PADI Sidemount PCB Diver. The PADI sidemount specialty provides training in the use of the sidemount gear configuration.

Hi Steve, I just saw the new chapters you are adding into your online courses. Really like them. Especially helpful, when reviewing videos and searching for just a part in a video. I starting using them as soon as I noticed them. Cheers, Timo

Sidemount diving is allowed after successful completion of the course. As long as these limits are met, graduates can engage in sidemount dive activities without supervision.

Steve, my pleasure! I enjoyed your Sidemount PCB Essentials training in Gozo. I can't think of anything better. It was so much of a lot of fun. It's amazing to see the dedication and your experience. You pay attention and are constantly striving for improvement. I also love your passion to capture... Read moreHi Steve! It was a great course on Sidemount PCB Essentials in Gozo! I can't think of anything better. It was so much of a lot of fun. Your passion and knowledge are truly amazing. You pay attention and strive to improve everything. I also love your enthusiasm for capturing details, new equipment, tips, etc. You can take these photos with your camera and use them in future videos. Your online training videos have a special place in my heart. These videos prepare you for the in-water training. In fact, I believe this is the key to the steep learning curve. The time spent underwater can be utilized efficiently. Steve, we are grateful for everything. Nils, Cheers

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Gym

I just have this enlightening experience with your online course. I had few experiences with other instructors in my scuba 'career', but I can honestly say that I never saw such a useful, deep, and practical explanations about how to become a better scuba diver. When I did my PADI AOW training, I was struggling with buoyancy control as I tried to shoot my SMB.... read moreI just have this enlightening experience with your online course. I had few experiences with other instructors in my scuba 'career', but I can honestly say that I never saw such a useful, deep, and practical explanations about how to become a better scuba diver. When I did my PADI AOW training, I was struggling with buoyancy control as I tried to shoot my SMB. I asked my instructor how to improve my buoyancy. He said just practice. He had a good buoyancy control surely, but didn't explain to me about the importance of proper weighting, breath control, etc. Your videos were eye opener. Not to mention that every one of my dive buddy didn't really understand why I wanted to dive sidemount. Even now highly recommended instructors ask me why I dive sm. What is the use of it? Mostly cave divers do it. I am very happy that I did choose sm. It is a different world. Nobody really taught me or checked how I do SM, but many times I dive with others, they mention how good my trim is. I learned everything from your videos, how to setup my equipment, enter or exit water, or solve problems, etc. I hope we can meet sometimes and can have a training together, because I want to improve and help others to become much better, quality divers. I am sure that there many excellent divers and instructors out there, but I am sure that your contribution to the scuba diving society is huge and very important. Thank you for that! Regards, Csaba read less

It was amazing to have such a positive experience with your online class. In my scuba 'career,' I had very few interactions with other instructors, but I can tell you that I have never experienced such useful, deep and practical explanations about how I can become a better scuba diver. When I completed my PADI AOOW training, buoyancy control was a problem as I attempted to capture my SMB ..... Read more I am so grateful for your informative online course. In my scuba 'career, I had very few interactions with other instructors, but I can tell you that I have never seen so many practical and helpful explanations about how to become an even better diver. I struggled with buoyancy control when I attempted my SMB while I was doing my PADI OOW training. I asked my instructor how to improve buoyancy. He told me to just practice. He assured me that he had good buoyancy controls, but he didn't explain the importance proper weighting or breath control to me. Your videos were a real eye opener. Not to mention the fact that my sidemount diving buddy did not understand why I wanted it. Even now, highly recommended instructors often ask me why sm is important. What's the purpose of it? It's a common practice for cave divers. I am happy I chose sm. It is a completely different world. No one ever taught me or inspected my SM. However, when I dive with others they often comment on how well my trim is. I learned everything from your videos. You showed me how to set up equipment, get in and out of water, solve problems, and so on. I hope to meet you and to have a training with you. Because I want to make scuba diving better and to help others become more skilled divers. Although I know that there are many talented divers and instructors, I think your contribution to the diving community is very significant. Thank you! Regards, Csaba read less

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Gym
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training International

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training International

I just want you to know that your online courses are top-notch. Every time that I log in, something is new. The incredible value that we receive from your website only increases when you go above an ordinary level to engage with our subscribers. We appreciate your time.

Hi Steve, Your tutorials are amazing and are a valuable addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I teach PADI in Cyprus, and I took a few courses trying to master this type of diving that although came from cave diving, became very popular among recreational divers . But I found that only using your technique , I am certifying capable and confident sidemount divers , which... read moreHi Steve, Your tutorials are amazing and are a valuable addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I teach PADI in Cyprus, and I took a few courses trying to master this type of diving that although came from cave diving, became very popular among recreational divers . But I found that only using your technique , I am certifying capable and confident sidemount divers , which , I know, will not be a nightmare for any dive boat and/or Dive guide by using up double the space and needing double the time to kit up. I also know that they will look streamlined underwater and be safe. And it is all due to your structured approach in explaining every aspect of sidemount diving , where configuration is crucial. I would not hesitate to recommend it to any instructor teaching sidemount! Thank you very much ! read less

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Data Sheet

We can offer the SDI course if requested. However, we only offer the TDI course by default. This can be taken as a stand-alone program, but our students usually combine it with the Apprentice Cave Diver course.

Sidemount PCB divers are increasingly becoming popular among technical divers. This is a great option for recreational and technical decompression diving.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Diving
Specialty Course
Specialty Course

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.

The SDI Sidemount PCB Diver certification can be used to earn a single specialty rating for the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Course

Your online videos are amazing. I know you understand this. They have helped me to set up my sidemount much easier. I also found it much easier to diagnose and fix student problems. That's why I want to say thank you.

Sidemount PCB staging: This is where the diver is setting up cylinders with tank straps, bungee, clips and special valves (left and right-handed). and is the practice of using sidemount configuration (bungee loops and/or butt-plate rails) as a means for stowing stage/deco cylinders in a streamlined manner against the sides of the torso, when otherwise diving in back-mounted doubles or CCR

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Frequently Asked Questions

2-3 hours

Even with small cylinders, you can usually dive for 2-3 hours (rebreathers typically have two 2/3l cylinders or one 3/5l cylinder).

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.