TDI Tech Sidemount Diver

The TDI Sidemount Diver course is an introductory technical diving course for certified divers who want to develop sidemount equipment configuration, gas management and in-water problem-solving skills.

What you will learn

• Gas matching procedures for cylinders with different volumes
• Gas management using independent cylinders
• Psychological considerations for technical diving
• Cylinder, regulator, buoyancy system, harness, weighting and equipment configuration options
• Light and hand-signal communication
• Problem solving in a sidemount configuration
• Diving in tight or confined spaces
• Water entries, exits and conservation practices
• S-drills specific to sidemount diving

Skills you will demonstrate

• Frog kick, modified frog kick, modified flutter kick, backwards kick, helicopter turns and hand pulling where appropriate
• Buoyancy control and stable trim throughout descent, bottom time and ascent
• Unclipping and attaching sidemount cylinders while maintaining trim and buoyancy
• Gas switches with and without a mask
• Safe management of gas in independent cylinders
• Conservation, awareness and back-referencing techniques
• Lift-bag deployment

Certification outcome

After successful completion, graduates may participate in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision when the environment and planned dives are comparable to training and remain within the diver's current certification limits.

Course format

• Complete TDI knowledge development before the course starts (approximately 4 to 6 hours)
• Theory, equipment setup and confined-water training
• Four shore dives
• Three-day course

Exact training dates and dive sites are confirmed according to student readiness, tides and weather.

Inclusions

• TDI eLearning and certification fee
• Pool access fees
• Four shore dives

Exclusions

• Students must have access to their own transport
• Scuba equipment hire. See the Simple Dive gear hire price list; hire is capped at $100 per day.
• Dive medical examination if required

Pre-course requirements

• Complete knowledge development before the course starts
• Minimum certification: Advanced Open Water Diver; Dry Suit, Deep and Nitrox specialties are preferred
• Proof of 25 logged open-water dives
• Review the diver medical questionnaire. If you answer yes to any question, provide written medical clearance stating that you are fit to dive before the course starts.
• Minimum age: 15. Students under 18 require parent or guardian consent.
• Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel and lunch.

By purchasing this course, you agree to the Simple Dive course terms and conditions. Read the course FAQ or contact our instructors if you have questions about preparation.