Sidemount Diving Course

Sidemount Diving Course and Continuing Education with Aloha Diving in Phuket

Basically sidemount diving utilises a different equipment configuration to standard (back mount) diving. As you can probably guess, the cylinders (usually two but can be just one) are worn on the side connected with clips and bungee cord. This means the diver is far more streamlined in the water, and has easy access to both tank valves. Also both cylinders can be unclipped from the bottom and brought in front of the diver (this is called ‘No Mount’) to allow the diver to fit through spaces that would be impossible in classic back mount.
With personalised training and taking enough time, we make sure you are truly comfortable under water with the skills and equipment you will use. In general, an Open Water Rebreather Diver course consists of 3 parts: Academics, Pool Training and Open Water Sessions.
Since then the world of cave diving has seen a huge surge in popularity (for understandable reasons), however in the 2000s sidemount diving has also been in the spotlight for recreational diving too, but the key question is, if I don’t cave dive, why should I dive sidemount?
Sidemount diving is more comfortable:
Most divers who use sidemount will say it is far more comfortable than diving back mount, especially those who have back problems and find it is difficult to carry heavy scuba cylinders. Usually sidemount set up cylinders will be attached to the harness in the water, so the diver doesn’t need to carry any heavy equipment around on the boat.
Sidemount diving offers more redundancy:
Redundant gas supply has always been an important feature of technical diving, but recreational divers used their buddy’s alternate air source or a pony bottle as an emergency option. Having a second cylinder and regulator means even if one fails, you have a working back up for ascents.
Sidemount is more streamlined:
Wearing the cylinders on your side, tucked under the armpits is far more streamlined than the classic back mounted system. This means less energy is required to propel yourself through the water, which in turn means less air is consumed. Most divers will argue that buoyancy control and good body positioning is easier using sidemount than it is with back mount.
Sidemount diving is more fun:
Ok so this is not such an important benefit, but it doesn’t make it not true. There isn’t much out there that isn’t more fun than un-clipping one or both of the tanks, bringing them in front of you and pretend you are flying like superman! Also divers who continue with their diving education feel more satisfied with the sport as learning new skills keeps things fresh!
Remember the best way to get more out of your diving career is to keep taking on new challenges and never stop learning.
In our family-operated diving school in Phuket, you will not be treated like a number. The continuing education take place in small groups and private environment.
It does not matter where you are staying in Phuket. We pick you up from your accommodation (Karon, Kata, Chalong and Rawai – other regions upon request) free of charge and bring you to our dive center or to the pier.

Sidemount Diver Course Prerequisites