Despite the gear choice the entry level tech diver will be taught to streamline their equipment to prevent dangling items and drag. This ensures a maximized profile for efficient propulsion and awareness.
Each PADI Specialty you take will help you get closer to becoming a Master Scuba Diver(tm).
Technical diving is on the rise and Girls That Scuba HQ was quick to notice it! There were many questions to be answered and nerves to overcome so we decided to seek out Theresia, an Asian tech instructor. She is currently working at Blue Marlin Gili T, Lombok. She provided an introduction course in twin sets, and allowed us to dive into technical diving. Here's her lesson:
Sidemount Diver was, I must admit, one of the most difficult courses I have ever taken. My instructor Fiona and Big Blue Tech in Koh Tao were able to include a lot more skills as well as dives into my course. We practiced many skills, including mask removal, tank deployment underwater, out-of-air drills and SMB deployment. All the while keeping my trim.
With GUE as a non-diver, the first levels to be completed before a technical diver training are Recreational Diver 1 to a maximum depth of 21m. After completing the course the Fundamental Rec Pass can be completed which is teaching the basic fundamental skills for a diver and prepares the diver for the Fundamental Tech Pass.
Our SSI technical diving sidemount diver course will allow you to use up to four tanks (cylinders), and make extended dives. The technical sidemount dive course is a great way of getting into technical diving. This will allow you to safely handle multiple cylinders in a single dive. Additionally, you will learn how to configure your sidemount gear as well as how to set up a tec sidemount harness.
Sidemount is not something you'll be doing during cave diving training. Instead, you should look at our CDS Basics Orientation Course.
You might consider continuing to Tec Sidemount Diver, where you will learn additional skills that are specific to tec diving in sidemount like switching deco cylinders and staging.
Television, magazines, and stories from a friend are all good sources of information about the underwater world. Exploring it and getting away from the surface can be exciting. How do we keep exploring? What exactly is technical dive?
This course will teach you how to set up and operate the equipment that you will use in your training as a cave diver or tech diver. This includes:
Sidemount Diver Specialty can count towards Advanced Open Water Diver certification. Talk to your instructor about earning credit.
New gear means new techniques. If you are able to dive sidemount, it is easy to acquire new skills.
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.
While I still haven’t mastered this art quite yet, I am proud to say that after 20 Sidemount dives I am excited to call myself a Sidemount diver and think it is the most comfortable way to dive!
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.