Yes Sidemount PCB started with the Cave diver, but you do not have to be a tech or cave diver to be able to dive on Sidemount PCB. PADI has a Side mount course in which you only carry one cylinder/tank on one of your sides instead of your back.
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?
Sidemount PCB, a configuration of scuba diving equipment, has diving cylinders that are mounted below the shoulders and along one's hips instead of on the back. This configuration was popular among advanced cave divers because it allows for easier penetration of smaller caves and can also be used to change tanks more quickly. Divers who did technical wreck diving penetrations also recognized the same advantages for operating in tight spaces. Our instructors are well-trained to provide scuba diving instruction in Thailand.
The benefits of sidemount diving will be explained and you'll also learn how to install a tec-sidemount harness. This training includes four open water dives and one confined water. You will have two tanks to start with and two tanks to add, possibly six.
Thank you for your hard work. I have just completed my UTD cave 1, sidemounting with your videos. Sir, your videos make a tremendous difference. Keep sharing your great content.
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.
We provide courses for Recreational, Technical, Sidemount PCB, Overhead / Cave, Advanced Wreck, and Professional Development through the following agencies: SSI, SDI, TDI, ERDI, PFI, RAID.
Sidemount PCB can provide a number of benefits for any diver, but is especially well suited for cave diving. (It was, after all, cave divers who invented sidemount.) Among these benefits:
Steve came to Portugal in the early days for Sidemount PCB, and I was there to meet him. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm, technical skills, and professionalism. With his new website, and online training, this has been elevated to a completely different level. It has so many great contents... read moreI first met Steve in Portugal 10 years ago, when he was visiting to teach Sidemount PCB to his staff. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm, technical skills, and professionalism. With his new website, and online training, this has been elevated to a completely different level. This website is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. Thank you for making sidemount an easy and familiar way to learn to dive. read less
Steve, Your tutorials have been a tremendous help and are an invaluable addition to any instructor's arsenal. I teach PADI in Cyprus and took several courses to learn how this type of diving, which originated from cave diving has been very popular among recreational divers. I was able to certify confident sidemount divers using your method. I teach PADI in Cyprus and took several courses trying to master this type diving. Although it was originally cave diving, it has been very popular with recreational divers. I discovered that my technique is sufficient to certify competent, confident sidemount divers. The space required and time it takes to prepare for the dives, and the Dive Guide, are not a problem. I am also confident that they will be safe underwater and will appear streamlined. This is due to your systematic approach to explaining all aspects of sidemount diving. This approach is something I would recommend to anyone who teaches sidemount. Thank you so much! read less
Graduates may take part in sidemount diving activities after completing this course. However, they must adhere to the following restrictions:
Steve, just saw the new chapters to your online course. These are really great. They're especially helpful when you are reviewing videos or searching for specific parts of a movie. As soon as I saw them, I was able to start using them. Timo, cheers!
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.
Rentals are available for items such as primary lights and cylinders that can be hard to transport. If you require any of these items, please let us know.
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.
According to experts, approximately 40% of technical divers enroll in additional education and training programs. This yields a reasonable estimate of approximately 160,000 active technical divers worldwide.
from 130 to 148 feet
Those who are already decompression certified can immediately qualify for rebreather decompression dives. Individual training agencies set depth limits ranging from 130 to 148 feet (40 to 45 meters).