SDI Sidemount Diver Course
The SDI Sidemount Diver course at Blue Water Ascent teaches certified divers how to dive with sidemount cylinders instead of the traditional back-mounted scuba setup.
This course helps divers stay balanced, comfortable, safe, and in control in the water.
Sidemount diving places the cylinders on your sides.
This setup gives you more freedom, easier access to equipment, and better control while diving.
This course explains how to dive sidemount and why it works.
Who Is This SDI Course For:
This course is suitable for certified divers who want to dive with a sidemount cylinder instead of the usual backmount setup.
Course Prerequisites:
- SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Certification or equivalent
- Minimum age is 18 years or 15 years with parental permission
What You Can Expect To Learn:
The SDI Sidemount Diver course explains these topics clearly and simply:
- Gas control using two separate cylinders
- Gear selection and setup
- Different cylinder types
- 9i
- BCD and harness styles
- Proper weight setup
- Proper gear positioning
- Underwater communication
- Basic hand signals
- Simple problem management
- Gas sharing methods
- Gas loss situations
- Water entry skills
- Shore entry
- Boat entry
- S-drills designed for sidemount diving
Some Essential Skills You Will Need To Demonstrate Include:
You learn how to :
- Plan a safe dive
- Check and test all gear (depth gauge, watch, timer, Computer)
- Know the dive area well
- Descend to planned depth and stay within limits
- Demonstrate safe gas control with independent cylinders
- Track depth, time and air usage and write it down on a slate
- Maintain good buoyancy control
- Attach sidemount cylinders when:
- Out of the water
- Standing on the bottom on the surface
- Floating where standing is not possible
- At diving depth
- Switch gas safely
- Make safety stops correctly
What’s In It For You?
After completing this course, you can sidemount dive without direct supervision if you follow these rules:
- Make safety stops when needed
- Stay within your current certification limits
The SDI Sidemount Diver certification also counts as a specialty for the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.
SDI Sidemount Diver Minimum Requirements:
- Complete all land and open water skills safely
- Demonstrate smart and responsible dive decisions
- Record all dives in a logbook
How To Take This Course:
- Start learning sidemount with e-learning: here
- Find a dive center near you: here
- Buy sidemount gear online: here
Course Cost:
$144.15 USD for e-learning only. Pool sessions and open water dives not included. Contact your local dive shop for full course pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sidemount diving only for technical divers?
No. Recreational divers can use a sidemount for comfort, balance, and safety.
Do I need special equipment?
Yes. A sidemount harness and compatible cylinder are required. Blue Water Ascent provides guidance and assistance.
Is sidemount more difficult than back-mount diving?
It is different, not harder. Once set up properly, most divers find it easy.
Can I use a sidemount on normal recreational dives?
Yes, as long as you stay within your certification limits.
How long does the course take?
This course typically takes 1-2 days, depending on comfort and skill level.
Ready to dive with balance and freedom?
Take the SDI Sidemount Diver course at Blue Water Ascent and change the way you dive.
Enjoy comfort, control and confidence on every dive.
