Sidemount Course
Desde / FromThe Sidemount course is a diving specialization that teaches divers how to use a diving equipment that is worn on the sides of the body instead of on the back. This type of diving equipment is called “Sidemount”, and it allows for greater underwater flexibility and maneuverability compared to traditional diving equipment.
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Tipo / Type Tipo / Type
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Nivel / Level Advanced
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The Sidemount course is a diving specialization that teaches divers how to use a diving equipment that is worn on the sides of the body instead of on the back. This type of diving equipment is called “Sidemount”, and it allows for greater underwater flexibility and maneuverability compared to traditional diving equipment.
During the Sidemount course, students will learn how to mount and dismount the Sidemount equipment, properly adjust hoses and regulators, and configure the equipment for safe and effective diving. Students will also learn advanced buoyancy and position control techniques, allowing them to maneuver easily and accurately in narrow and confined spaces.
In addition, the Sidemount course covers advanced topics such as air bottle management, communication and teamwork, and underwater emergency handling. Students will also learn to plan and execute Sidemount dives and adapt their diving technique to different underwater environments, such as caves, wrecks, and coral reefs.
One of the most important advantages of Sidemount equipment is that it can be configured to carry multiple air bottles, meaning divers can have more air available for longer and deeper dives. Additionally, Sidemount equipment is especially useful for technical divers and underwater photographers, as it allows for greater flexibility and maneuverability in challenging and narrow environments.
To take the Sidemount course, it is necessary to have an advanced diving certification and previous experience in open water. Additionally, it is important to have good physical and mental fitness, as well as a learning attitude and passion for diving. Upon completing the Sidemount course, divers will be better prepared to face a variety of challenges and situations in recreational and technical diving.
Who this TDI course is for:
- The SDI or TDI diver looking to expand their in-water skills and techniques
- The certified diver who has interest in moving forward with technical diving education and expanding their equipment configuration options
Course prerequisites
(these requirements must be met prior to commencement of training):
- Minimum age 18
- Minimum certification of SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, or equivalent
What you can expect to learn:
The TDI Sidemount Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more!
- Gas matching procedures to include dissimilar volumes
- Gas management utilizing independent cylinders
- Psychological considerations of technical diving
- Equipment considerations including:
- Cylinder options
- Regulator options
- Buoyancy compensator/harness options
- Proper weighting
- Equipment configurations
- Communication (light and hand signals)
- Problem solving in a sidemount configuration
- Diving in tight or confined spaces
- Conservation
- Water entries/exits
- S-drills specific to sidemount diving
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
- Demonstrate various propulsion techniques such as the frog kick, modified frog kick, modified flutter kick, backwards kick, helicopter turns, and hand pulling if appropriate for the environment.
- Demonstrate adequate buoyancy control; ability to hover at a fixed position in water column without moving hands or feet
- Demonstrate adequate trim; ability to maintain proper position during the descent, bottom, and ascent portion of the dive
- Demonstrate the ability to perform the following exercises while maintaining trim and buoyancy in the water column:
- Unclipping and attaching sidemount cylinders
- Perform gas switches with and without a mask
- Demonstrate the ability to safely manage gas in independent cylinders
- Demonstrate conservation, awareness, and back referencing techniques
- Deploy a lift bag
- Carry additional cylinders is optional in this course
What’s in it for you?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision so long as the following limits are adhered to:
- The diving activities approximate those of training
- The areas of activities approximate those of training
- Planned dives do not exceed diver’s current certification level
TDI Sidemount Diver minimum certification requirements:
- Perform all land drills and dive requirements safely and efficiently
- Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
- Maintain an appropriate level of awareness and respect for the environment
- Log all training dives