How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver License

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Halloween Costume

Gear - While all gear is identical, divers in their introductory tech classes (Intro To Tech, Sidemount and CCR Air diluent), will notice some fundamental differences in their configurations. Instead of being split into 2 stages on a single cylinder, the second stages are divided up between two with a separate stage on each. Gas planning becomes more complex and the harnesses are more chrome.

However it is important at greater depths to decrease effort and achieve maximum performance to avoid overexertion and CO2 buildup. CO2 is the trigger for our breathing reflex, so the more CO2 we build up the more we will feel the urge to breathe. This means in the same amount of time we will pump more gas through our lungs and we take in more gas in the same amount of time.

Cave passage formed over millions of years of water erosion that stretch thousands of feet from the entrance are reserved for those trained in overhead diving. The unique beauty and tranquility that these sites offer is only surpassed by the incredible timescale with which they formed.

Initially I had no interest in technical diving. I distinctly remember chuckling to myself at the Tec divers I saw, wondering why anyone would want to carry more equipment underwater. I love the sense of freedom and proximity to nature that can envelop you in “the silent world.” However, Tom had a reputation as an inspirational teacher, and as I was working in a dive shop with Tec courses it seemed rude not to at least try.

How To Dive Sidemount

And then there are the rebreathers…a rebreather is a machine that recycles exhaled gas and is the preferred method for ‘very’ deep dives in order to use the gas carried more efficiently. In this case the exhaled gas is going thru a canister filled with a chemical which is called Sofnolime or scrubber to remove CO2 from the breathing loop and the remaining gas will be inhaled again by the diver. Metabolised oxygen is replaced into the loop to keep the oxygen content in the divers’ body at the desired pressure.

Television, magazines or stories from a close friend can all be used to explore the underwater world. It doesn't really matter which source you use, it is still exciting and very enticing. So what can we do to continue exploring? What is technical diving?

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver License
How To Dive Sidemount
How long does it take to become a cave diver

How long does it take to become a cave diver

There are many great readings about technical diving. Some are stories of personal experiences and adventures in technical diving that are definitely worth reading. Some of the greatest books for sure are:

Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving.

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver Make

Sidemount cylinder mounting originated for cave diving and have become more popular in all forms of technical diving since. They separate the dual cylinders, with a 1st stage on each cylinder, and mount them on either side of the diver’s body. This doesn’t allow the diver to breathe from either cylinder in the event of a regulator failure, but does give the diver easier access to valves. Sidemount diving gives the diver a larger horizontal profile, but a smaller vertical profile.

International Training, the parent organization for Scuba Diving International (SDI) and Technical Diving International (TDI) offers both SDI and TDI versions of their Sidemount Diver course. Both courses are very similar. Both use the same learning materials (which, by the way, we wrote). So what’s the difference?

Are rebreathers safe
Are rebreathers safe

Mentality - Technical diving still has its fun side. It's about seeing cool stuff, just as sport diving. But technical divers see things longer, deeper and more hidden than the sport diver. Although technical divers are still fun-focused, they are also regularly focused. There are still jokes to be made and laughs can be had. But, diving planning and execution must be done with a sense of seriousness. Divers are exposed to risks.

While technical diving is still fun, it's not for people who wish to go deeper. Cave and decompression dives carry more risk. The best way to reduce the risk is to plan your dives and train well. This is why divers who take these dives must be held to a higher standard. It takes practice to become a competent diver. There is no substitute for the practice and time in the water. Divers will be able to see that the minimum standards are frequently exceeded during training courses. Individual technical instructors sometimes do this. Technical training teaches divers how to redundancy. It enables them to solve problems at 1500 feet inside a cave. It's not easy and it's scary, but it's an important aspect of diving within that environment. Technical training can be challenging, but it can also be fun. At the end of it, the diver will have the ability to see areas that are completely closed off to the rest of the world.

How To Become A Sidemount Technical Scuba Diver 50 Ft

A minimum of fitness is required for scuba diving. A physician may be required to approve you before diving if you have any chronic conditions, are taking certain medications, or have had recent surgery.

Certification cards: We issue these only when earned. Simply taking part in a course does not guarantee certification. For cave courses, certification cards from multiple training agencies may be available. C-cards generally cost around $30 each, depending on agency. Your instructor can tell you more.

Check our other pages :

Frequently Asked Questions

- Increased Bottom Time A Closed Circuit diver is not concerned with running out of gas because they are only limited by decompression. This can also be reduced by selecting an oxygen partial pressure that provides the diver with virtually limitless bottom times in 60 feet or less of water.