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Divers are introduced to the sidemount configuration, a versatile setup popular in technical, cave, and recreational diving. This course covers fitting, buoyancy control, cylinder handling, and trim adjustments to ensure safe, efficient diving. Instructors provide practical guidance during both confined water practice and open water dives.
You’ll begin at the Gosforth dive centre with a detailed briefing on sidemount principles, gear configuration, and safety checks. Instructors demonstrate how to fit harnesses, secure cylinders, and maintain neutral trim. Exercises focus on understanding weight distribution, cylinder switching, and correct valve handling to reduce effort underwater.
Confined water sessions allow hands-on practice, where you’ll perfect buoyancy control and learn to move efficiently in the sidemount configuration. Open water dives at sites such as Capernwray, Ellerton, or Beadnell Bay provide real-world experience, with instructors offering detailed feedback on technique, safety, and dive planning.
Training is based at the Gosforth centre, with optional confined water sessions in the 25m indoor pool at Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval. Open water dives are conducted at local dive sites selected for safety, accessibility, and suitable conditions for sidemount training.
Each location provides clear instruction opportunities, safe entry points, and the chance to practise cylinder management, buoyancy control, and emergency skills under direct supervision.
You must have a recognized Open Water certification or equivalent. Previous experience with basic scuba diving equipment is expected, but no prior sidemount training is required. This ensures all participants start with a foundation of core diving skills.
Instructors provide step-by-step support, allowing divers to progress at a safe pace. By the end of the course, participants will have both theoretical knowledge and practical confidence to dive in the sidemount configuration safely.
Instructors specialise in sidemount diving, combining technical expertise with hands-on teaching. Training is delivered in small groups, allowing personalised guidance and tailored feedback throughout the course.
Facilities include access to both pool and open water sites, giving divers the ability to practise in controlled and real-world conditions. Emphasis on safety, efficiency, and comfort ensures you gain the confidence and competence to dive independently with sidemount gear.
Sidemount diving offers enhanced mobility, reduced drag, and easier cylinder handling compared to traditional backmount configurations. It is especially useful in confined spaces, cave diving, or when carrying additional cylinders for technical dives.
Instructors will explain the advantages in practical terms, demonstrating how correct positioning and buoyancy control improve comfort, safety, and efficiency underwater. Participants gain confidence managing multiple cylinders and handling emergencies with a streamlined setup.
Yes, you need a recognised Open Water certification. Basic dive skills like buoyancy control, mask clearing, and regulator use are assumed. The course builds on this foundation to teach the sidemount configuration effectively.
Even experienced divers benefit, as the course covers advanced cylinder handling, trim adjustments, and emergency procedures specific to sidemount. This ensures all participants can dive safely and efficiently in a new setup.
The course usually spans 2–3 days, including theory sessions, confined water practice, and open water dives. Instructors pace the course to accommodate all participants’ comfort levels.
Breaks are included to review skills, answer questions, and provide detailed feedback, ensuring participants fully understand each aspect of sidemount diving before moving to open water.
No, participants need to bring or hire their own sidemount gear. Instructors will guide you on configuration, fit, and setup, but having your own equipment helps you practise independently after the course.
Hands-on practice ensures you learn to manage your cylinders, valves, and harness correctly. If equipment hire is required, the centre can provide suitable gear for the duration of the course.
Yes. Successful completion awards a Sidemount Diver certificate, recognising competence in sidemount techniques, cylinder handling, and underwater safety.
The certification is internationally recognised and allows divers to continue exploring sidemount diving on recreational and technical dives. It also prepares you for advanced training that may involve decompression or extended range diving.
About the centre
Gosforth
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £350
