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.
The cylinders are lightweight and easy to carry, with no steel or aluminum back plates.
Steve, I just discovered the new chapters you've added to your online training courses. These chapters are very nice. They're particularly helpful for searching for parts in videos and reviewing them. I used them from the moment I first saw them. Timo!
Technical diving is not the same as regular diving. Tech divers usually have multiple tanks. SidemountPCB is becoming a more popular method to configure multiple cylinders when technical diving. You can learn how to tec dive with the Tec Sidemount PCB Diver Course and then transfer your knowledge to other TecRec courses. The instructor might offer to incorporate this course into the Tec 40, Tec 45, or Tec 50 courses.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision, provided the following limits are adhered to:
It is possible to rent items such as primary light bulbs and cylinders which can be cumbersome to travel with. You should let us know if any of these are required.
You will learn the benefits of using a sidemount configuration for diving as well as how to set up a sidemount harness. Practical training will take place in one confined-water session and four open-water dives. You'll be diving with at least two tanks. Then, you can add at most two more tanks.
You can also use the SDI Sidemount PCB Diver certificate to get the SDI Advanced Diver Development certification.
Thank you Steve and Vas for your guidance. It is a mistake to not ask questions and explore options. This can stop the progress of safety and growth in diving. Your online trainings have been invaluable to me for over 2 years. I have trained my muscle memory and practiced it. But, most importantly, I never shut my mouth when asked by other divers... read moreThank you Steve and Vas for all your guidance. It is a common mistake to not ask questions and explore options. This can stop the progress of safety and growth in diving. Your online trainings have been a valuable resource for me for over 2 years. I have trained my muscle memory and practiced it, but most importantly, I never shut up when asked by divers. They now see a better way and the results are amazing. I have to say, however, that you were always willing to help me or explain the process in my two years of learning! Every opportunity exists to learn, teach, discuss and grow. There should never be any stupid questions when diving. I am sure that I will continue to open my mouth to ask more questions in the future. Lol
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
A stone’s throw from our shoreline, you can experience being surrounded by miles of our BEAUTIFUL BARRIER REEF system in less than 15 feet of water. Classes and private guides are available to provide your once in a lifetime moment.
Sidemount PCB Diving Training Courses are a great course for technical divers looking to get more familiar with different gear configurations. The course can be taught with any of TDI’s specialty courses in open-circuit, but only if all standards and prerequisites are met.
Sidemount PCB divers are increasingly becoming popular among technical divers. This is a great option for recreational and technical decompression diving.
Steve, just wanted thank you for your awesome online Sidemount PCB class. My PADI Sidemount training was completed last year. I still felt that the XDeep rig wasn't as streamlined and comfortable as I expected. While the instructor was competent, I could tell he didn't live sidemount. I had signed-up for your free course system, which was helpful at the time. However,... read moreSteve just wanted you to thank us for our amazing online Sidemount PCB Course. I had my PADI Sidemount training last year and felt that the XDeep system was not streamlined in the way I desired. The instructor was competent, but it was obvious that he didn’t live or breathe sidemount. I had signed up for the free course which was helpful, but it left me wanting more. I am completing my Overhead Environment Training in Florida this November. I wanted to make certain my setup and skills are up to the mark. I have completed your entire online course. I used all your suggestions to rebuild my XDeep sling harness. Your recommendations helped me redesign my entire harness system, including my attachment points. I feel confident in the water now that I know my setup is working properly. Once again, thank-you. Next is to continue working on my skills, which are much more manageable now that my harness works properly. I wish that I had paid for your training last year. Take care of yourself and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less
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.
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).