SDI Sidemount Diver
The SDI Sidemount Diver course introduces divers to the skills, equipment, and procedures involved in diving with a sidemount cylinder configuration. Originally developed for cave and technical diving, sidemount has become increasingly popular in recreational diving due to its comfort, flexibility, and streamlined profile.
This course teaches divers how to properly set up, adjust, and dive a sidemount system while maintaining strong buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques. Students learn how sidemount improves redundancy, enhances gas access, and offers increased maneuverability in a range of underwater environments
Availability: Contact us for booking information
What You’ll Learn
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Advantages and applications of sidemount diving
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Proper equipment configuration, including harness adjustment, tank rigging, and regulator setup
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Gas management considerations when using independent cylinders
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Buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques optimized for sidemount
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Proper donning and doffing of sidemount cylinders
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Emergency procedures and problem-solving specific to sidemount
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Team communication, gas-switch procedures, and streamlining strategies
Course Format
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Classroom or eLearning session covering configuration, safety, and gas considerations
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Confined water session to develop:
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Trim and body positioning
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Regulator switching
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Cylinder manipulation
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Stability and propulsion
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Open water dives where students demonstrate:
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Practical gas management
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Proper cylinder handling
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Environmental control
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Emergency skill proficiency
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Who This Course Is For
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Recreational divers looking for increased comfort, control, and flexibility
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Divers who prefer or require independent gas systems
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Underwater photographers, videographers, and explorers seeking greater maneuverability
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Divers preparing for technical pathways, including cave, wreck, or advanced decompression training
Prerequisites
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Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
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Good buoyancy and comfort in the water
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Basic understanding of gas management (additional training recommended for technical applications)
Certification
Upon completion, students earn the SDI Sidemount Diver certification, qualifying them to plan and conduct dives using a properly configured sidemount system within the limits of their training and experience. This course also serves as an excellent stepping stone toward more advanced technical programs using sidemount equipment.
