TDI Sidemount Diver

Benefits or Features

Learn to comfortably use sidemount equipment setup for technical dives requiring multiple tanks.

Technical Description

This course is designed to teach certified divers how to safely utilize side-mounted primary cylinders as an alternative to the traditional back-mounted configuration. This course can be combined with other TDI courses such as: Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, Trimix, Advanced Trimix and Advanced Wreck. If combined the standards for both courses must be met.

What will I be learning

1. Gas matching procedures to include dissimilar volumes

2. Gas management utilizing independent cylinders

3. Psychological considerations

4. Equipment considerations

Cylinder options
Regulator options
Buoyancy compensator / harness options
Proper weighting
Equipment configurations

5. Communication

Hand signals
Light signals

6. Problem solving

Gas-sharing
Gas hemorrhages
Light failure
Loss of visibility
Entanglement
Self rescue
Tight spaces

8. Conservation

9. Difficult water entries

10. S-Drills; specific to sidemount

Before I start

1. Minimum age 18
2. Minimum certification; SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or the equivalent

What do I need

1. Dual cylinders, volume appropriate for planned dive, and student gas consumption
2. Two independent first and second stage regulators each with a submersible pressure gauge
3. Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) with power inflator appropriate for sidemount configuration
4. Exposure suit adequate for diving environment
5. Mask and fins
6. Dive computer and a additional depth and timing device; backup computer recommended

What will I be doing

1. Three dives are required with a minimum accumulated bottom time of 90 minutes

2. TDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and their skill level

Duration
1. The suggested number of classroom and briefing hours is 4
2. Course must be taught over a minimum of 2 days