Sidemount
There is a perception that sidemount is something only cave divers use. The fact is, sidemount has many applications. There is more to sidemount than you might imagine. This can include:
- Rigging sidemount cylinders.
- Configuring sidemount regulators.
- Managing two separate gas supplies.
- Deciding which configuration approach best fits your body.
These are all things we cover in the $499 Sidemount Diver course. The course generally takes just a single day and two dives. You can sign up in person, over the phone or online by clicking the button below. If you sign up online, you will still need to call to schedule your class.
This program generally takes just one day and two dives. With sufficient notice, we can usually offer this course when it’s most convenient for you.
- Be at least 15 years old.
- Be certified to at least the Open Water Diver level.
- Be able to answer No to all the questions on the medical questionnaire or obtain a physician’s approval for diving.
$689.98/person includes:
- All instruction
- eLearning
- Certification processing when earned
You supply:
- Mask and snorkel
- Adjustable scuba fins and wetsuit boots
- Adequate exposure protection
- Regulator system with alternate air source
- Sidemount harness, regulators and tanks
- Dive computer
- Underwater compass
- Dive knife/cutting tool
- Dive light
- SMB
Items you don’t already own are generally available for rent. Students are also responsible for gas fills and boat fees or dive site admission
There is a perception that sidemount is something only cave divers use. The fact is, sidemount has many applications. For example:
- Divers with back problems often sidemount so that they do not need to carry heavy tanks out of the water.
- Sidemount allows traveling tech divers to dive a twin-cylinder configuration even when manifolded doubles are not available. All they need are any two rental cylinders.
- Underwater photographers and videographers often prefer sidemount as it allows them to look up without banging their heads against a valve or manifold.
There is more to sidemount than you might imagine. This can include:
- Rigging sidemount cylinders.
- Configuring sidemount regulators.
- Managing two separate gas supplies.
- Deciding which configuration approach best fits your body.
These are all things we cover in the Sidemount Diver course.
In this course, we cover:
Equipment Considerations
- Cylinder options
- Regulator options
- Proper weighting and equipment configurations
- Emergency procedures
- Gas-sharing
- Proper reactions to gas hemorrhages
- Water entries
- Shore entry
- Boat entry
Dive 1
- Dive planning
- Monitor air and gas switching requirements
- Descend and do not exceed pre-planned limits
- Monitor and communicate depth/ time/ air consumption
- Demonstrate buoyancy control during cylinder manipulation
- Ascend and perform safety stop
Dive 2
- Dive planning
- Descend and do not exceed pre-planned limits
- Demonstrate buoyancy control during cylinder manipulation
- Demonstrate buoyancy control during gas switching
- Simulate out of air condition
- Simulate runaway power inflator
- Simulate loss of buoyancy
- Ascend and perform safety stop
Most importantly, we don’t practice these skills until you finally get them right. We have you repeat them until you can’t do them wrong.
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