SSI XR Sidemount Diver
SSI XR Sidemount Diver at a glance
- SSI XR Sidemount Diver at a glance
- Prerequisites
Minimum age: 16 years old.
• Open Water Diver - online learning
- 4 Days - confined and 4 dives
- All equipment & Diving included
Sidemount has been gaining in popularity and is a great configuration that’s flexible and accessible to all divers, this SSI XR Technical Sidemount course will not only introduce you to a new configuration it will upgrade your existing skills and in most cases, this is also the first step into Technical Diving. Removing tanks from the back not only streamlines the diver’s profile but improves access to values in emergencies, key amongst Sidemounts advantages is redundancy and increase gas volumes which are vital to Technical Diving.
Traditionally developed for cave diving sidemount has been adapted for Technical Diving in wrecks and blue water with divers enjoying the comfort and flexibility offered.
With online learning with this SSI XR course, you can complete all of the academics prior to arriving here at Big Blue Tech, the course materials are then available to you at any time after the course allowing you to refresh your SSI XR Sidemount course at any time.
For an explanation of SIdemount DIving please check this out BBT Sidemount Explained
SSI XR Sidemount Diver gallery
Itinerary
Your SSI XR Sidemount Diver course starts with meeting your Big Blue Tech Instructor, grabbing a coffee from our beachside restaurant and settling in for the morning, initially we complete paperwork and review the online academics. Your instructor will discuss all the pertinent points regarding sidemount diving, including equipment selection and set up, gas management and the amazing opportunities utilizing sidemount. Following a lunch break we head out up to our pool for a practical training session.
The primary focus will include maintaining buoyancy and trim whilst conducting a number of basic skills including regulator exchange, shutdown drills, Out of Air scenarios, back up mask deployment, LPI Failure and SMB deployment
Again with coffee in hand and enjoying the gentle sea breeze your instructor will finish all academics, ensure you have a thorough understand of all aspects of Sidemount diving and dive planning. This is the time we will fine-tune equipment set up ready for our afternoon open water dives after our lunch break.
Dive 1 – Skills dive including donning equipment in and out of the water, gas management planing and regulator switches, back up mask deployment all whilst maintaining position in a fixed column of water.
Dive 2 – A second skill dive brings increased competency and introduces more skill practised in the pool session the previous day.
Then its back to the restaurant for a debrief whilst enjoying a cold beverage and watching the sunset.
This morning we will further fine-tune equipment, discuss any outstanding academies and expand on gas management and dive planning. Following lunch if off on the boat for the final 2 dives.
Dive 3, when everything starts falling in to place, a skills review will be conducted and fining techniques evaluated. By now mastery of sidemount will be shown
Dive 4, the final dive where you can relax and enjoy the freedom, balance and sheer fun of sidemount. Tanks may be swung around and obstacles negotiated a great dive to finish the course
Back on land after a debrief from your instructor you can reflect on your SSI XR Sidemount Diver course and after successful completion have a celebratory drink while watching the sunset.
FAQs
Will I be able to dive this certification with Big Blue Tech after the course?
Absolutely, We encourage all of our newly certified students to get back in the water and enjoy their new certifications. With a healthy number of Technical divers on the staff and a dedicated Tech boat, we offer unequaled Tech diving opportunities here on Koh Tao.
What's included in the course?
Everything! No Hidden Extras Guaranteed
OK, let's do this... How do I book?
Just hit the button, or if you have questions, we're here to help- quickest way to contact us is using the Facebook button at the bottom :)