Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Plan

Side Mount Dive

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

Tec Sidemount

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.

Tec Sidemount
Instructors

Instructors

We are grateful for your hard work. It is an enormous help to everyone who wants to get into Sidemount PCB. Your online resource helped me to prepare for a cave sidemount crossover course in Mexico with Natalie Gibb.

Steve, just wanted to thank you for your incredible online Sidemount PCB course. I did my PADI Sidemount PCB training last year but always felt like my XDeep harness setup wasn't streamlined where I wanted it. The instructor was good, but I could tell he did not live and breathe sidemount. At the time I had signed up with your free course system which was helpful but... read moreSteve, just wanted to thank you for your incredible online Sidemount PCB course. I did my PADI Sidemount PCB training last year but always felt like my XDeep harness setup wasn't streamlined where I wanted it. The instructor was good, but I could tell he did not live and breathe sidemount. At the time I had signed up with your free course system which was helpful but obviously left you wanting more. I am doing my Overhead Environment training this November in Florida and wanted to make sure my skills and setup were up to speed. After watching your entire online course (WOW). I decided to rebuild my XDeep harness setup using all your recommendations. I re-did my entire bungee system, my attachment points, wing, etc... all using your setup. I finally feel my setup is where it needs to be, and I felt very comfortable in the water. So again, thank you. Next is working on all my skills which are much easier to work on now that my harness is setup correctly. Wish I spent the money on your training a year ago. Take care and please keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training X-ray

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

Technical diving will reveal that divers often have more than one tank. Sidemount PCB allows you to use multiple cylinders in technical diving. With the Tec Sidemount PCB Diver course, you can get into tec diving and transfer what you have learned to other TecRec courses. You may have the opportunity to combine this course with the Tec 40 and Tec 45 courses.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training X Dive
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training X Dive

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.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Plan
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training East Coast

Note that qualifying certifications from other diver training organizations may apply - ask your Tec Sidemount PCB Instructor.

It is possible to rent items such as primary light bulbs and cylinders which can be cumbersome to travel with. You should let us know if any of these are required.

Check our other pages :

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

5-6 days
Rebreather training classes are typically 5-6 days long, but can be longer depending on a variety of factors such as the training agency, your local conditions, your instructor, and your ability to meet the class standards.