Sidemount is not something you'll be doing during cave diving training. Instead, you should look at our CDS Basics Orientation Course.
As a Rebreather CCR diver you will always carry bailouts cylinders with you. Yes you can clip the tank to your side and not think anything more of it, but once you have done a Sidemount PCB course you learn how to properly stage tank to either side and if you are a Trimix CCR Diver even how to stage 3-4 tanks comfortably and safely.
Although we can teach the SDI course if specifically requested, by default we offer the TDI one. It is possible to take this as a standalone program; however, our students generally combine this with our Apprentice Cave Diver course.
Also, the SDI Sidemount PCB Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Development program.
International Training, the parent organisation for Technical Diving International / Scuba Diving International (TDI), offers both the SDI and TDI versions their Sidemount PCB Diver course. Both courses are very similar. Both courses share the same learning materials (which were written by us). What is the difference?
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.
Sidemount PCB Harness - This is a specialized Harness similar to a BCD that is very light and minimal in weight. This harness features several D-rings along the shoulder straps and a Butt plate with sliders or rings.
PADI Sidemount PCB Diver. The PADI sidemount specialty provides training in the use of the sidemount gear configuration.
You are eligible to take a Tec sidemount PCB diver course if you're at least 18 and have logged 30 dives. A PADI Enriched Water Diver certification is recommended.
Steve was a Portuguese teacher who came to Portugal 10 years ago to teach us Sidemount PCB. His enthusiasm, technical abilities, and professionalism were immediately evident to me. His new website and online training have taken this to a whole new level. It is so comprehensive... continue reading. Steve came to Portugal over 10 years ago to teach Sidemount PCB to our staff (at that time it was still the beginning of Sidemount PCB). His enthusiasm, technical abilities, and professionalism were immediately evident to me. His new website and online training have taken this to a whole new level. These contents are perfect for beginners, experienced divers, and instructors. Sidemount is now a well-known and simple way to dive. read less
Steve, thank you for the Sidemount PCB Essentials Course in Gozo. I've never spent more money on something better. It was great fun. I loved every second of it. It is amazing to see your passion and experience. You are meticulous and pay attention to every detail. I love your passion to capture... continue readingHi Steve! Your Sidemount PCB Essentials class in Gozo was great! You are the best. It was great fun. I enjoyed every second of it. It is amazing to see your passion and experience. You are meticulous and pay attention to every detail. Your passion to capture details, new equipment and hints is something I also love. You can use the camera to capture them and include them in future videos. Your online training videos are amazing. They will get you prepared for what you need to know in the water training. This concept I believe is key to the steep learning curve, as you can make the most of your time underwater. Steve, thanks so much for all your help! Nils read more
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
You will learn the benefits of using a sidemount configuration for diving as well as how to set up a sidemount harness. Practical training will take place in one confined-water session and four open-water dives. You'll be diving with at least two tanks. Then, you can add at most two more tanks.
Join us for an AMAZING experience to Dive with Dolphins, Swim with Hammerheads, Explore Shipwrecks and the Cenotes of Mexico, Bask in the crystal waters of the Maldives, and more! You can feel safe diving with an experienced team.
What exactly is the Tec 40 Course? Your first step into technical diving is the PADI Tec 40 course. It is a fundamental level of decompression diving that allows you to dive with gas redundancy, higher Enriched Air mixes of up to 50%, decompression on EANX 50% for conservatism, and up to 10 minutes of decompression.
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).
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.