Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Program

Years

Sidemount PCB dives are becoming more popular in technical diving for general decompression. There are many certification agencies that offer recreational and technical sidemount training programs.

Graduates may take part in sidemount diving activities after completing this course. However, they must follow the following guidelines:

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Program

Your instructor series, Steve/Vas is amazing. Let me be the first one to tell you that you are absolutely correct. You can learn SM by simply watching the videos, as I did. But, I had to compromise/sacrifice some of my learning curves without you (SM essentials instructor). To get proficient with AL80s, it took me nearly a year. Then, I... read moreSteve/Vas. Your instructor series is amazing. Let me be the first one to tell you that you are right in everything you have said. You can learn SM by simply watching the videos, as I did. But, I had to compromise/sacrifice some of my learning curves without you (SM essentials instructor). To get proficient with AL80s, it took me nearly a year. The first level of tech diving was taken by me a year later. I told my instructor that I was using SM configuration. He was shocked that I did not teach myself. I told him, and he replied with "You most likely will need to take a SM workshop together depending on how well I do on dive one". He said that there was no reason to have you take a class after the first dive. Your online training is excellent, but I'd rather see Joe Seda if it was all over again. I will continue to learn from him in the future. Regards Tony read less

It's easy to use, portable, no steel back plates or aluminium backplates, light weight, adjustable, easy get into and out of the water. This makes it ideal for divers with back problems, disabled divers and female divers.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 9/11

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

I have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The sidemountpcb Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and... read moreI have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The Sidemount PCB Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and puts a lot of time and effort in everything he does with his students. Everything is planned and worked with great detail. I found it a memorable and a rewarding experience. The Sidemount PCB Essentials Course transformed my diving. My awareness and skills level under water raised where I never expected in such a short period of time. Everything is in the right place... the harness set up, the weight amount and position, the cylinder trim and your balance in the water. This makes you feel very relaxed, confident and experience the true sidemount set up... and no back pain!!! ?? The course was very demanding yet very enjoyable. Every day starts with a theoretical and planning session and ends with a video review about our drills in the water where everything is discussed in great detail. We drained our cylinders every time we went into the water and that's why our learning curve is so high! Everything was done in a relaxed and secure atmosphere yet with extraordinary professionalism. Don't think twice about taking this course with Steve. If you are truly engaged in Sidemount PCB and want to be a great diver, Steve will help you to achieve more than you ever expected! read less

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 9/11
How many technical divers are there

How many technical divers are there

Although I know that you are aware of this, I appreciate your videos online. I've used them to make my sidemount setup much easier. As an instructor, I was able to quickly diagnose student problems and help them. Thank you so much.

You can also use the SDI Sidemount PCB Diver certificate to get the SDI Advanced Diver Development certification.

Padi Sidemount Instructor

Please send me the renewal code for Package 1 - Instructor Course. I look forward for my 5th year at sidemountpcb.com. Your team continues to be an amazing source of inspiration, guidance, and support. All the best! Scott

Computer-aided instruction is an integral aspect of nearly all courses we teach. Why? The answer is simple: eLearning makes it easier for students to get in the water quicker and spend more time in the water. That's why we offer all applicable eLearning courses -- which are usually worth $140 -- at no additional charge. This means that you will get an additional day of training in the water. How valuable is that? Priceless.

Tec Diving Equipment
Tec Diving Equipment

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.

Please send me a renewal code for the Package 1 - Instructor Course. I look forward to enjoying my 5th year with sidemountpcb.com. You and your team continue to be a great source of inspiration and guidance! All the best! Scott

How long can you dive with 2 tanks

Items such as cylinders and primary lights, which my be difficult to travel with, are available for rental. Be sure to alert us if you will need any of these.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A typical diver, at a typical depth, with a typical tank

Based on personal experience, an average open-water certified diver on a 40-foot dive with a standard aluminum 80-cubic-foot tank will be able to stay down for 45 to 60 minutes before surfacing with a safe reserve of air still in the tank.

You must be a PADI Open Water Diver to enroll in the PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver course, but you must also be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver to become a PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver. Have at least 30 dives under your belt.

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.