PADI/SSI Sidemount Diver Specialty Course in Phuket
2 days / 3 boat dives - 13000 baht
3 days / 6 boat dives - 17000 baht
The PADI or SSI Sidemount Diver special course offers you to learn how to dive in a configuration with an alternative placement of cylinders - on the sides.
This configuration has its origins in cave diving, where side-mounted cylinders are often the only suitable option. It allows divers to navigate through narrow cave passages, sometimes unfastening their tanks and placing them in front or behind them, thus making their way through even very small crevices or holes.
Sidemount Diving Advantages
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Streamlined Equipment:
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If you need more than one tank, sidemount provides excellent hydrodynamics.
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Properly configured gear reduces water resistance and minimizes contact with underwater inhabitants.
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Ease of Transport:
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Many divers find it easier to carry and don two smaller tanks rather than one large tank.
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For divers with physical limitations, sidemount allows for donning equipment in the water.
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Versatility:
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Sidemount suits various dive types, expanding your capabilities with a single base configuration.
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Divers with physical limitations find sidemount easier for entering and exiting the water.
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Extended Gas Supply:
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Using nitrox and an EAN-compatible computer often provides more no-decompression time than your gas supply allows.
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Two tanks allow you to fully enjoy all available no-decompression time.
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Equipment Accessibility and Comfort:
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Accessing valves is easier in sidemount; they’re right in front of you.
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Troubleshooting and adjusting gear becomes simpler.
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Logistics:
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Some dive centers lack twin tanks, while others charge high rental fees for them. Two separate tanks are more readily available.
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If entry involves steep descents or stairs, carrying separate tanks is easier than handling a twin set or a single large tank.
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Back Load Reduction:
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Sidemount redistributes weight during swimming, benefiting divers with back issues.
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Balancing buoyancy becomes more manageable.
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Easy Problem Solving:
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With sidemount, you can handle situations like low air without relying on a buddy as an alternate air source.
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Disadvantages of Sidemount Configuration:
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Bulkiness on Land:
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Carrying two standard-sized tanks on land can be challenging. Often, divers configure sidemount gear after entering the water.
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However, using smaller tanks mitigates this issue.
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Complex Gas Management:
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Managing two tanks requires switching between them to maintain consistent pressure. You’ll learn this skill during the course.
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During the Sidemount courses in Phuket we use only dedicated sidemount harneses from the leading brands - XDeep and Dive Rite.
Who Can Join Sidemount Course
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Min age is 15 year