec courses. Your instructor might suggest that you integrate this course with Tec 40/Tec 45/Tec 50 courses.

Steve, thanks so much! Vas, thank you for your mentoring. If you don't ask questions or explore the options, it can put an end to your safety and growth as a diver. I have been studying your online courses for over two years. I have practiced and developed muscle memory, but more importantly, I have never been afraid to ask questions of other divers. Read moreThanks Steve, and Vas for your mentorship. If you don't ask questions or explore the options, it can impede your progress in safety and growth as a diver. I have been studying in depth your online teachings for the past 2 years. I have practiced and developed muscle memory but, most importantly, I have not kept my mouth closed when divers ask me questions. As they now see the best way, the results are astounding. I also want to thank you for being so patient with me over the past 2 years. There are always opportunities to ask, learn and teach, as well as discuss, and grow. You should not ask stupid questions while diving. I'm sure I'll open my mouth again to ask another question! Lol

Are you a Technical Diver? Great! In addition to the standard mixes, we have several banks of helium, and can partial pressure blend any desired fill. If you want to become a tech-diver, click here for more information going past recreational limits.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Guide

How many technical divers are there

Sidemount diving is allowed after successful completion of the course. This is subject to the following restrictions:

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

How many technical divers are there
Training

Training

Steve came to Portugal in the early days for Sidemount PCB, and I was there to meet him. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm, technical skills, and professionalism. With his new website, and online training, this has been elevated to a completely different level. It has so many great contents... read moreI first met Steve in Portugal 10 years ago, when he was visiting to teach Sidemount PCB to his staff. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm, technical skills, and professionalism. With his new website, and online training, this has been elevated to a completely different level. This website is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. Thank you for making sidemount an easy and familiar way to learn to dive. read less

Rentals are available for items such as primary lights and cylinders that can be hard to transport. If you require any of these items, please let us know.

What is the deepest you can go on nitrox

I just want you to know that your online courses are top-notch. Every time that I log in, something is new. The incredible value that we receive from your website only increases when you go above an ordinary level to engage with our subscribers. We appreciate your time.

The cylinders are lightweight and easy to carry, with no steel or aluminum back plates.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training West Coast
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training West Coast

Steve and I first met 10 years back when he traveled to Portugal to train our staff in Sidemount PCB. (At the time, it was still the beginning of Sidemount PCB). I was instantly impressed by his technical proficiency, enthusiasm, and professionalism. The website and online learning have made this possible. It's so extensive... Continue reading. Steve first came to Portugal in the early days for Sidemount PCB training. I immediately noticed his passion, technical proficiency, and professionalism. The website and online courses have made this a new experience. You can find everything you need, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned diver. Sidemount diving is now easy thanks to your hard work. read less

Hi Steve, Your tutorials are amazing and are a valuable addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I teach PADI in Cyprus, and I took a few courses trying to master this type of diving that although came from cave diving, became very popular among recreational divers . But I found that only using your technique , I am certifying capable and confident sidemount divers , which... read moreHi Steve, Your tutorials are amazing and are a valuable addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I teach PADI in Cyprus, and I took a few courses trying to master this type of diving that although came from cave diving, became very popular among recreational divers . But I found that only using your technique , I am certifying capable and confident sidemount divers , which , I know, will not be a nightmare for any dive boat and/or Dive guide by using up double the space and needing double the time to kit up. I also know that they will look streamlined underwater and be safe. And it is all due to your structured approach in explaining every aspect of sidemount diving , where configuration is crucial. I would not hesitate to recommend it to any instructor teaching sidemount! Thank you very much ! read less

Sidemount System

Just wanted to let you know that your online training program is outstanding. Each time I log in, I learn something. You go above and beyond in engaging with your subscribers, which only enhances the incredible value you provide. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

Easy to carry around, flexible, no metal or aluminium back plates. Lightweight, easy-to-adjust, easy to get in and back out of the water.

Check our other pages :

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.

A typical diver, at a typical depth, with a typical tank

Based on personal experience, an average open-water certified diver on a 40-foot dive with a standard aluminum 80-cubic-foot tank will be able to stay down for 45 to 60 minutes before surfacing with a safe reserve of air still in the tank.