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SIDEMOUNT CAVE DIVER

Sidemount techniques for cave diving
In a Nutshell

The Tdi Sidemount Cave Diver Course focuses on refining sidemount-specific techniques for cave diving.
It is not an entry-level cave course, and it is not a no-mount program.
 

This training develops precise cylinder management, positioning, propulsion, and awareness required to safely dive caves in sidemount configuration, including situations where at least one cylinder must be pushed or maneuvered through restrictions.


The course is offered through two distinct training pathways, depending on the diver’s previous experience.

Training Pathways

Pathway 1 – Sidemount Cave Refinement

Minimum duration: 2 days

​For certified cave divers who are already trained and experienced in sidemount.

This pathway focuses on refining:

  • Sidemount positioning and trim in overhead environments

  • Efficient propulsion while managing cylinders

  • Problem-solving and task loading specific to sidemount cave dives

  • Passing restrictions while maintaining control and awareness
     

This option is intended for divers who already dive sidemount in caves and want to improve precision, efficiency, and confidence.

Pathway 2 – Sidemount Cave Crossover

Minimum duration: 5 days

For certified backmount cave divers transitioning to sidemount for cave diving.

This pathway includes:

  • Sidemount system setup and fine-tuning

  • Fundamental sidemount skills development

  • Progressive introduction to cave-specific sidemount techniques

  • Gradual exposure to restrictions and cylinder management
     

This is a true crossover program and requires time to build stable, repeatable skills before advancing into more complex cave dives.

What This Course Is — and Is Not

This course is:

  • A refinement and specialization course

  • Focused on sidemount-specific cave techniques

  • A possible step toward more advanced sidemount cave training

This course is not:

  • An introduction to cave diving

  • A no-mount or extreme penetration course

  • A substitute for Advanced Sidemount Cave training
     

Sound judgment, self-limitation, and conservative decision-making are central to this program.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for certified cave divers who:
 

  • Are already trained in sidemount or transitioning from backmount

  • Have solid cave fundamentals

  • Want to refine sidemount-specific cave techniques

  • Understand the limitations and responsibilities of sidemount cave diving

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18

  • TDI Full Cave (or equivalent)

  • TDI Nitrox (Nitrox 32 used as standard gas)

  • Appropriate configuration certification (Backmount or Sidemount)

  • Appropriate cave diving experience

  • Minimum 100 logged dives

Skills & Challenges Ahead

Sidemount cave diving introduces additional task loading compared to backmount, particularly in cylinder management, positioning, and restriction strategy.
 

As complexity increases, so do:

  • Cognitive load

  • Task prioritization demands

  • Psychological pressure

  • Consequences of poor positioning or decision-making
     

Training exposes divers to these challenges progressively, building stable, repeatable skills while reinforcing conservative limits and sound judgment.

Training Content (overview)

In-water training includes:

  • Sidemount configuration refinement

  • Cylinder positioning and management

  • Advanced propulsion techniques

  • Passing restrictions while maintaining control

  • Communication and problem-solving in reduced visibility

  • Task loading specific to sidemount cave dives

Land-based training covers:

  • Sidemount system setup and fine-tuning

  • Restriction strategy and decision-making

  • Failure management and contingency planning

  • Thorough briefings and debriefings to reinforce every exercise

Academic presentations explore:

  • Sidemount cave techniques and limitations

  • Gas management considerations

  • Conservative planning and margins

  • Psychological and physiological factors

  • Stress recognition and control

  • Cave conservation

Course Combinations
 

Minimum durations shown

Sidemount Cave

2 days

Backmount → Sidemount Cave (crossover)

5 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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