A technical sidemount instructor demonstrating skills during our Technical Sidemount Course in Gozo. TDI Sidemount Diver course.

Technical Sidemount Course

TDI Sidemount Diver in Gozo

When 2 tanks are not enough, progress to sidemount technical diving.
Duration
2-3 days depending on your needs, expectations and progress
group size
2 divers max for your comfort of learning
Entry Requirements
- min 18 years old
- REC Sidemount certified
- good buoyancy control
500 EUR
The price includes:
- e-learning
- tanks & fills
- equipment
- certification upon completing the course exit  requirements

Interested in this course?

or

Technical Sidemount Course in Gozo in Details

Sidemount is an increasingly popular way to configure multiple cylinders for technical diving. Our Technical Sidemount Course in Gozo offers all the benefits of the Recreational Sidemount Course, but gives you the opportunity to dive with additional stages or decompression cylinders for extended dive times.

This course is suitable for divers looking to take technical level training in sidemount configuration and is ideal to be taught in conjunction with the Intro to Tec Course.

Building on strong foundational skills, your training will be as follows:

Proper configuration is even more important when adding additional cylinders. Cylinders that are all over the place lead to a reduction in comfort, increased gas consumption and added safety risks. During our Tec Sidemount Course you will learn how to configure and handle up to 4 cylinders in sidemount.
Proper planning & preparation form the basis of successful dives. These dry sessions focus on donning and doffing procedures for multiple cylinders, team protocols, gas management, SAC & runtime calculations.
Skills and drills time! Building on your strong foundation, we work on getting you completely comfortable donning, doffing, switching, finning while handling multiple cylinders. As always, priority is on optimising your weight and trim for superior buoyancy and stability.
To round off your training, you will master sidemount adaptations for out of air & emergency rescue procedures.
Configuration & Setup
Proper configuration is even more important when adding additional cylinders. Cylinders that are all over the place lead to a reduction in comfort, increased gas consumption and added safety risks. During our Tec Sidemount Course you will learn how to configure and handle up to 4 cylinders in sidemount.
Dry runs & theory
Proper planning & preparation form the basis of successful dives. These dry sessions focus on donning and doffing procedures for multiple cylinders, team protocols, gas management, SAC & runtime calculations.
In-water training
Skills and drills time! Building on your strong foundation, we work on getting you completely comfortable donning, doffing, switching, finning while handling multiple cylinders. As always, priority is on optimising your weight and trim for superior buoyancy and stability.
Rescue & Air Sharing
To round off your training, you will master sidemount adaptations for out of air & emergency rescue procedures.

Technical Sidemount Course in Gozo - Certification

The Technical Sidemount Course in Gozo is a specialised sidemount course and will meet and exceed the minimum standards for the following course. Our aim is not just to teach you the basics, but to provide you with the strongest base skill set from which you can continue to grow and improve after the course.

Why Train with Us?

Best Instructors

Train with an instructor who eats, breathes and sleeps sidemount.

Here, Sidemount is not just another course among hundreds of courses - it’s the main event! We exceed all agency standards and make sure you don’t leave the course as a liability on dive sites and boats.

Small Group Sizes

We choose quality over quantity any day!

Small group sizes. 2 divers max per course, 4 divers max per guided dive. Without a doubt, the smaller the group the better the experience.

Personal Approach

Courses are completely tailored to you, your needs and your diving preferences.

Perhaps you want to dive sidemount in a drysuit with steels or on holiday in the tropics with a wetsuit and Ali’s. We’ll make sure you’re confident and ready for anything.

Commitment
to Safety

Learn to sidemount efficiently and safely by focusing on entries, exits and emergency drills.

Diving in sidemount configuration requires extra consideration for keeping yourself and others safe and taking care of emergencies. Become an asset to any dive team by enhancing and practicing your Rescue skills.

The Right Way

Learn skills and procedures at the right level and become fully competent.

Save yourself months of frustration. Many divers take a sidemount course that is far too basic and leaves them with massive gaps in their knowledge and skills. Don’t be that diver. We have invested in our own diving skills and education and we use this base to teach to the highest level.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions about our Tec Sidemount Course

Can I use sidemount for technical diving in caves and wrecks?

Yes. sidemount is a popular choice for technical divers due to its redundancy and options to reposition, or even remove cylinders in confined spaces such as caves and wrecks.

How is sidemount diving different to traditional backmount diving?

Sidemount diving is a type of scuba configuration where cylinders are mounted alongside the diver’s body instead of being carried on the back.

Is sidemount good for divers with back problems?

Sidemount is very popular with divers experiencing back problems as they have the option to put cylinders on in the water rather than carry cylinders on their backs.

Do I need any special equipment to use with sidemount?

Yes. Sidemount diving requires a dedicated wing and harness, sidemount regulators and cylinder rigging such as hose retainers and attachment points. Cylinders with opposing valves are optimal.

What courses can I take after the beginner sidemount course?

Sidemount is a suitable configuration for both recreational and technical courses. If you are interested in technical diving, the Tec sidemount or Intro to Tech courses are the logical next steps.

I am already a tec diver, can I switch to sidemount?

Yes. Your sidemount instructor will teach you to configure your sidemount equipment and teach you sidemount specific skills such as donning, doffing, gas switching and rescue drills.

Can I use sidemount with a drysuit?

Yes. Sidemount is suitable for drysuit divers as it gives the ability to migrate air, which helps with buoyancy and trim. Most drysuit divers use steel cylinders to offset the buoyancy of the suit.

What equipment is essential for sidemount diving?

Sidemount requires a dedicated wing and harness, a set of sidemount regulators and cylinder rigging such as hose retainers. Your instructor will guide you on specific equipment requirements.

Why choose sidemount over traditional backmount diving?

Although initially more difficult to master, sidemount offers many advantages such as the ability to remove cylinders, easier access to valves and regulators, and more streamlined positioning.

Is the Technical Sidemount Course difficult?

It may be challenging to learn using additional cylinders. Like every technical diving course, this course is aimed at divers who aready have good level of general diving skills and some experience. If you are not sure this course is for you, then contact us or consider our Sidemount Workshops. If you have no experience in sidemount diving, then you may be interested in our Recreational Sidemount Course.

Are you interested in this course?

or

See what else we offer

Book a Course

Technical Sidemount Course

Complete this form in two steps and we will get back to you.

When will you be in Gozo?
Would you like to add anything else?

Ask us a question

and we will get back to you