PADI Tec Sidemount
Master multi-cylinder configuration, refine balance and control, and operate with precision in technical sidemount systems
Overview
The PADI Tec Sidemount Diver course develops the skills required to safely and efficiently dive using a multi-cylinder sidemount configuration, a system widely used in technical diving.
Divers learn to manage multiple cylinders, optimise trim and buoyancy, and operate with improved redundancy and flexibility compared to traditional backmount systems. Training can be integrated with other TecRec courses, making it a key step in a diver’s technical progression.
At N9BO℠, this course is positioned as a configuration upgrade — where divers build precision, streamline their equipment, and prepare for advanced technical diving environments.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Tec Sidemount
- Level: Technical configuration course
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 18, Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent), minimum 30 logged dives, Enriched Air Diver recommended
- Ratio: Maximum 4 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Sidemount system with multiple cylinders (progressively increasing from two to four or more)
- Depth / environment: Limited to diver’s current certification level
- Format: Academic development + confined water skill refinement + open water training dives
- Duration: 4 days with 6 open water dives, progressing in equipment complexity and control
What You’ll Learn
- Configure and dive a sidemount system with multiple cylinders.
- Maintain precise trim, buoyancy, and balance.
- Manage gas distribution across independent cylinders.
- Perform regulator switches and gas management procedures.
- Operate within a streamlined, technical diving configuration.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent).
- Have a minimum of 30 logged dives.
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
This course is for divers transitioning into technical diving or looking to improve equipment configuration, redundancy, and control using sidemount systems.
This is a technical configuration course, not a decompression course. It prepares you for technical diving by developing equipment handling, gas management, and control.
You will start with two cylinders and progressively increase to four or more, developing the ability to manage multiple gas sources efficiently.
Sidemount improves:
- Access to valves and regulators
- Equipment redundancy
- Streamlining and trim
- Gas management flexibility
Yes. This course can be integrated with Tec 40, Tec 45, or Tec 50, making it a key step in your technical diving progression.
Ready to Upgrade Your Configuration?
Send us your certifications and dive history. We’ll configure your system and train you to operate with precision, balance, and full control.
Go Pro with PADI Tec Sidemount Instructor
Advance your technical teaching capability with the PADI Tec Sidemount Instructor rating. This qualification allows you to train divers in sidemount configuration and prepare them for advanced technical diving.
