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Courses in Tasmania
TDI Sidemount Diver
Course code: TDI-03
Move better, dive cleaner, and build real control in sidemount.
The TDI Sidemount Diver course teaches certified divers how to safely use side-mounted primary cylinders as an alternative to a traditional back-mounted configuration. Training focuses on practical sidemount setup, weighting, trim, buoyancy, gas management using independent cylinders, cylinder handling, propulsion, communication, and problem-solving. The course may also be combined with other eligible TDI programs where all relevant standards and prerequisites are met.
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Quick Course Overview
Sidemount Training
Premium sidemount training for certified divers who want to safely use side-mounted primary cylinders as an alternative to a traditional back-mounted configuration.
Practical Control
Builds practical control in equipment configuration, gas matching, independent-cylinder gas management, buoyancy, trim, propulsion, communication, and problem-solving.
Course Structure
Includes SDI/TDI Sidemount eLearning or Knowledge Quest, instructor-led review, equipment setup, land drills where used, and open-water training.
Duration & Dives
Delivered over a minimum of two days, with four open-water dives and at least 90 minutes of accumulated bottom time.
Group Ratio
Maximum student-to-instructor ratio: 4:1, subject to conditions and instructor discretion.
Best suited to: certified divers who want a more flexible cylinder setup, better in-water balance, stronger equipment control, and a clear pathway toward advanced or technical diving.
Training Options
Standard small-group training
Standard small-group training is available once the course reaches the minimum number.
Standard Cost*
$1,350 AUD
Note* *Standard training requires a minimum of 2 (TWO) participants. Date options will be provided once the course is filled.
Premium one-on-one training
One-on-one training is available for divers who want focused coaching, flexible pacing, and dedicated support.
Private 1 on 1 Cost
$2,500 AUD
Want to know more first?
Send us a quick enquiry and we'll get back to you before you book.
Prerequisites
Certification
Minimum certification as an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent.
Minimum Age
Minimum age 18.
Course Format
Learning Materials
SDI/TDI Sidemount Manual and Knowledge Quest or eLearning before or alongside practical training.
Knowledge Development
Instructor-led knowledge development covering sidemount equipment, gas matching, gas management, communication, problem solving, conservation, difficult entries, and sidemount-specific S-drills.
Land-Based Practice
Land-based equipment setup, fitting, adjustment, cylinder-handling practice, and optional land drills at the instructor's discretion.
Open-Water Training
Open-water training focused on START checks, stress analysis, propulsion, trim, buoyancy, gas switching, independent-cylinder gas management, lift-bag deployment, and environmental awareness.
Dive Requirements
Three open-water dives with a minimum accumulated bottom time of 90 minutes.
Duration
Usually delivered over a minimum of two days.
What You Will Learn
Equipment Configuration
Configure and adjust sidemount cylinders, regulators, BCD or harness, weighting, and supporting accessories for a clean, balanced setup.
Gas Management
Use gas matching procedures, manage independent cylinders, perform gas switches, and apply sidemount-specific S-drills.
Buoyancy & Trim
Improve buoyancy, trim, body position, streamlining, and propulsion techniques.
Cylinder Handling
Unclip, attach, and manage sidemount cylinders while maintaining trim and buoyancy.
Problem-Solving Skills
Apply problem-solving procedures for gas sharing, gas loss, light failure, loss of visibility, entanglement, self-rescue, conservation, and difficult water entries.
What's Included
- SDI/TDI Sidemount Manual and Knowledge Quest or eLearning, as required by the current TDI Sidemount Diver standards.
- Professional instruction and knowledge development covering gas matching, independent-cylinder gas management, equipment configuration, communication, problem solving, conservation, difficult water entries, and sidemount-specific S-drills.
- Land-based equipment setup support, fitting, adjustment, cylinder-handling practice, and land drills where used at the instructor’s discretion.
- Three open-water dives with a minimum accumulated bottom time of 90 minutes, delivered over a minimum of two days.
- In-water coaching focused on START checks, stress analysis, buoyancy, trim, propulsion, cylinder unclipping and attachment, gas switches with and without a mask, independent-cylinder gas management, lift-bag deployment, conservation, awareness, and back-referencing techniques.
- tanks, and weights where required and available.
- Certification processing after successful completion.
What's Not Included
- Personal dive equipment | Mask, fins, boots, exposure protection, dive computer, compass, cutting devices, DSMB or lift bag, reel or spool, lights, wet notes, rescue signals, and preferred accessories unless specifically confirmed.
- Personal sidemount system | Harness or BCD, regulators, hoses, pressure gauges, cylinder rigging, clips, bungees, weights, and accessories if the diver prefers to train on their own configuration, unless specifically included. Personal equipment must be suitable and approved before training. (equipment hire and sales available, correct fitment and professional consultation with all sales and gear hire)
- Gas and cylinder costs outside confirmed support | Nitrox or other non-standard gases, analysis charges, additional cylinders, cylinder hire, and fills beyond those specifically included in the booking confirmation.
- Servicing and configuration changes | Equipment servicing, repairs, replacement parts, permanent modifications, replacement hoses or hardware, and lost or damaged equipment charges unless specifically included.
- Additional diving and logistics | Optional additional dives, boat fees, site fees, permits, facility charges, travel, accommodation, and meals unless specifically confirmed.
- Printed materials and unspecified items | Hard-copy student manuals where digital materials are supplied, and anything not specifically listed in the final booking confirmation.
Why Train With Us
We take a diver-first approach to sidemount training with careful equipment setup, small-group attention, clear feedback, and standards-aligned coaching. The goal is for you to finish the course with stronger trim, buoyancy, gas awareness, cylinder control, problem-solving ability, and a sidemount system you understand well enough to keep developing confidently.
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