PADI Speciality Course
One of the newest additions to PADI’s Speciality Courses is the PADI Sidemount course which allows divers to practice diving with one or multiple tanks attached to their sides instead of their backs as is tradition.
This course is available at two levels – the Recreational Sidemount Course or the Technical Sidemount Course.
For the recreational course, the only requirements are that you are already qualified as a PADI Open Water Diver and aged over 15.
For the technical course, you’ll need to be at least 18 and hold an Advanced Open Water qualification with proof of at least 30 dives.
It’s also a good idea to already be a PADI Nitrox diver.
Sidemount diving is growing in popularity due to the increased flexibility it offers divers.
Not only that, but sidemount diving takes the pressure off your spine and back, an important aspect for many divers who may have suffered injuries in the past.
Sidemount diving eliminates the need to walk to the dive site with a heavy cylinder attached to your back as the cylinders are simply clipped on once in the water.
The Sidemount course aims to get you comfortable with a new cylinder configuration that offers increased flexibility and the chance to easily monitor your own equipment as it’s within eyesight and easy reach at your side.
If you’re interested in Tec Diving this course will introduce you to some of the techniques that are expanded upon during the Tec Diving courses.
Completing the Technical Sidemount course is the ideal starting point for technical diving as it teaches you to handle more than one cylinder on a dive.
The course takes between 2 and 3 days and consists of 4 practice dives.
Sidemount diving presents many benefits, such as:
The skills and procedures in the Sidemount course are presented at recreational diver level and technical diver level.
Depending on your area of interest and experience level, you may sign up for either course.