They are not issued unless earned. Not just taking part in the course does NOT guarantee certification. For cave courses certification cards may be available from multiple training agencies. C-cards can be purchased for around $30 depending on the agency. An instructor will be able to tell you more.
International Training, the parent organization for Scuba Diving International (SDI) and Technical Diving International (TDI) offers both SDI and TDI versions of their Sidemount PCB Diver course. Both courses are very similar. Both use the same learning materials (which, by the way, we wrote). So what’s the difference?
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training LlcYou can enroll in Tec Sidemount PCB Diver courses if you are at least 18 years of age and have logged at least 30 dives. You should also hold a PADI Enriched Diver certification.
Stage-only diving is the use of standard deco/stage cylinder configuration, without back-mounted cylinders, on an otherwise standard, or partly modified tec/rec BCD. The lower cylinder is attached to waist D-Rings and the upper cylinder to shoulder D-Rings, both via direct bolt-snap. Some divers (untrained in specific sidemount diving techniques) often incorrectly assume this approach to be sidemount diving. No bungee cord is utilised in the upper attachment, causing the cylinders to hang low beneath the diver and not in line (parallel) with their torso beneath their armpits. Without change of the BCD design, the lack of back-mounted cylinders also causes taco’ing of wing designs and much instability.
Sidemount diving is allowed after successful completion of the course. This is subject to the following restrictions:
Computer-aided instruction is an integral part of nearly every course we teach. The Why? is simple: eLearning helps get our students in the water sooner and spend more time there. It’s why we include the cost of any applicable eLearning programs — usually a $140 value — in our courses at no extra charge. This translates directly into an extra day of in-water training. The value of that? Priceless.
Your online course was a great learning experience. Although I have had a few lessons with instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I have never seen such detailed, practical and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. My PADI AOW training was difficult because I struggled with buoyancy control when I attempted to shoot my SMB ..... I just had this amazing experience with your online course. Although I have had a few lessons with other instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I've never seen such detailed, practical, and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. As I attempted to shoot my SMB, my buoyancy control was a problem when I completed my PADI AOW training. My instructor suggested ways to increase my buoyancy. He advised me to practice. He was sure he had good buoyancy control but didn't tell me the importance of weighting properly, breathing control, and so on. Your videos were eye-opening. My dive buddies didn't get it. Even my highly-recommended instructors still ask me why I do sm. Is it useful? It is mostly done by cave divers. It was a great decision. It's a whole new world. Although nobody taught me or checked my SM skills, many times when I dive with other divers, they comment on how great my trim is. Your videos taught me everything, including how to set up my equipment, exit the water, and solve problems. We should meet up and have training together. I want to help other divers become better and more qualified. While I know there are many great instructors and divers out there, I believe your contribution to the scuba diving community is significant and vital. We are grateful for your efforts. Regards, Csaba read less
Sidemount diving is allowed after successful completion of the course. As long as these limits are met, graduates can engage in sidemount dive activities without supervision.
Here’s YOUR chance to help us CLEAN up the oceans, GIVE BACK to your community, VOLUNTEER for a greater purpose to give South Florida a healthy eco-system so it may THRIVE for years to come.
Steve met me a little more than 10 years ago, when he visited Portugal to teach Sidemount PCB to our staff (at that time it was very early days of Sidemount PCB). I immediately noticed his passion, technical skill, and professionalism. This was made possible by his website and online training. These contents are great for anyone who is just starting. His passion, technical skill, and professionalism was evident immediately. This was made possible by his website and online training. It is easy to use the contents, whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver. We appreciate your efforts to make sidemount diving a simple and accessible option. read less
sidemountpcb.com is an essential component for recreational and technical divers. The beginning of my technical training was sidemount essentials. I completed a Tec40 / sidemount class in Florida before starting my training with Joe. Joe was able to concentrate on the in-water skills through online training. Although I had previously taken a Tec40 / sidemount class before starting my technical training with Joe, I consider that the start of my technical education sidemount essentials. Joe could focus on developing in-water skills through the online training. This was essential for cave training as well as all other technical training such trimix with Vas Profud. It demonstrates the high-quality inwater training that all divers should receive and accelerates in-water skill development. My daughter, who is beginning her journey into diving, watched the backmount dive videos before she started open water training. I am currently reviewing the instructor videos to make sure that I'm the best "buddy" I can be for her during her training process. These tools are vital in the safe development of technical and recreational divers. Daniel Glynn, father and cave diver
Sidemount is not something you'll be doing during cave diving training. Instead, you should look at our CDS Basics Orientation Course.
I just wanted to tell you that your online training has been outstanding. Every time I log on, I learn something. Your website is amazing in terms of the value it provides. We are grateful for your time.
Just wanted to let you know that your online training program is outstanding. Each time I log in, I learn something. You go above and beyond in engaging with your subscribers, which only enhances the incredible value you provide. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
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.