Sidemount

Course Overview

The Sidemount course teaches you to configure and dive with cylinders mounted at your sides, increasing flexibility, streamlining, and redundancy. You will learn equipment setup, gas management, trim, and emergency procedures. The course combines eLearning, equipment workshops, and at least two open water dives under direct instructor supervision.

Quality over Quantity — the focus is on safe, correct procedures, real-world configuration, and hands-on practice. You will demonstrate competence in all required skills before certification.

Course Details

  • Course Name: Sidemount
  • Course Level: Specialty (Equipment/Configuration)
  • Min. Age: 15 years
  • Duration: 1 day (theory + practical)
  • Max Depth: Per diver’s core certification
  • Setting: Open Water
  • Price: XXX

What You Will Learn

  • Sidemount equipment selection and configuration
  • Cylinder rigging, harness adjustment, and weighting
  • Gas management and switching procedures
  • Buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques
  • Emergency procedures and problem-solving
  • Environmental awareness and responsible sidemount diving

Logistics & Prerequisites

Included:

  • Digital learning materials (Sidemount module)
  • At least two open water dives
  • Certification (eCard) after passing
  • Use of sidemount equipment for course dives (if available)

Not Included:

  • Rental base equipment (BCD, reg, suit, etc.) — All rental gear is not included in the price
  • Gases and fills

Requirements:

  • Min age: 15 years
  • Certification: Open Water 20 or equivalent
  • Medical: Fit for diving, medical questionnaire completed
  • Registration: Complete online registration and documentation before practical session

Training Schedule

  1. Theory: Complete e-learning module and quiz
  2. Equipment Workshop: Sidemount rigging, harness fitting, and checks
  3. Open Water: At least two open water dives skills, gas management, emergency drills
  4. Assessment: Demonstrate all required skills and pass the final knowledge review

Notes:

  • Instructor/student ratio: 1:2
  • Certification is awarded upon successful demonstration of all skills and knowledge
  • Sidemount is recommended for divers seeking flexibility, redundancy, and advanced configuration

Pro Tip / Note

Take time to fine-tune your sidemount harness and cylinder rigging. Small adjustments make a big difference in comfort and control underwater.