Sidemount Diver
Specialty course
Take the weight off your back and strap cylinders to your sides and become a sidemount diver.
The Sidemount Diver Course teaches you how to configure and use one or two cylinders mounted at your sides instead of on your back.
Maximise your streamline in the water, reduce lower back strain and take advantage of the increased gas supply for longer dives.
Sidemount diving is configuring the diver’s cylinders under the diver’s arms, instead of on the back.
This configuration was designed for cave diving and single cylinders because they are easier to haul in situations when divers must carry dive gear through rough terrain to the water’s edge.
Our experienced team conduct all Sidemount Diver courses in small groups. This ensures each student progresses at their own pace, receives lots of attention and is relaxed throughout their training as they build the confidence & competence necessary to be certified as a Sidemount diver.
YOUR SIDEMOUNT DIVER SPECIALTY COURSE
You don’t have to walk with heavy cylinders on your back – just enter the water, clip them on and go.
Depending on your personal schedule we will adjust the program for you and move elements of your personal course to accommodate for your holiday plans, but in general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Knowledge Development
You will meet your Sidemount Instructor in the morning and complete self study and knowledge assessment in preparation for your diving.
Part 2: Confined Session
Your instructor will guide you through the different setup of Sidemount equipment and you will enter the pool TO practice sidemount diving in a safe and comfortable environment.
Part 3: Open Water Sessions
Over 3 dives (usually 2 days) you will complete all the skills that you have learned in your knowledge development and confined pool session in the open ocean including:
- Properly assemble and configure sidemount scuba diving equipment.
- Trim your weight system and sidemount gear so you’re perfectly balanced in the water.
- Manage gas by switching second stages as planned, if wearing two cylinders.
- Respond correctly to potential problems when sidemount diving.
GO SIDEMOUNT
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How it works …
To give you an idea of what your course will look like,
here’s an example schedule:
Day 1
SIDEMOUNT DIVER SPECIALTY COURSE
Day 1 - Full Day
Orientation & Knowledge Development
Confined water session
– Lunch –
Open water Dives 1 & 2
Day 2
SIDEMOUNT DIVER SPECIALTY COURSE
Day 2 - Full Day
Knowledge Development
– Lunch –
Open Water Dive 3
+additional extra fun dive
Certification
However, it’s not all set in stone and you can just book your private course or contact us to request a different schedule that fits you!
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
SIDEMOUNT DIVER SPECIALTY COURSE
TO BECOME A SIDEMOUNT DIVER, YOU WILL HAVE TO FULFIL THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
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Minimum Age
If you are at least 15 years old, you can enrol in a Sidemount Diver course.
Minimum Certification
Medical Statement
Insurance
To comply with our dive insurance requirements, you will need to have proof (logbook etc.) of a dive within the last 6 months otherwise you will need to take part in our Crystal Dive Scuba Review before taking part in the course to receive our insurance cover.
SIDEMOUNT DIVER SPECIALTY COURSE
– What’s included?
Our Sidemount Diver Specialty diver course package includes:
- Sidemount Diver Specialty Course (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Personal Sidemount-Manual & Certification
- Crystal Dive Logbook & T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal Instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive Insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted Accommodation option throughout your course (2 nights)
- 10 % Discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
DISCOUNTED Accommodation
For your course & diving days!
Book Now
The Sidemount Diver Specialty Course at Crystal Dive Koh Tao will allow you to streamline yourself on your dives and gain the best trim.
In the Sidemount Diver Course you will learn how to prepare a rig, enter the water without heavy tanks on your back and use perfect buoyancy control that tanks on your side offer.
Relax even more on your dives and become a Sidemount Diver!
฿12,000
The Sidemount Diver Specialty will help you to streamline yourself and have perfect trim on your dives. As well you don't need to walk around with heavy tanks on your back, but simply click them on in the water.
To become a Sidemount Diver you will have to be a Open Water Diver (or equivalent) and be at least 15 years of age.
Sidemount Diver Specialty
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Sidemount Diver Specialty every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Sidemount Diver Specialty online HERE. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per Instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Sidemount Diver Specialty?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Sidemount Diver Specialty performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Sidemount Diver Specialty?
For your Sidemount Diver Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 2 nights. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Sidemount Diver Specialty?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Sidemount Diver Specialty are listed here: COURSE PREREQUISITES. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Sidemount Diver Specialty?
We pride ourselves to teach our Sidemount Diver Specialty personal in groups of max. 4 students per Instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Sidemount Diver Specialty?
We have 3 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily basis, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Sidemount Diver Specialty. More about our boats here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Sidemount Diver Specialty?
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
