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What does a technical diver do

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.

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.

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If you've looked into technical diving, you realize that tec divers always wear more than one tank. Sidemount PCB is an increasingly popular way to configure multiple cylinders for technical diving. You can enter the world of tec diving with the Tec Sidemount PCB Diver course and apply what you learn to other TecRec courses. Your instructor may offer to integrate this course with the Tec 40, Tec 45 or Tec 50 courses.

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?

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Tips

Steve, thank you so much for your mentorship. The lack of asking questions and exploring all options can prevent you from progressing in safety and learning more about diving. I have been studying in depth your online trainings for two years and counting. I have trained and practiced muscle memory, but most importantly, I never kept my mouth shut when other divers asked... read onThanks Steve and Vas for your mentoring. The lack of asking questions and exploring all options can stop you from progressing in safety and learning more about diving. I have studied your online courses for two years and counting. I have trained and practiced muscle memory, but more importantly, I have never been afraid to tell others if they ask. It is amazing how they see the world in a better light. I want to mention that during my 2 years of training, you were always kind enough and willing to answer any questions or offer suggestions for improvement. You have the opportunity to ask questions, share your knowledge, teach others, and learn. No stupid questions are acceptable in diving. I'm certain I will ask another question in the future! Lol

Sidemount PCB Harness: This is a specialised Harness, like a BCD, which is very minimum and light weight. This harness has several D-rings on shoulder straps, and a special Butt plate with rings or sliders.

Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training Tips
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Computer-assisted instruction is an integral part almost all of the courses we teach. The Why? The simple answer is that eLearning allows students to get in the water faster and spend more time there. This is why we include any applicable eLearning program -- typically a $140 value -- in all our courses at no extra cost. This is equivalent to an extra day's in-water training. This is what it's worth. Priceless.

We are grateful for your hard work. It is an enormous help to everyone who wants to get into Sidemount PCB. Your online resource helped me to prepare for a cave sidemount crossover course in Mexico with Natalie Gibb.

Technical Dive Computers

Love your vids Steve. I am in Nova Scotia Canada. I just received my tdi-sm certificate in August. Your online course was a great addition to my training. It has helped me tremendously! We are grateful.

One of the most important innovations in the equipment cave divers now use is the move from backmounted to sidemount doubles. While a large number of cave divers now sidemount their equipment, it is possible that there are many more open-circuit sidemount cavers than backmount.

What is a side mount rebreather
What is a side mount rebreather

Thank you for your hard work. I have just completed my UTD cave 1, sidemounting with your videos. Sir, your videos make a tremendous difference. Keep sharing your great content.

I've never tried sidemounting before but I learned a lot from his online training and I was confident in my abilities. I was correct! It was truly a life changing week! The sidemountpcb essentials course far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher with a lot of patience. I was not wrong! It was truly a life changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. His patience is amazing and he puts in a lot time and effort with his students. Every aspect of the lesson is well planned and executed with great care. It was both memorable and rewarding. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course was a transformative experience for me. In such a short time, I was able to increase my awareness and improve my skills below water. Everything is in its right place, from the harness set-up, to the weight and position of the swimmers, to the cylinder trim and to your balance in the water. You feel more confident, relaxed, and have a true sidemount setup. This course was both challenging and very enjoyable. Each day starts with a planning and theoretical session. We end with a video review about what we did in the water. This is where all details are discussed. It was a tedious process to drain the cylinders before we could go into the water. This is why our learning curve has been so steep. Everything was handled in a calm and secure environment, yet with remarkable professionalism. Steve's course is worth it. Steve will assist you in achieving more than you could ever imagine if Sidemount PCB is your passion. read less

Tec Divers

Sidemount PCB, a configuration of scuba diving equipment, has diving cylinders that are mounted below the shoulders and along one's hips instead of on the back. This configuration was popular among advanced cave divers because it allows for easier penetration of smaller caves and can also be used to change tanks more quickly. Divers who did technical wreck diving penetrations also recognized the same advantages for operating in tight spaces. Our instructors are well-trained to provide scuba diving instruction in Thailand.

Sidemount is something I've never attempted before, but after watching his online training videos I was confident that Steve would be able to help me. It was a great experience! It was truly an unforgettable week! Sidemountpcb Essentials has exceeded all my expectations. Steve is a wonderful teacher and has a lot... read moreI've never attempted sidemount, but after watching his online training I knew that Steve was the right man to help me. I was right! It was truly an unforgettable week! Sidemount PCB Essentials has exceeded all my expectations. Steve is a wonderful teacher. He has patience and takes time to help his students. Every detail is meticulously planned. It was a memorable experience that I enjoyed. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course changed my diving. In a very short time, my awareness and skills under water rose to levels I had never imagined. Everything is in order: the harness setup, weight, position, cylinder trim, and your balance in water. You will feel relaxed and confident, and you'll experience true sidemount setup... with no back pain! It was challenging but very enjoyable. Each day begins with a planning and theoretical session. Then, we have a video review of our drills in water. Everything is explained in great detail. Our learning curve is steep because we had to drain our cylinders each time we entered the water. The entire process was performed in a relaxed, secure environment and yet showed extraordinary professionalism. You should not hesitate to take this course with Steve. Steve will show you how to become a great diver if you're passionate about Sidemount PCB. read less

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Frequently Asked Questions

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).