Sidemount Certifications Requirements

[Dive-aholic]

The only SM PADI Cert would be a distinctive specialty until after DEMA. There will be an "official" rec and a tec course available at that time from what I've been told. I'm not sure of any other training orgs offering SM Cert cards (I'd be surprised if there wasn't.) I understand why a dive op would request proficiency in an unfamiliar rig to them (safety) but demanding a cert card that is only distinctive at this time seems silly. SM makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons outside the caves. I too would like to read the OP's post trip comments.

IANTD has been offering a sidemount class for a few years. In fact, they were the first agency to offer a basic sidemount course. They also offer an Advanced Cave sidemount course. TDI just unveiled a sidemount course a couple of months ago.

 

[scubamarketing]

I think this has uncovered part of the misunderstanding, why do you believe that sidemount is only for technical divers? Sidemount IS official with multiple organizations. My sidemount/stage cave instructor is a sidemount instructor trainer for PSAI, he has even taught open water students in sidemount. My girlfriend's mom does zero technical diving and she has dove sidemount for at least 2 years.

You're definitely right, there is a misunderstanding I was the guy who went up to Drew Richardson and asked if sidemount could be used to train Open Water students, so I think that shows I don't believe sidemount is only for tech divers My immediate reaction to SM was it would be great for my 61 year old mom who has back issues and carrying two small tanks would actually be much easier than one large tank.

That being said, go ask entry level divers or non divers about sidemount and my guess is not many would know immediately what you were talking about.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

That being said, go ask entry level divers or non divers about sidemount and my guess is not many would know immediately what you were talking about.

... go ask entry level divers or non divers about PADI or LeisurePro and not many would know immediately what you were talking about ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[scubamarketing]

... go ask entry level divers or non divers about PADI or LeisurePro and not many would know immediately what you were talking about ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

True, but a quick Google search for "SCUBA" returns PADI and LeisurePro before it returns anything sidemount specific. Sidemount is a niche. That's not to say it's bad or doomed, I loved my sidemount experience and intend on getting into it more. My best guess is if you asked someone from the general public about sidemount, your explanation would include mention of cave and technical diving whereas traditional BCD's wouldn't. That's why I think it is a fair, if not exactly accurate, assumption for many people that sidemount is tech-oriented.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

True, but a quick Google search for "SCUBA" returns PADI and LeisurePro before it returns anything sidemount specific. Sidemount is a niche. That's not to say it's bad or doomed, I loved my sidemount experience and intend on getting into it more. My best guess is if you asked someone from the general public about sidemount, your explanation would include mention of cave and technical diving whereas traditional BCD's wouldn't. That's why I think it is a fair, if not exactly accurate, assumption for many people that sidemount is tech-oriented.

I dive sidemount in Puget Sound regularly ... usually at shore diving sites that are also frequented by non-divers. I'm often asked by interested non-divers why I wear my tanks that way. My explanation never makes mention of caves or technical diving. Why would it? I'm at a recreational dive site, doing recreational diving.

It's just another way to dive ... and like every other choice you can make in scuba diving, it has advantages and drawbacks. Just like backplates and long hoses, its roots are less relevent than its practicality ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Relaxoffshore]

Well...................I visit Roatan and Utila every year for several months.............seems to me that this "Resort" is on a money grab................as has been the case due to a drop in business. Force your hand and don't sweat the small stuff...........Have a Great Trip!

 

[stcroixscuba]

Sorry, late into the game here but this isn't a PADI issue at all. PADI standards only cover "training". The OP only indicated wanting to dive for the pure fun of it. No training? No PADI. The standards (thankfully) don't cover certified (and beyond) divers doing their own thing.

Liability is something to take up with your insurance carrier.

The same reasoning goes for not requiring a certified diver going on a non-training dive to complete a Medical Questionnaire. Some shops require it, most do not.

I can only speak for our shop, and side mounts are welcome and if you're interested but not certified in their use we can do that for you.

 

[Tom Yerian]

How long have you been diving? I have not heard of a sidemount certification. Have you taken any course in technical diving at all?" PADI; OR,PUT ANOTHER DOLLAR IN", is a money hungry weak excuse fo an organization. They will try to issue a certification for wading if they could.....Tom ....padi instr.

 

[machworx1]

Excuse me but what the hell is sidemount???? And since the air is being delivered at a pressure higher than ambient why would it matter(from an engineering/science/physics point of view) where the hell you put the tank/1st stage?

 

[BKP]

?? No idea what to make of that post...