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ADVANCED SIDEMOUNT DIVER

Refining sidemount skills for technical diving
In a Nutshell

The TDI Advanced Sidemount Diver Course refines sidemount diving skills for technical diving applications, emphasizing multiple-stage cylinder management and streamlined configuration. While this course is designed to be relevant for both open water and overhead environments, we will focus on its open water aspects to prepare divers for future technical training.

This course enhances buoyancy control, trim, and problem-solving under complex conditions, providing a solid foundation for decompression, and mixed gas diving. Divers will develop the skills needed to manage multiple cylinders efficiently in a sidemount configuration.

For those interested in sidemount cave diving, additional dedicated training is available through the Stage Cave, Sidemount Cave and Advanced Sidemount Cave courses.
 

In essence, the TDI Advanced Sidemount Diver Course builds the expertise required for safe and efficient sidemount diving in technical environments, setting the stage for further progression in open-water deep diving.
 

Minimum course duration: 3 days.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for certified sidemount divers who want to advance their configuration and skills for technical diving.
 

You should already be comfortable with:

  • Basic sidemount configuration and procedures

  • Buoyancy, trim, and propulsion control

  • Gas management fundamentals

  • Team awareness and communication

  • Emergency procedures
     

This course refines efficiency, precision, and problem-solving under increased complexity.

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18

  • TDI Sidemount (or equivalent)

  • TDI Nitrox (Nitrox 32 used as standard gas)

  • Minimum 100 logged dives

  • Minimum 25 logged sidemount dive

Skills & Challenges Ahead

Sidemount diving offers great flexibility and adaptability. However, mastering advanced sidemount techniques requires discipline, precision, and a deep understanding of equipment management.

Adding multiple cylinders introduces new complexities, demanding heightened awareness, problem-solving skills, and streamlined movement. This course is designed for experienced sidemount divers looking to refine and advance their skills in technical diving. Whether your goal is deep diving, decompression, or mixed gas, a solid foundation in advanced sidemount techniques will be essential for success.

By completing the TDI Advanced Sidemount Diver Course, you will develop the confidence and expertise to manage multiple cylinders efficiently, refine your trim and propulsion, and handle emergency scenarios with ease. This training is a stepping stone to more advanced technical diving, preparing you for greater challenges ahead.

Training Content (overview)

In-water training includes:

  • Advanced buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques

  • Valve drills and regulator shutdowns

  • Gas switches and simulated failures

  • Efficient management of multiple cylinders

  • Emergency gas-sharing scenarios

  • Stage and decompression cylinder handling and placement

Land-based training covers:

  • Sidemount equipment configuration for technical diving

  • Cylinder rigging and placement

  • Regulator setup and hose routing

  • Gear workshops, land drills, and procedural simulations

  • Emergency procedures and failure drills

  • Thorough briefings and debriefings to reinforce every exercise

Academic presentations explore:

  • Advanced gas planning and management

  • Psychological and physiological aspects of technical sidemount diving

  • Stress recognition and management

  • Considerations for progression toward overhead environments

Course Duration
 

Minimum durations shown

Advanced Sidemount Diver

3 days

Divers who have not trained with CDT Mexico previously, or who have been inactive beyond defined timeframes, may require a 1-day skills assessment.

Get Ready

Training is not about collecting a card.
It’s about earning real autonomy, safety, and confidence.
The objective: divers who can plan and execute dives independently.

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