The SDI Sidemount diver course is for those considering recreational applications of sidemount in the open ocean and other non overhead environments.

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. The course is strictly non-decompression with a maximum depth limit of 40m, or within the limit of the current certification, whichever is shallower.

Student Prerequisites
1. SDI Open Water Diver or the equivalent
2. Minimum age 18; 15 with parental consent

Course Structure and Duration
Water execution
1. 2 dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the instructor
2. Dive plan must include surface interval, maximum no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged
3. This is a non-overhead environment course

Required Subject Areas
1. Gas management utilizing independent cylinders
2. Equipment considerations
a. Cylinder options
b. Regulator options
c. Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) / harness options
d. Proper weighting
e. Equipment configurations
3. Communication
a. Hand signals
4. Problem solving
a. Gas-sharing
b. Gas hemorrhages
5. Water entries
a. Shore
b. Boat
6. S-Drills (specific to sidemount)

Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without
direct supervision provided the following limits are adhered to:
1. Safety stops as appropriate
2. Planned dives do not exceed diver’s current certification level