Sidemount PCB Harness (or Sidemount Harness): This special Harness is similar to a BCD and is extremely light-weight. This harness includes several D-rings on the shoulder straps as well as a Buttplate with rings or sliders.
The cylinders are lightweight and easy to carry, with no steel or aluminum back plates.
Your online videos are amazing. I know you understand this. They have helped me to set up my sidemount much easier. I also found it much easier to diagnose and fix student problems. That's why I want to say thank you.
Please send me a renewal number for Package 1 – Instructor Course. Sidemountpcb.com is my fifth year. I am looking forward to it. Your team is a wonderful source of inspiration and guidance. All the very best! Scott
Sidemount PCB Staging: This is where the diver puts in cylinders with tanks straps, clips, bungee, and special valves (left or right-handed). Sidemount configuration refers to the use of sidemount configurations (bungee loops or buttplate rails), which allows the diver to store stage/deco cylinders against the sides of his/her torso.
Computer-assisted instruction is an integral part almost all of the 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 extra day's in-water training. This is what it's worth. Priceless.
sidemountpcb.com training online is crucial for technical and recreational divers. While I have completed a Tec40 /sidemount class before I began my technical training, I consider this sidemount essentials. Joe was able, through the online training, to concentrate on the in water skills. Joe Seda taught me the basics of technical training. This was even though I had taken a Tec40 /sidemount class before beginning my training with Joe. Joe was able, thanks to the online training, to focus solely on in-water skill development. This was the foundation for both cave training and all technical training with Vas Proud. The online training is a good example of what all divers can expect from in-water training. It also speeds up in-water skill growth. My daughter is starting her journey in diving. She has already seen the backmount diving videos. I am looking over the instructors videos to ensure she has the best experience possible. I cannot stress enough how important these training tools are in the safe and competent development of technical and recreational divers. Daniel Glynn - Cave diver and father
Yes Sidemount PCB started with the Cave diver, but you do not have to be a tech or cave diver to be able to dive on Sidemount PCB. PADI has a Side mount course in which you only carry one cylinder/tank on one of your sides instead of your back.
Love your vids Steve. I'm from Nova Scotia Canada. I got my tdi certificate in August. I bought your online course to complement my training. It's really helped me! Thank you
Steve, I find your tutorials to be very helpful and valuable. I'm a PADI Instructor in Cyprus. I tried to master the sidemount diving style that, though it was originally from cave diving became very popular among recreational divers. I discovered that I can certify competent and confident sidemount divers by using only your technique. I'm a PADI Instructor in Cyprus. I tried to learn the techniques of this diving style that, while it originated from cave diving and is very popular among recreational divers. However, by only using your technique, I was able to certify competent and confident sidemount divers. I also know that this will not cause any problems for any Dive boat or guide, as it takes up half the space and takes twice the time to set up. I know they will be safe and look great underwater. Your structured approach to sidemount diving and explaining the importance of configuration is what makes it all possible. Instructors who teach sidemount would be proud to have you as a teacher. Many thanks! read less
International Training, the parent organization for Scuba Diving International (SDI) and Technical Diving International (TDI) offers both SDI and TDI versions of their Sidemount PCB Diver course. Both courses are very similar. Both use the same learning materials (which, by the way, we wrote). So what’s the difference?
Your online course was a great learning experience. Although I have had a few lessons with instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I have never seen such detailed, practical and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. My PADI AOW training was difficult because I struggled with buoyancy control when I attempted to shoot my SMB ..... I just had this amazing experience with your online course. Although I have had a few lessons with other instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I've never seen such detailed, practical, and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. As I attempted to shoot my SMB, my buoyancy control was a problem when I completed my PADI AOW training. My instructor suggested ways to increase my buoyancy. He advised me to practice. He was sure he had good buoyancy control but didn't tell me the importance of weighting properly, breathing control, and so on. Your videos were eye-opening. My dive buddies didn't get it. Even my highly-recommended instructors still ask me why I do sm. Is it useful? It is mostly done by cave divers. It was a great decision. It's a whole new world. Although nobody taught me or checked my SM skills, many times when I dive with other divers, they comment on how great my trim is. Your videos taught me everything, including how to set up my equipment, exit the water, and solve problems. We should meet up and have training together. I want to help other divers become better and more qualified. While I know there are many great instructors and divers out there, I believe your contribution to the scuba diving community is significant and vital. We are grateful for your efforts. Regards, Csaba read less
You can enroll in Tec Sidemount PCB Diver courses if you are at least 18 years of age and have logged at least 30 dives. You should also hold a PADI Enriched Diver certification.
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 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.