Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Guide

In-water Training

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.

AQUI Water Sports is a leader in scuba diving training for multiple agencies under the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC). We have created a global community for like-minded divers and educators who believe in quality over quantity. Don’t be just a number on a certification card, be a teammate, a friend, and a lifelong diver.

I just want to say, your online training is top notch. I learn something every time I log in. The fact that you go above and beyond to engage with your subscribers only adds to the already incredible value we get from your site. Thank you very much for your time.

Since the beginning of the century, one of the most significant changes in the equipment cave divers use has been the shift from backmounted doubles to sidemount. Not only do a substantial number of cave divers now sidemount, it’s possible that there are more open-circuit sidemount cave divers than backmount cave divers.

What is tec40

Steve, Your tutorials have been a tremendous help and are an invaluable addition to any instructor's arsenal. I teach PADI in Cyprus and took several courses to learn how this type of diving, which originated from cave diving has been very popular among recreational divers. I was able to certify confident sidemount divers using your method. I teach PADI in Cyprus and took several courses trying to master this type diving. Although it was originally cave diving, it has been very popular with recreational divers. I discovered that my technique is sufficient to certify competent, confident sidemount divers. The space required and time it takes to prepare for the dives, and the Dive Guide, are not a problem. I am also confident that they will be safe underwater and will appear streamlined. This is due to your systematic approach to explaining all aspects of sidemount diving. This approach is something I would recommend to anyone who teaches sidemount. Thank you so much! read less

Steve, just wanted thank you for your awesome online Sidemount PCB class. My PADI Sidemount training was completed last year. I still felt that the XDeep rig wasn't as streamlined and comfortable as I expected. While the instructor was competent, I could tell he didn't live sidemount. I had signed-up for your free course system, which was helpful at the time. However,... read moreSteve just wanted you to thank us for our amazing online Sidemount PCB Course. I had my PADI Sidemount training last year and felt that the XDeep system was not streamlined in the way I desired. The instructor was competent, but it was obvious that he didn’t live or breathe sidemount. I had signed up for the free course which was helpful, but it left me wanting more. I am completing my Overhead Environment Training in Florida this November. I wanted to make certain my setup and skills are up to the mark. I have completed your entire online course. I used all your suggestions to rebuild my XDeep sling harness. Your recommendations helped me redesign my entire harness system, including my attachment points. I feel confident in the water now that I know my setup is working properly. Once again, thank-you. Next is to continue working on my skills, which are much more manageable now that my harness works properly. I wish that I had paid for your training last year. Take care of yourself and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less

What is tec40
Scuba Tanks

Scuba Tanks

Sidemount PCB Diving originated in cave diving's early days. Lamar Hires was the first to make use of multiple tanks in such a compact way that they could reach places that back-mounted divers couldn't. This technique has been gaining popularity and is now one of our fastest-growing areas.

Hi Steve, I really enjoyed your Sidemount PCB Essentials course in Gozo! Have probably never spend my money on anything better. It made so much fun and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Seeing your dedication and experience is simply amazing. You pay attention to the smallest details and you are always striving to improve things even further. I also love your enthusiasm to capture... read moreHi Steve, I really enjoyed your Sidemount PCB Essentials course in Gozo! Have probably never spend my money on anything better. It made so much fun and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Seeing your dedication and experience is simply amazing. You pay attention to the smallest details and you are always striving to improve things even further. I also love your enthusiasm to capture all those details, new equipment, new methods, hints etc. with the camera to be able to include them in upcoming videos to the benefit of everyone. Speaking of your online training videos I must say that they are a class of its own. They definitely get you well-prepared for the things you need to know during the in-water training and I think that exactly this concept is the key to the steep learning curve because the time underwater can be used efficiently. Thank you so much for everything Steve! Cheers, Nils read less

How much does a rebreather course cost

Steve, I want to thank all sections of your online courses. It was worth the effort. I learned a lot more online than my brain could comprehend. Your videos are clearer than any book or other material. I'm going to be repeating the most important lessons in the water course. Regards Rafal

You must know this is a common sentiment, but I do really appreciate your online videos. I have been able use them to setup my sidemounts much more efficiently, and I am able to diagnose issues with students and quickly fix them. I would like to thank you for all that.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Guide
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Online
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Online

You can rent items like primary lights and cylinders, which may be difficult to carry. Please let us know if you need these.

Steve, your Sidemount PCB Essentials course was great! I have probably never spent my money on anything more. It was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it. Your dedication and experience are amazing. Your attention to detail is amazing and you always strive to improve the situation. I enjoyed the Sidemount PCB Essentials course at Gozo. I have probably never spent my money on anything more. It was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it. Your dedication and experience are amazing. Your attention to detail is amazing and you're always trying to improve. Your enthusiasm to capture every detail, whether it be new equipment or hints, is what I love. These details can be captured with the camera so that they can be included in future videos. Your online training videos are an excellent resource. These videos will prepare you for in-water training. I believe that this is the key to the steep learning curve. Because you can use your time underwater efficiently, it's possible to be well-prepared. Steve, thank you so much! Nils, Cheers!

Naui

Certificate cards: These are issued only to those who have earned them. Certification is not guaranteed by simply taking part in a course. Multiple training agencies might offer certification cards for cave courses. C-cards usually cost about $30, depending on which agency you choose. Talk to your instructor for details.

Steve, just saw the new chapters to your online course. These are really great. They're especially helpful when you are reviewing videos or searching for specific parts of a movie. As soon as I saw them, I was able to start using them. Timo, cheers!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What exactly is the Tec 40 Course? Your first step into technical diving is the PADI Tec 40 course. It is a fundamental level of decompression diving that allows you to dive with gas redundancy, higher Enriched Air mixes of up to 50%, decompression on EANX 50% for conservatism, and up to 10 minutes of decompression.

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.