TDI Sidemount

This course is designed to teach certified divers how to safely utilize sidemounted primary cylinders as an alternative to the traditional back-mounted configuration. This course can be combined with other TDI courses such as: Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, Trimix, Advanced Trimix and Advanced Wreck. If combined the standards for both courses must be met.

What you can expect to learn

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

• Gas matching procedures to include dissimilar volumes
• Gas management utilizing independent cylinders
• Psychological considerations of technical diving
• Equipment considerations including:
  • Cylinder options
  • Regulator options
  • Buoyancy compensator/harness options
  • Proper weighting
  • Equipment configurations
• Communication (light and hand signals)
• Problem solving in a sidemount configuration
• Diving in tight or confined spaces
• Conservation
• Water entries/exits
• S-drills specific to sidemount diving

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

• Demonstrate various propulsion techniques such as the frog kick, modified frog kick, modified flutter kick, backwards kick, helicopter turns, and hand pulling if appropriate for the environment.
• Demonstrate adequate buoyancy control; ability to hover at a fixed position in water column without moving hands or feet
• Demonstrate adequate trim; ability to maintain proper position during the descent, bottom, and ascent portion of the dive
• Demonstrate the ability to perform the following exercises while maintaining trim and buoyancy in the water column:
  • Unclipping and attaching sidemount cylinders
  • Perform gas switches with and without a mask
• Demonstrate the ability to safely manage gas in independent cylinders
• Demonstrate conservation, awareness, and back referencing techniques
• Deploy a lift bag
• Carry additional cylinders is optional in this course

Course Equipment Requirements

• Dual cylinders, volume appropriate for planned dive, and student gas consumption
• Two independent first and second stage regulators each with a submersible pressure gauge
• Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) with power inflator appropriate for sidemount configuration
• Exposure suit adequate for diving environment
• Mask and fins
• Dive computer and an additional depth and timing device; backup computer recommended

Course Prerequisites

(these requirements must be met prior to commencement of training):

• Minimum age 18
• Minimum certification of SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, or equivalent