Continue on to the Tec Sidemount Diver program. Here you'll learn additional skills, such switching deco cylinders, and stage and switch deco cylinders.
I'm not sure when or why I chose to take my Sidemount course. It was, as with many of my diving decisions. I think it was a case where I thought, "Oh, that looks cool. Could be useful. I'm going for it!" I knew Sidemount would be useful and something I could continue to use and improve on. Sidemount certification would be useful for me if I ever wanted to cave dive.
SDI/TDIIncludes two open water divesMinimum of 18 years, or 15 with parental consent
Technical diving is a combination of passion, training, and experience. Technical diving is not for those who lack any of these three.
In addition, your Sidemount rig includes tank bands, clips, and probably some more bungees to stow away your regs nicely. The clips will be connected to your harness and again, their position is important for the position of your tanks.
Sidemount rigs were originally designed for cave diving. They allow the diver to easily pass through cracks and restrictions (tiny holes), much faster than traditional back mount rigs.
We offer the TDI course as an option, although we can also teach the SDI course if asked. This course can be taken on its own, or with the Apprentice Cave Diver course.
The SSI technical-sidemount diver course allows you to take extended dives with four+ tanks (cylinders). Technical diving is easy with the technical sidemount course. You can learn to operate multiple cylinders at once. Config your sidemount gear. Learn how to make a tec sidemount harness. Also learn how adjust the sling tanks on your body.
Because single orifice duals and backmounted independencies are less common today, backmounted doubles became popular. Independents have two cylinders strapped to the back of one another with independent regulators. If the 1st stage failed, the diver would only need one cylinder. Single orifice twos were two cylinders that were connected with a regulator and a valve. A failure on the first stage would result in gas loss. Both problems are solved by the isolation manifold doubles that are used today. Each cylinder may be used independently. But, divers can also use the same regulator to breathe gas from both. These doubles are often held together by metal bands. If necessary, the valves can be connected to an isolation manifold. Backmounted doubles diving has a similar profile to regular single-cylinder dives. However, the profile is vertically identical.
Sidemount can be a boon for all divers, but it's especially useful for cave diving. (It was actually cave divers that invented sidemount. These are some of the benefits:
Decompression divers can dive to depths of 130ft. They can add Helium to their cylinders, and then they will be able to explore the world of the rare. They often visit the wrecks and reefs less often than astronauts to Mars every year.
On top of this specialized Sidemount equipment, you will also need your usual wetsuit, fins, mask, computer, compass, and DSMB.
For items such as primary and cylinder lights that may prove difficult to transport, rental is possible. We will be happy to assist you if you have any questions.
Because of the difficulties with single orifice doubles and backmounted independents, doubles were introduced to backmounted diving. Independents are two cylinders that are strapped to one's chest with separate regulators. A 1st stage failure would result in only one cylinder being used by the diver. A single orifice double was two cylinders connected together by a valve and one regulator. All gas would be lost if the first stage of a single orifice twice set failed. Today, both problems are eliminated by the isolated manifold doubles. Each cylinder can be operated independently. However, the diver can still inhale gas from both cylinders using one regulator. The doubles are usually held together by metal bands. The valves are connected with an isolation manifold so they can be separated if necessary. Doubles diving with backmounted doubles is similar to a regular single-cylinder backmount. It offers a vertical profile that is the same.
Technical diving (also known as tec diving or tech diving) is non-professional scuba diving that exceeds the agency-specified limits of recreational diving.