OK Jax, I have a few comments and questions for you:
* It sounds as though your instructor is trying to work with you and not saying that you cannot use side-mount. He is asking you to come up with methods to make the situation more comfortable for him. In this case, he is the instructor who is accepting liability for you. I actually applaud him for working with you rather than telling you that you can't use your method.
Absolutely pre-discussed, and I did my Advanced Nitrox / Deco Procedures with him in this rig.
* Was any of this discussed before the class began? Did he provide a list of "required equipment"? Did you disclose from the beginning that you would be side-mount? If you did, he should have had a more detailed discussion with you about procedures. If you did not, then shame on you. I would not "assume" that all advanced wreck penetration instructors are or should be experienced side-mount divers. Communication, communication, communication.
Yes, yes, yes. I totally accept that *I* have not represented sidemount appropriately to him.
* I also think your instructor is trying to help you by asking for you to come up with a good method, especially if the seas are a little rough. Every person has a different opinion as to what is rough and in some areas, they never see flat-calm seas. I understand that you would call the dive if you were not comfortable but still, even a bit of rocking while trying to balance, handle tanks while leaning overboard can be difficult.
Exactly! In my case, not just difficult, but every possibility of injury. Nuff said on that, thank you. That part, in particular, is MY problem. He expresses it as a concern for my safety.
Then again, if you have someone on the 'team' that has to call a dive, that is a major negative. Sigh.
* I am glad to see that you are doing what you want to do and are not afraid to show up and look a little different that the others. Some of us may just be a little more conforming and not do or equip ourselves how we really want to. I commend you for sticking to your plan.