Steve, your tutorials are fantastic and a great addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I am a PADI instructor in Cyprus. I have taken a few courses to learn this style of diving which, although it is derived from cave diving, has become very popular with recreational divers. However, my only method of certification is sidemount diving. This technique has helped me to become a confident and competent diver. I am a PADI instructor in Cyprus. I have taken a few courses to learn this style of diving which, although it is derived from cave diving, has become very popular with recreational divers. Your technique allowed me to certify confident and competent sidemount divers. This is a method that I have found works well for Dive guides and dive boats. It takes up twice as much space and requires half the time. They will also look sleek underwater and be very safe. It is all thanks to your organized approach to explaining every aspect sidemount diving, which is critical. It is a great way to teach sidemount. We are very grateful! read less
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.
Steve, Your Sidemount PCB Essentials class in Gozo was a great experience! I doubt that I will ever spend more money on something else. It was so much fun. It's amazing to see the dedication and your experience. You are attentive to every detail and always looking to improve. Read moreHi Steve! Your Sidemount PCB Essentials class in Gozo was great. I can't think of anything better. It was so much fun. Your passion and knowledge are truly amazing. You pay attention even to the smallest details, and are constantly striving for improvement. I love your passion for capturing all the details, new equipment, and tips. to include them in future videos. I am very impressed with your online training videos. These videos prepare you for the in-water training. And I think this is what makes the steep learning curve so manageable underwater. Steve, I am so grateful for all your help. Nils, Cheers
Steve, thanks so much! Vas, thank you for your mentoring. If you don't ask questions or explore the options, it can put an end to your safety and growth as a diver. I have been studying your online courses for over two years. I have practiced and developed muscle memory, but more importantly, I have never been afraid to ask questions of other divers. Read moreThanks Steve, and Vas for your mentorship. If you don't ask questions or explore the options, it can impede your progress in safety and growth as a diver. I have been studying in depth your online teachings for the past 2 years. I have practiced and developed muscle memory but, most importantly, I have not kept my mouth closed when divers ask me questions. As they now see the best way, the results are astounding. I also want to thank you for being so patient with me over the past 2 years. There are always opportunities to ask, learn and teach, as well as discuss, and grow. You should not ask stupid questions while diving. I'm sure I'll open my mouth again to ask another question! Lol
A single specialty rating can be earned by obtaining the SDI Sidemount PCB Diver Certification to complete the SDI Advanced Diver Development programme.
Since the beginning of the century, one of the most significant changes in the equipment cave divers use has been the shift from backmounted doubles to sidemount. Not only do a substantial number of cave divers now sidemount, it’s possible that there are more open-circuit sidemount cave divers than backmount cave divers.
Blue Label Diving is pleased to offer all levels of Sidemount PCB Diving Courses from SSI, TDI and PADI in Phuket Thailand. From recreational two tank side mount diving to advanced technical sidemounting in overhead environments and even instructor levels. The only drawback is that once you dive side mount, you may never want to return to backmount diving!
Know what you are getting: Prices include instruction, eLearning fees, and other costs. You should also consider that eLearning costs can vary from $140 to $280. In other words, a course that costs $640 may actually be cheaper than a $500 course you purchase from us if you are required to pay for the elearning separately.
I am grateful for your wonderful work. It has been a tremendous help for anyone interested in Sidemount PCB. Your online resource was invaluable in preparing me for the cave sidemount cross-over course I took with Natalie Gibb in Mexico.
The course will require the same equipment, as you will need it for your technical diving and cave training. This includes:
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.
TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression ProceduresThese are the first two classes of technical diving and represent the first step on the road to becoming an elite diver.Best taken together, these classes will train you to safely use gas mixtures with up to 100% oxygen and execute staged decompression diving to a depth of 150'.
It is possible to obtain qualifying certifications through other diving training organizations. Please ask your Tec Sidemount PCB Instructor.
Sidemount PCB Diving evolved in the early years of cave diving, pioneered by explorers such as Lamar Hires to use multiple tanks in a streamlined a compact fashion to get places that back mounted divers could not. As time went on, the technique has matured and evolved to become one of the fastest growing areas of our sport.
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.
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.
A typical diver, at a typical depth, with a typical tank
Based on personal experience, an average open-water certified diver on a 40-foot dive with a standard aluminum 80-cubic-foot tank will be able to stay down for 45 to 60 minutes before surfacing with a safe reserve of air still in the tank.