How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Application Fee

Certification Requirements

The sidemount rig was originally invented for cave diving as it allows the diver to pass thru cracks and restrictions (tiny holes) easier than the classic back mount rig.

I'm not certain when or why I decided on Sidemount. As with many of my diving choices, it was likely a case of "oh that looks cool, could prove useful", so I decided to take the Sidemount course. It would be a useful certification that I could build on in the future. Sidemount would allow me to dive in caves, something I always wanted.

Next, it was time to do technical sidemount. This involves adding our deco 50-percent and 100-percent oxygen tanks on each side. You will have a higher profile underwater, so it is important to keep the tanks as close to your body as possible. There are two clips at each side of the waist. You adjust the tank position by inhaling down your tanks. This is where simplicity is key. You also need to switch between tanks every few minutes. This ensures that the pressure in each tank is at the same level, so even if one tank or regulator fails, there will still be gas for you to breathe. Building up experience is the key to comfort, enjoyment and success with new technologies. The next few days were spent doing sidemount dives, budding up with Evolution coowner David Joyce, a highly experienced Tec diver and Trimix instructor. One dive took us to the Japanese Mogami Wreck at 164 feet. I was captivated by the old gas masks, uniforms, and bones that we found.

Divers who are comfortable with sidemount diving can also enjoy open-water dives. Why? Because sidemount diving is very easy and comfortable.

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Application Fee

How long can a technical diver stay underwater

Continue your Tec Sidemount Diver training and you'll be able to learn additional skills for tec diving in sidemount.

Sidemount PCB can answer your questions regarding medical fitness to dive.

How long can a technical diver stay underwater
How long does it take to become a cave diver

How long does it take to become a cave diver

Take our SSI technical sidemount dive course to learn how to use four tanks (cylinders) for longer dives. Technical sidemount diving is a great way to learn technical diving. It will teach you how to use multiple cylinders in one dive. You will also learn how to set up your sidemount gear, configuring a sidemount harness and how to adjust the sling tanks (cylinders).

Being a technical diver requires a lot of training, experience, and passion. The added risks of technical diving are not worth the risk if any one of these is missing.

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver 500

Initially I had no interest in technical diving. I distinctly remember chuckling to myself at the Tec divers I saw, wondering why anyone would want to carry more equipment underwater. I love the sense of freedom and proximity to nature that can envelop you in “the silent world.” However, Tom had a reputation as an inspirational teacher, and as I was working in a dive shop with Tec courses it seemed rude not to at least try.

Our Scotty’s diving center headquarters facility is where all our Tec diving and technical scuba diving lessons are offered. It's located at the Shangri-la Hotel in Mactan. If you don't belong to the Shangri–la hotel, we can either pick you up at home or you can walk in.

How long can you dive with 2 tanks
How long can you dive with 2 tanks

To dive beyond 130ft, decompression divers should add some Helium to their cylinders. This will allow them to enter the realm of the seldom seen. Sometimes, the reefs and wrecks they visit are visited less often per year than astronauts to orbit the moon.

The goal of this course is to teach you the basics of how to use the equipment in your cave or tech diver training. You will also need the same equipment for the course. This includes:

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Usa

There are three parts of certification: knowledge, skill practice, and open water diving. You can either complete them all locally, while on holiday, or divide them.

I just arrived on Malapascua Island (Philippines) and will soon be working my path to becoming a Tec instructor. I've been working as a recreational instructor at Bali for the past two-years and would love to grow my professional experience. Sidemount PCB gave me my first taste in technical diving. Tom West was the PADI course director, and Tec instructor-trainer. He made me into a PADI Tec-50 diver.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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).

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.

According to experts, approximately 40% of technical divers enroll in additional education and training programs. This yields a reasonable estimate of approximately 160,000 active technical divers worldwide.