I did not want to comment here anymore, but I can't resist:
Side Mountie
- I love that
I want to be one too! Do I get a badge with that?
(Would be even better than my 'Ocean Ranger' cert
)
To stay on topic:
I can confirm, they are (or have been) giving out a 'Sidemount Diver' cert - got one of those here.
I actually think this cert is fully justified, however.
While the practical part is horrible the theoretical part is not.
They describe bungee systems for example, but they mostly do not use them immediately afterwards.
There are other certs where the instructor is not able to perform as good as some of his students in the practical part.
In this case there is a reason: Because of CE requirements the first commercially usable sidemount system are only just appearing. While butterfly wings look horrible, they are CE approved and instructors have been allowed to use them for more than a few month.
Even if the students have never seen or made a good sidemount dive, they know how to get there.
It allows the student to take part in more advanced education in sidemount configuration and enables him to safely conduct his own experiments and training dives.
That is enough to be certified in this region of the globe.
---------- Post added December 18th, 2013 at 11:49 PM ----------
Just to make sure I am not misunderstood:
I still do not want to criticize DevonDiver in any way, but I rather like NetDoc's interpretation.
Calling a cert I posses 'fraudulent' is making me a bit irritated, I have to admit.
I just wanted to help by clearing up some misunderstandings, not create discord.
Though I try to use different methods (as I am not an instructor myself) I understand and share DevonDivers motives.
I would not even say he 'overshot' on this occasion.
I have always been the first one to admit that sidemount education in in my area leaves a lot of room for improvement.
But calling the basic training I received 'fraudulent' would not be the first thing to come too my mind.
Just keep in mind please:
Everyone here knows that for advanced sidemount education you have to go abroad - we all know!
Videos like those help us decide there, they do not hinder anyone who is likely to come across one of those instructors! We need them desperately (and also their videos)! They will improve (or have already), if they don't others will take their place.
__________________________________________________________
I would actually love to be in the Philippines for many other reasons than only good sidemount instructors, rather than in cold and uncomfortable Germany (received my heat west back from service today - did not help, I just hate everything below 6 degrees).
Anything about 10 Degrees (air temp) warmer would be ok - I would even take a place without sidemount instructors, as long as there is some water there.
But on the bright side: in 2010 I had to search for more than a month before I found someone who did not have the word 'sidemount' spelled out to him on the phone - at least that changed.