Steve/Vas Your instructor series is incredible. Let me be the one to confirm what you said. It is easy to learn SM from watching videos like I have. However, I did have to sacrifice my learning curve in order to avoid having to rely on SM essentials instructors. To become proficient in AL80s took almost a full year. I then... Read moreSteve/Vas your instructor series was phenomenal. Let me be the one to confirm what you said. Watching videos like mine can help you learn SM. I did have to sacrifice my learning curve and compromise without a SM essentials instructor. I took almost a full year to become proficient with AL80s. After that, I took my first level in tech diving and informed my instructor that I was learning it in SM mode. He responded by saying that I learned the technique myself. Depending on how I did on dive 1, he may have to teach me SM workshops. After the first dive, he stated that "there's no reason for you not to take a course with me". Your online training was spot-on, but if I could do it over again, Joe Seda would be my first choice. I'm going to take the course with Joe Seda in the near future. Regards Tony read less
Easy to carry around, flexible, no metal or aluminium back plates. Lightweight, easy-to-adjust, easy to get in and back out of the water.
Graduates of the NAUI Intro to Technical Diving course are qualified to pursue additional technical training based on their individual objectives and readiness to meet the rigors of technical diving. For many, enrollment in the NAUI Technical Decompression Diver program is the next logical step since this program introduces the use of optimal breathing gas and stage decompression for planning and operations.
Steve, Your tutorials were amazing and an excellent addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I am a PADI instructor in Cyprus. After taking a few courses, I was able to master this style of diving. Although it originated in cave diving, it has gained popularity among recreational divers. But, only by using your technique, I have been able to certify competent and confident sidemount diver. I teach PADI Cyprus and have completed a few courses in order to master this type dive, which although originated in cave diving, is becoming very popular among recreational divers. I learned that your technique only allowed me to certify competent and confident sidemount diver. Sidemount diving, I know, is not difficult for any dive boat or Dive guide. I also know they will be safe and appear sleek underwater. You have a structured approach that explains every aspect of sidemount dive, including the configuration. Any instructor who is teaching sidemount I would highly recommend this! Thank you! read less
The course will require the same equipment, as you will need it for your technical diving and cave training. This includes:
Hi Steve, I wanted to thank you for all the sections of the online courses, it was really worth going through all these lessons, I learned more online than I thought. Your well-made videos, actually help me understand a lot of things much faster than from book and other materials. I am planning to repeat the most important lessons before the water course. Regards Rafal
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training HoustonIf you're a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 30 logged dives, you qualify to enroll in a Tec Sidemount PCB Diver course. It's recommended that you also have a PADI Enriched Air Diver certification.
Sidemounting is something I haven't tried before. However, from watching his video training online, I knew Steve was the best man to teach me this skill and give me confidence about it. I was not wrong! It was truly life-changing! Sidemount PCB Essentials was beyond my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He is patient and gives a lot of his time. I was absolutely right! It was truly life-changing! Sidemount PCB Essentials was beyond my expectations. Steve is an excellent teacher. He's patient, hardworking and puts in a lot to every lesson he gives. Everything is planned and done with great attention to detail. It was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course completely transformed my diving. In a matter of a few weeks, my awareness level and skills were higher than I could have ever imagined. Everything is in place: your harness set-up, your weight and position, the trim of the cylinder, and your overall balance in the water. This gives you the feeling of true sidemount setup, with no back pain and makes you feel more confident and relaxed. This course was difficult but enjoyable. Every day started with a planning and theoretical session. Each day ends with a video review and discussion about the drills we performed in the water. The learning curve was steepened because we had a tendency to drain our cylinders whenever we were in the water. All was handled with professionalism and in a comfortable, safe environment. Steve will make this course easy for you. Steve will help to make you a better diver! read less
Steve, your tutorials are fantastic and a great addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I am a PADI instructor in Cyprus. I have taken a few courses to learn this style of diving which, although it is derived from cave diving, has become very popular with recreational divers. However, my only method of certification is sidemount diving. This technique has helped me to become a confident and competent diver. I am a PADI instructor in Cyprus. I have taken a few courses to learn this style of diving which, although it is derived from cave diving, has become very popular with recreational divers. Your technique allowed me to certify confident and competent sidemount divers. This is a method that I have found works well for Dive guides and dive boats. It takes up twice as much space and requires half the time. They will also look sleek underwater and be very safe. It is all thanks to your organized approach to explaining every aspect sidemount diving, which is critical. It is a great way to teach sidemount. We are very grateful! read less
We can offer the SDI course if requested. However, we only offer the TDI course by default. This can be taken as a stand-alone program, but our students usually combine it with the Apprentice Cave Diver course.
Steve, we are grateful for your support and guidance. Do not hesitate to ask questions and to explore all possibilities. It can make it difficult to progress in safety and increase your diving skills. I have been studying the online lessons for 2 years. I have practiced and honed my muscle memory, but the most important thing is that I never kept my mouth closed when others ask me questions... Read moreThanks Steve for all of your help and Vas. Doing so can hinder your safety and growth. I have been following your online instruction for over two years. I have practiced and trained my muscle memory, but I also never kept my mouth shut when other divers ask. Amazing results as they now see a better path. You were also kind enough to give me suggestions or explanations during my 2 year learning experience. There is always an opportunity for you to ask, teach and discuss. There shouldn't be stupid questions in diving. I'm sure that I will be able to ask another question in the future. Lol
Sidemount PCB Diving developed from cave diving in the early decades. Lamar Hires, an explorer, was the first to use multiple tanks to reach places where back mounted divers were unable to. As the sport developed, sidemount PCB diving has become one the fastest growing segments.
Computer-assisted instruction is an integral part almost all of the courses we teach. The Why? The simple answer is that eLearning allows students to get in the water faster and spend more time there. This is why we include any applicable eLearning program -- typically a $140 value -- in all our courses at no extra cost. This is equivalent to an extra day's in-water training. This is what it's worth. Priceless.
Make sure you understand what you're buying: Prices include instruction as well as eLearning fees. Remember that eLearning fees can run anywhere from $140 - $280. For example, a $640 course offered by us may be equivalent to a $500 course provided you pay separately for elearning.
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.