Sidemount is not something you'll be doing during cave diving training. Instead, you should look at our CDS Basics Orientation Course.
You may be eligible for certifications from other diving organizations - check with your Tec Sidemount PCB Instructor.
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training GuideWhile we are able to teach the SDI course if you ask, the default is the TDI. Although you can do this program as an individual course, we recommend that students combine it with the Apprentice Cave Diver class.
It is easy to transport, lightweight, flexible, no steel/allum back plates, easy to adjust, get in and out of water easily, great for disabled divers, divers who have back problems, and female divers who are small but need extra time. You can also carry two cylinders simultaneously, making it safer and more convenient.
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.
If you are ready to learn SCUBA Diving, register here to take your Open Water Diver course. For continuing education, visit us in store to help develop a pathway to achieve your diving goals.
It's easy to use, portable, no steel back plates or aluminium backplates, light weight, adjustable, easy get into and out of the water. This makes it ideal for divers with back problems, disabled divers and female divers.
Start studying right away by getting the PADI Sidemount PB Diver and Tec Sidemount PB Diver Manual from your local PADI Dive Shop. If you are certified as a recreational sidemount diver, Chapters Two and three will be your focus. If not you will read the entire manual.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision so long as the following limits are adhered to:
If you will not be using sidemount during your cave diver training, what you should be looking at is our CDS Basics Orientation course.
International Training, the parent organisation for Technical Diving International / Scuba Diving International (TDI), offers both the SDI and TDI versions their Sidemount PCB Diver course. Both courses are very similar. Both courses share the same learning materials (which were written by us). What is the difference?
Steve/Vas your instructor series are amazing. I will be the first to admit that you are right in everything you have said. Watching the videos can help anyone learn SM. I had to sacrifice my learning curve and compromise without a SM essentials instructor. It took me almost a year to become proficient with AL80s. I was then able to... read mehrSteve/Vas. Your series of instructors is simply amazing. I am sure you are right. Watching the videos can help anyone learn SM. Without you, my learning curve was compromised/sacrificed. It took me almost a year to become proficient in AL80s. My tech instructor told me that I was doing tech diving in SM configuration. I had to admit that I was a certified instructor. He replied by saying "You most likely will have a SM workshop with us depending on my performance on dive one". After my first dive, he told me that there was no reason not to take a class. Although your online training is great, I would still go to Joe Seda for the class if it were over. I will take his course in the future so that I can be my best. Regards Tony read less
The course will require the same equipment, as you will need it for your technical diving and cave training. This includes:
Steve, thank you for the Sidemount PCB Essentials Course in Gozo. I've never spent more money on something better. It was great fun. I loved every second of it. It is amazing to see your passion and experience. You are meticulous and pay attention to every detail. I love your passion to capture... continue readingHi Steve! Your Sidemount PCB Essentials class in Gozo was great! You are the best. It was great fun. I enjoyed every second of it. It is amazing to see your passion and experience. You are meticulous and pay attention to every detail. Your passion to capture details, new equipment and hints is something I also love. You can use the camera to capture them and include them in future videos. Your online training videos are amazing. They will get you prepared for what you need to know in the water training. This concept I believe is key to the steep learning curve, as you can make the most of your time underwater. Steve, thanks so much for all your help! Nils read more
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).
You must be a PADI Open Water Diver to enroll in the PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver course, but you must also be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver to become a PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver. Have at least 30 dives under your belt.
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.