PADI Sidemount Course in Bali

By first looking at the PADI sidemount Course in Bali you may think it looks very cool! It is cool and you will look cool! But the main reason why this double tank side set up came to life was to satisfy the needs of cave divers.

Exactly, with the traditional tank on the back they couldn’t get through all the tiny spaces. Whit this configuration on the side they solved the problem, plus they added extra air and safety. You won’t be a cave diver at the end of the course, but you will learn all the basics and the comfort of diving sidemount (2 tanks) and in the end if you want to go for more serious diving you already have strong foundations with our course.

The course is mainly practical as we still apply all the rules and theory for recreational diving. The first part of the course will be in the pool where you’ll learn about setting up equipment and how to safely dive with it. Then we will go to the sea to apply what we learnt and to explore the ocean, now with two tanks.

Goal of the Sidemount Course

At the end of the course you will be able to:

Explain the benefits of sidemount diving comparing it to the normal backmount
Develop the ability to assemble, configure and wear sidemount diving equipment
Develop skills required to plan and make no stop recreational sidemount dives

Programme for the Sidemount Course in Bali

The PADI Sidemount Course in Bali is spread over 2 days:

You will do the study PADI Sidemount Diver eLearning independently and then review it with us
1st day we will stay in the class setup equipment and do some pool training (confined water session)
2nd day we do 3 dives in Nusa Penida! and you will get certified as PADI Sidemount Diver

What skills will you learn during the Confined Water Dive?

By the end of the Confined Water Dive, you will be able as part of a buddy team to:

Assemble and disassemble sidemount equipment that will be used on the dive
Shallow water entry with sidemount and donning sidemount cylinders in the water
Inflate BCD to establish buoyancy, swim with the gear in water too deep in which to stand, perform a buoyancy check and adjust for proper weighting
5 point descent with a buddy
Locate both SPGs and communicate remaining gas in each cylinder
Throughout the dive, in two-cylinder sidemount, manage gas by switching second stages as planned before the dive
Becoming neutrally buoyant and swimming using flutter kicks andd frog kicks with a buddy, 24 metres to assess balance and trim and to become familiar with both kicks style
Recover and clear the regulator from behind/below the cylinder
In two cylinder sidemount, remove and release the second stage of one cylinder, secure the second stage of the other, clear it and begin breathing from it, then recover the first second stage
Becoming neutrally buoyant and hover using breath control for at least 1 minute
Respond to an out of gas emergency as both the donor and as the receiver by sharing gas with a long hose second stage, then swimming 15 m while maintaining contact with a buddy
In two-cylinder sidemount, respond to a simulated failed regulator or failed cylinder valve by switching second stages (if necessary to maintain a breathing supply) and shutting down the simulated affected cylinder valve, within 60 seconds.
With a buddy, perform a safety stop while hovering for 3 minutes, not varying from the stop depth more than 2 metres.
Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy, remove cylinders and exit the water
Establish positive buoyancy, enter water too deep in which to stand and don cylinders, connecting the BCD and other inflators as appropriate for the configuration in use
Swim underwater for at least 24 metres, including one turn of 180 degrees and swimming backwards using only kicks and without making contact with the bottom
Disconnect the lower attachment of at least one cylinder, swing it in front with the upper connection in place, swim at least 18 metres and then reconnect the lower attachment
Execute a proper ascent and exit the water, then enter the water using a method in which the diver dons the cylinders before entry (giant stride, seated back roll, etc..)
Throughout the session, respond calmly and correctly to simulated emergencies presented by the instructor

What skills will you learn during the Open Water Dives?

Dive One

By the end of the PADI Sidemount Dive One in Bali you will learn to:

Assemble and disassemble sidemount equipment
Sidemount predive safety check
A sidemount entry appropriate for the local environment
Inflate BCD to establish positive buoyancy, perform a buoyancy check and adjust for proper weighting
5 point descent
Locate SPGs and indicate remaining gas supply at regular intervals and when asked
In two-cylinder configuration, throughou the dive, manage gas by switching second stages as planned before the dive
Establish neutral buoyancy and swim using flutter kicks and frog kicks with a buddy for 24 meters
Recover and clear a second stage from behind/below the cylinder
In two-cylinder sidemount, respond to a simulated failed regulator or valve by switching second stages and shutting down the simulated affected cylinder valve, within 60 seconds
With a buddy, ascend at a rate no faster than 18 metres per minute and make a 3 minutes safety stop at 5 metres
At the surface in two-cylinder sidemount, tow a simulated tired diver in two-cylinder sidemount for at least 24 metres
Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy, remove the cylinders and exit the water
Throughout the dive, respond calmy, correctly and appropriately to simulated emergencies presented by the instructor

Dive Two

By the end of the PADI Sidemount Dive Two in Bali you will learn to:

Assemble and disassemble sidemount equipment
Predive Sidemount check
Sidemount entry appropriate for the local environment
5 point descent
Throughout the dive, manage gas by switching second stage as planned before the dive
Respond to an out of gas emergency as donor and receiver by sharing gas with a long hose second stage, then swimming for 15 m
Becoming neutral buoyant and hovering by using breath control for at least one minute
Respond to a simulated failed regulator or valve by switching second stages and shutting down the affected valve, within 60 seconds
Disconnect the lower attachment of at least one cylinder, swing it in front with the upper connection in place, swim 18 m then reconnect the lower attachment
Ascend a rate no faster than 18m per minute and make a 3 minute safety stop at 5 metres
Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy and exit the water
During the dive respond calmy and appropriate to simulated emergencies presented by the instructor

Dive Three

By the end of the PADI Sidemount Dive Three in Bali you will learn to:

Assemble and disassemble sidemount equipment
Predive Sidemount check
Sidemount entry appropriate for the local environment
5 point descent
Throughout the dive, manage gas by switching second stage as planned before the dive
Respond to an out of gas emergency as donor and receiver by sharing gas with a long hose second stage, then swimming for 15 m
Becoming neutral buoyant and hovering by using breath control for at least one minute
Ascend a rate no faster than 18m per minute and make a 3 minute safety stop at 5 metres
Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy and exit the water
During the dive respond calmy and appropriate to simulated emergencies presented by the instructor

Prerequisites to attend PADI Sidemount Course in Bali

Certified as PADI Open Water or have a qualifying certification from another Dive training organization
Be 15 years old

7 Advantages of diving Sidemount

Streamlining equipment: one or more cylinders, sidemount reduces drag and avoids contact with the environment
Easier equipment transport: it’s easier to carry and wear two smaller cylinders instead of one large tank
Versatility: sidemount simplifies getting in and out of the water as it allows to don equipment in the water
Increased gas supply: the ability to use two cylinders and nitrox makes you enjoy more the no stop dive time
Accessibility: in sidemount, first stages and valves are in front of you. This makes it easier to spot and deal with problems
Adjustability: sidemount configuration allows you to tune trim during the dive to enhance streamlining and body position
Problem solving: with two tanks, you can handle an out of air without your buddy as your primary alternate air source

3 Disadvantages of diving Sidemount (easily solvable with the right training)

As compared to standard diving Sidemount has also some drawbacks that you should be aware when choosing dive techniques, although you can deal with them relatively easy in most circumstances.

The full kit out of water is quiet bulky. With two large cylinders out of the water, is quiet heavy to stand and perform a giant-stride; is much easier and comfortable to attach the tanks to the BCD after you enter the water. Another solution to make it less bulky is to use two small cylinders.
Gas Management is more complex. With two Cylinders you have to switch breathing between cylinders more often to keep the pressure and buoyancy relatively close. However you will get used soon to it, as you will master it as part of the course.
Buddy unfamiliarity with sidemount procedures. It’s quiet easy to show your buddies who aren’t familiar with sidemount what they need to know during dive planning.

Book the Course in Bali with us

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See you soon for your new adventure!