Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Package

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Magazine

One of the most important changes in equipment cave divers have made since the start of the century was the switch from sidemount to backmounted doubles. Sidemount is a popular choice for cave divers. It's also possible that sidemount cave divers are more common than backmount cave divers.

Sidemount PCB Harness. This is a special Harness that looks like a BCD. It is very lightweight and extremely minimal. The harness comes with several D rings on the shoulder straps, as well as a Butt plate that has sliders or rings.

We offer the TDI course as an option, although we can also teach the SDI course if asked. This course can be taken on its own, or with our Apprentice Cave Diver course.

Love your vids Steve. I am located in Nova Scotia Canada. Just received my tdiSM cert in August. I purchased your online course as an addition to my training. It has been extremely helpful. Many thanks!

Dives

Steve/Vas, Your instructor series has been amazing. Please allow me to be the first person to state that I agree with everything you said. One can learn SM simply by watching the videos. I was able to sacrifice my learning without the help of SM Essentials Instructor. It took me nearly one year to get good at AL80s. I then read moreSteve/Vas. The instructor series you have created is truly amazing. Let me just say that I agree with everything you have to say. As I have shown, anyone can learn SM from watching videos. I was able to sacrifice my learning curve, but not without the help of SM essentials instructor. It took me almost one full year to get used to AL80s. I completed the tech dive level one year later and informed my tech instructor that I was diving in SM configuration. I had to explain to him that I taught it myself. His response was "you most likely need to take a SM class with me depending upon how I do on dive 1". After my first dive he said, "There is no reason why you should take a class alongside me." Your online training is perfect, but I would go back to Joe Seda if I had to. I plan to continue the course with him in the future. Regards Tony read less

International Training is the parent organization of Technical Diving International and Scuba Diving International. They offer both TDI and SDI versions of their Sidemount PCB Diver courses. Both courses are similar. Both courses use the same learning materials (which we also wrote). What's the difference between them?

Dives
Course

Course

TDI Intro to Technical DivingThe TDI Intro to Tech Course is an introductory course that expands on recreational training by improving dive planning methods, in-water skills, and streamlining existing gear configurations in a controlled and fun learning environment. This course is excellent for those beggining their journey into the exacting world...

sidemountpcb.com's online training is essential for both recreational and technical divers. Although I had previously taken a Tec 40 /sidemount class before beginning my technical training with Joe, I consider that the start of my technical learning sidemount essentials. Joe was able focus on his in-water skills thanks to the online training. The beginning of my technical diving training was sidemount essentials. I completed a Tec40 /sidemount class in Florida before I began my training with Joe. Joe was able focus on the in water skills development through online training. This was the foundation of cave training and all other technical courses, such as trimix with Vas. The online training provides a great way to develop in-water skills and shows what divers can expect from good in-water training. My daughter, who is just starting out in diving, has already watched the backmount video before starting open water training. I am also reviewing the instructors videos to ensure that I am the best buddy' for her as she goes through the training process. These videos are essential for the safe development of recreational and technical divers. Daniel Glynn (father cave diver) reads less

Bali

Your great work is greatly appreciated by everyone interested in the Sidemount PCB industry. Thanks to your online resource, I was able to join Natalie Gibb's cave sidemount crossover class in Mexico.

Your instructor series, Steve/Vas is amazing. Let me be the first one to tell you that you are absolutely correct. You can learn SM by simply watching the videos, as I did. But, I had to compromise/sacrifice some of my learning curves without you (SM essentials instructor). To get proficient with AL80s, it took me nearly a year. Then, I... read moreSteve/Vas. Your instructor series is amazing. Let me be the first one to tell you that you are right in everything you have said. You can learn SM by simply watching the videos, as I did. But, I had to compromise/sacrifice some of my learning curves without you (SM essentials instructor). To get proficient with AL80s, it took me nearly a year. The first level of tech diving was taken by me a year later. I told my instructor that I was using SM configuration. He was shocked that I did not teach myself. I told him, and he replied with "You most likely will need to take a SM workshop together depending on how well I do on dive one". He said that there was no reason to have you take a class after the first dive. Your online training is excellent, but I'd rather see Joe Seda if it was all over again. I will continue to learn from him in the future. Regards Tony read less

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Package
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 2018
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 2018

Steve, I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing online Sidemount PCB training. My PADI Sidemount PCB training was last year. However, I felt that my XDeep harness setup was not as streamlined as I would like. Although the instructor was excellent, I could see that he didn't live and breathe sidemount. I had already signed up for your free course, which was very helpful. But... read moreSteve, I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing online Sidemount PCB training course. My PADI Sidemount PCB training was last year. However, I felt that my XDeep harness wasn't streamlined the way I wanted. Although the instructor was excellent, I could see that he didn't live sidemount. Your free course system was very helpful, but you left wanting more. I will be attending my Overhead Environment training in Florida this November and wanted to ensure that my setup and skills were up-to-date. I watched your entire online course (WOW). Your recommendations helped me to rebuild my XDeep harness. Your setup helped me re-do my entire bungee system and all my attachment points. I feel that my setup is correct and it feels very comfortable in the water. Again, thank you. Next, I will continue to improve my skills. It is much easier now that my harness has been properly set up. Your training was a great investment. I wish I had done it a year ago. Please take care, and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less

Sidemount PCB refers to scuba divers who have their diving cylinders placed along the diver's side, below the shoulders, and along the hips. As smaller cave sections can be penetrated, the tanks can be changed more easily. This was originally a popular configuration for cave divers. Diving professionals who perform technical wreck diving penetrations recognized the same benefits. To teach scuba divers in Thailand, we have highly-trained instructors.

Ssi Xr

They are not issued unless earned. Not just taking part in the course does NOT guarantee certification. For cave courses certification cards may be available from multiple training agencies. C-cards can be purchased for around $30 depending on the agency. An instructor will be able to tell you more.

The NAUI Trimix I provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of utilizing helium-based trimix breathing gas mixtures for dives to a maximum depth of 200 fsw (61 msw) requiring staged-decompression and utilizing EANx mixtures and/or oxygen during decompression.

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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.