Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Locations

How long can you dive on rebreather

Technical diving will reveal that divers often have more than one tank. Sidemount PCB allows you to use multiple cylinders in technical diving. With the Tec Sidemount PCB Diver course, you can get into tec diving and transfer what you have learned to other TecRec courses. You may have the opportunity to combine this course with the Tec 40 and Tec 45 courses.

Sidemount PCB Diving Courses are a useful stand-alone course for the technical diver who wants to become more skilled and proficient with different gear configurations regardless of if he intends to use sidemount all the time. The course may also be taught in conjunction with any of TDI’s other open-circuit specialty courses, on the condition that all prerequisites and standards applicable to both courses are fully met.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training X Dive —

Here’s YOUR chance to help us CLEAN up the oceans, GIVE BACK to your community, VOLUNTEER for a greater purpose to give South Florida a healthy eco-system so it may THRIVE for years to come.

I met Steve, a little over 10 years ago when he came to Portugal to teach our staff to Sidemount PCB (at the time it was the early days of Sidemount PCB). I could immediately see his level of enthusiasm, technical ability, and professionalism. That moved to an all-different level with his new website and online training. The contents are so complete either for someone starting, someone... read moreI met Steve, a little over 10 years ago when he came to Portugal to teach our staff to Sidemount PCB (at the time it was the early days of Sidemount PCB). I could immediately see his level of enthusiasm, technical ability, and professionalism. That moved to an all-different level with his new website and online training. The contents are so complete either for someone starting, someone experienced and instructors alike. Thanks for all the effort to make sidemount a known and easy way to dive. read less

Is it hard to use a rebreather

I want to thank you for all your help. Your online resource made it possible for me to take a sidemount cave course with Natalie Gibb, Mexico.

Hi Steve, I wanted to thank you for all the sections of the online courses, it was really worth going through all these lessons, I learned more online than I thought. Your well-made videos, actually help me understand a lot of things much faster than from book and other materials. I am planning to repeat the most important lessons before the water course. Regards Rafal

Is it hard to use a rebreather
Are there still bodies in the Titanic

Are there still bodies in the Titanic

Sidemount PCB Diving originated in cave diving's early days. Lamar Hires was the first to make use of multiple tanks in such a compact way that they could reach places that back-mounted divers couldn't. This technique has been gaining popularity and is now one of our fastest-growing areas.

Thank you for this wonderful online course. I have had only a handful of experiences with other instructors in my diving 'career'. However, I can honestly state that I have never seen such an informative, detailed and practical explanation about how to become better scuba divers. As I was trying to get my SMB .... photo, my buoyancy control was very poor. This is why I found your online course so helpful. I had only a handful of experiences with other instructors over my scuba diving 'career'. However, I can honestly state that I have never received such practical, useful, and thorough explanations about how I could become a better scuba diver. I had difficulty controlling my buoyancy when I tried to shoot the SMB. My instructor advised me on how to increase my buoyancy. He simply suggested practicing. He seemed to have good buoyancy control. However, he didn’t explain how weighting and breathing are important. Your videos were very eye-opening. And, of course, every single one of my dive buddies didn’t understand why I wanted the sidemount. Even though I am a highly recommended instructor, they still question me about why I would dive sm. What is its purpose? Most cave divers use it. I am glad I chose to sm. It's an entirely new world. It is a different world. Although no one really taught or tested me on SM, there are many times that I dive with friends and they compliment my trim. Your videos helped me learn everything. I learned how to set up my equipment, enter and exit water, and solve any problems. I hope that we can meet and do a training together. I want other divers to improve their skills and be more competent. I'm sure there are many other excellent instructors and divers, but I believe that your contribution is vital and essential to the success of the scuba diving profession. I appreciate your kindness! Regards, Csaba read less

Sidemount Essentials Course

Although I've never attempted sidemount, after studying his online training I knew that Steve was the right man to guide me and make sure I succeed. I was right! It was truly a life-changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He's patient and takes time to explain sidemount. I have never tried it before, but after watching his online video training, knew that Steve was the best man to guide me through it. I was correct! It was truly a life-changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He is patient and gives his time to all of his students. Every step is carefully planned. It was memorable and rewarding. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course has changed the way I dive. I was amazed at how quickly my awareness and skills levels under water increased. Everything is in place: the harness, the weight and position of the swimmers, the cylinder trim and the balance in the water. This allows you to feel confident and relaxed. Although the course was quite challenging, it was extremely enjoyable. Every day began with a planning session, followed by a video review on our drills in the sea. Every time we got in the water, we had to drain our cylinders. That's why our learning curve was so steep! All of it was done with exceptional professionalism in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Steve is a great instructor and I recommend this course. Steve will guide you to greatness if you are passionate about Sidemount PCB. read less

You should know what you are getting. Prices include instruction fees and eLearning fees. Keep in mind that eLearning can cost anywhere from $140 up to $280. If you pay for elearning separately, then a course costing $640 from us could be the same price as a course costing $500 from another source.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Locations
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 01
Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training 01

Sidemount PCB staging - This is where the diver will set up cylinders with tank straps and bungee. This is when a diver uses a sidemount configuration (bungee loops, butt-plate rails, and/or bungee) to store stage/deco/cylinders in a compact manner against his torso.

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

Diving Instructor

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.

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?

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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).

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.