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The course begins with theoretical learning, often completed via PADI eLearning or in-person sessions. Topics include:
In a pool or calm sheltered water, you'll learn and practise foundational skills, including:
Typically conducted over three dives, the open water portion reinforces skills and introduces more realistic scenarios. You'll:
Throughout the course, instructors will focus on building your confidence and comfort with sidemount gear. Many centres allow you to bring your own equipment or use theirs, and training may be tailored slightly depending on local conditions. Once certified, you’ll have the foundational skills to continue using sidemount on recreational dives or progress into technical diving environments.
Completing the Sidemount Diver certification allows you to dive with a sidemount configuration in recreational open water settings. Many divers find sidemount more comfortable, especially if they experience back issues or prefer a more streamlined profile in the water. You’ll gain greater awareness of your gear configuration, improve your buoyancy, and enhance your gas management skills—especially when diving with two cylinders.
This certification also prepares you for further training in technical diving. Sidemount is the preferred configuration for many cave and technical divers due to its redundancy and flexibility. After certification, you’ll be better equipped to explore environments where traditional back-mounted setups may be cumbersome. You can also rent sidemount gear from participating dive centres listed on adventuro and join guided sidemount dives.
The PADI Sidemount Diver course is typically completed over 1.5 to 2 days. It includes a knowledge development session (which may be eLearning), confined water training, and at least three open water dives. Some centres may offer additional dives or extend the training over a longer weekend.
The Sidemount Diver course is assessed through a series of confined and open water dives under instructor supervision. You'll demonstrate key skills such as equipment configuration, gas management, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures while diving with a sidemount setup. Typically, you'll complete at least one confined water session followed by two or more open water dives. Your instructor will observe your ability to plan and execute dives safely and comfortably using the sidemount configuration. Most divers meet the performance requirements within the standard course schedule, but additional training sessions can be arranged if needed. Adventuro makes it easy to find and book accredited centres offering this course.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesSidemount diving is a scuba configuration where the tanks are mounted along your sides instead of on your back. Originally developed for cave diving, it's now popular with recreational and technical divers for its improved streamlining, comfort, and redundancy. Sidemount diving requires a specialised harness and regulators, and the Sidemount Diver course teaches you how to use this equipment safely and efficiently.
No, you don’t need to own sidemount equipment to enrol. Most training centres provide rental sidemount harnesses, regulators, and tanks. However, if you plan to dive sidemount regularly after the course, having your own gear fitted to your body can enhance comfort and performance. Your instructor can help you choose suitable equipment during the course.
The course typically spans 2–3 days and includes a confined water session and at least two open water dives. Some centres may offer the course as a weekend workshop, while others run it over a longer period to allow more practice. You can browse options and availability through adventuro’s booking pages to find a schedule that fits your needs.
Not at all. While sidemount diving is popular with technical divers for its redundancy and flexibility, it's increasingly used by recreational divers too. The configuration offers better trim and comfort, especially for those with back issues or who struggle with heavy back-mounted tanks. This course is a great introduction to sidemount diving regardless of your diving goals.
Yes, if you are certified as an Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver, you can use nitrox tanks in your sidemount setup. Many divers combine sidemount and nitrox to extend bottom time and reduce nitrogen loading. However, nitrox use is not a core part of the Sidemount Diver course unless added as an optional module. Check with your chosen centre for combined training options.
You typically need to be certified as an Open Water Diver and have logged at least 20 dives before enrolling in a Sidemount Diver course. This ensures you're comfortable with basic diving skills before learning a new equipment configuration. Some training agencies may have slightly different prerequisites, so always check with your instructor or the course listing on adventuro.
Sidemount diving can actually be easier on the body than traditional backmount setups. The tanks are clipped on after entry, which reduces strain on your back and shoulders. That said, you’ll be learning new skills, so reasonable physical fitness and comfort in the water are important. Your instructor will work with you to progress at a safe and manageable pace.
You'll learn how to configure and adjust sidemount harnesses, properly rig and stow hoses, manage gas from multiple tanks, maintain trim and buoyancy, and handle common emergencies such as regulator failures. The course emphasises streamlining, situational awareness, and independence. These skills are useful for both recreational and technical diving paths.
Many dive centres around the world offer the Sidemount Diver course, especially those affiliated with major certification agencies like PADI, RAID, or TDI. Adventuro lists a wide range of accredited providers, making it easy to compare prices, schedules, and reviews before booking your course online.