More about the course:

The TDI Sidemount Diver Course introduces a streamlined, efficient way to dive using cylinders mounted along the diver’s sides instead of on the back. Originally used in overhead environments such as caves and wrecks, sidemount diving is now a favored setup among recreational and technical divers for its improved mobility, balance, and equipment accessibility.

This course covers:

• Proper rigging and setup of sidemount harnesses and cylinders

• Gas management and switching procedures

• Trim and buoyancy optimization

• Streamlining techniques for comfort and efficiency

• Problem-solving and emergency skills

Perfect for divers seeking greater comfort, redundancy, or gearing up for technical diving, sidemount also offers a natural path toward cave, wreck, and technical dive training. With both confined and open water sessions, this course builds confidence and control in sidemount configuration for various dive conditions.

Whether you're aiming for enhanced recreational dives or preparing for complex dive missions, sidemount training gives you the skills and adaptability to dive smarter.

Who this SDI course is for:

• The certified diver looking to use a sidemount cylinder instead of the standard back mount unit.

Course prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent.

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Sidemount Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Gas management utilizing independent cylinders
• Equipment considerations
  • Cylinder options
  • Regulator options
  • Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)/harness options
  • Proper weighting
  • Equipment configurations
• Communication
  • Hand signals
• Problem solving
  • Gas-sharing
  • Gas hemorrhages
• Water entries
  • Shore
  • Boat
• S-Drills (specific to sidemount)

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Plan dive
• Test and check all equipment (depth gauges, bottom timers/watches and computers)
• Familiarization with area
• Descend to planed depth and not exceed any pre-planned limits
• Demonstrate the ability to safely manage gas in independent cylinders
• Monitor depth/time/air consumption, figure all times on slate
• Demonstrate ability to control buoyancy
• Attaching sidemount cylinders while
  • Out of water
  • On surface standing on bottom
  • On surface in water to deep to stand
  • At depth
• Perform gas switches
• Perform safety stops

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision, provided the following limits are adhered to:

• Safety stops as appropriate
• Planned dives do not exceed diver’s current certification level

Also, the SDI Sidemount Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Development program.

SDI Sidemount Diver minimum requirements:

• Perform all land drills and open water dive requirements safely and efficiently
• Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
• Log all dives

At The Deep Ocean Explore Store, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but our primary goal is to maintain the highest standard of training and safety for all students. Please carefully review our cancellation policy, as it is designed to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

Booking & Payments

Classes must be paid in full prior to enrollment or participation. Digital training materials, once issued, are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Cancellations

General Cancellations:

• Up to 7 days before class start date: 50% of class fee can be refunded.
• Less than 48 hours before class start date: 25% of class fee can be refunded at staff discretion.

Rescheduling:

• Up to 7 days before class start date: Subject to a 50% tuition rescheduling fee.
• Less than 48 hours before class start date: Subject to a 75% tuition rescheduling fee at staff discretion.

Medical and Illness Policy

If you are unable to participate due to illness, including COVID-19 or other general health concerns, you may reschedule with a 50% rebooking fee. A medical waiver is required to reschedule without penalty. Failure to provide a completed and signed medical waiver before the start date of class will result in a 50% rebooking fee or loss of tuition.

Missed Classes

If you miss any scheduled class, we will work with you to arrange makeup sessions, subject to availability:

• Classroom/Zoom Session: $100/hour
• Pool Session: $100/hour
• Ocean Dives: $375/day (private 1-on-1)

This policy ensures fairness to all students and maintains the quality of our diving programs. By booking a class with The Deep Ocean Explore Store, you agree to adhere to these terms. For questions or clarification, please contact us at instruction@doermarine.com