Side Mount

SIDEMOUNT
DIVER
INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Product No. 70490 (Rev. 07/22) Version 2.0 © PADI 2022

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
PADI Sidemount Diver

Specialty Course Instructor Guide
© PADI 2022
Items in the Appendix may be reproduced by PADI Members for use in PADI-sanctioned
training, but not for resale or personal gain. No other part of this product may be reproduced,
sold or distributed in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
® Indicates a trademark is registered in the U.S. and certain other countries.
Published by PADI
30151 Tomas
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-2125 USA
Product No. 70490 (Rev. 07/22) Version 2.0
2 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Sidemount Diver
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
How to Use this Guide 5
Course Philosophy and Goals 5
Course Flow Options 5
SECTION ONE Course Standards

Standards at a Glance 7
Instructor Prerequisites 8
Student Diver Prerequisites 8
Supervision and Ratios 8
Sequencing 8
Site, Depths and Hours 9
Materials and Equipment 9
SECTION TWO Knowledge Development

Conduct 11
I. Introduction 11
II. Benefits of Sidemount 12
III. Basic Sidemount Configuration 14
IV. Diving Sidemount 22
V. Sidemount Problems 27
SECTION THREE Practical Application and

Confined Water Dive
Practical Application 29
Sequencing 29
Confined Water Dive 30
I. Confined Water Dive One Standards 31
II. Suggested Sequence 31
Specialty Course Instructor Guide 3

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
SECTION FOUR Open Water Dives

Conduct 36
Dives, Times, Depths and Gases 36
General Considerations 36
Sequence Options and Dives 37
Single-Cylinder Sidemount Option 37
Sidemount Dive One 37
I. Sidemount Dive One Standards 38
Sidemount Dive Two 41
I. Sidemount Dive Two Standards 41
Sidemount Dive Three 44
I. Sidemount Dive Three Standards 44
APPENDIX
PADI Sidemount Diver Knowledge Review 48
PADI Sidemount Diver Knowledge Review Answer Key 50
PADI Specialty Training Record – Sidemount Diver 52
PADI Advanced Open Water Training Record – Sidemount 54

Sidemount Diver
INTRODUCTION
How to Use this Guide
This guide speaks to you, the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty Instructor. The guide
contains four sections: The first contains standards specific to this course, the second
contains knowledge development, the third considers practical application and the
required confined water dive, and the fourth details the open water dives. All required
standards, learning objectives, activities, and performance requirements specific to the
PADI Sidemount Diver course appear in boldface print. The boldface assists you in
easily identifying those requirements that you must adhere to when you conduct
the course. Items not in boldface print are recommendations for your information and
consideration. General course standards applicable to all PADI courses are located in the
General Standards and Procedures section of your PADI Instructor Manual.
Course Philosophy and Goals

Sidemount diving is not a new concept, but its application has spread from cave diving
to open water recreational and technical diving. Sidemount diving presents divers with
a different approach to equipment configuration, and a new set of skills to master.
Remember that the philosophy of this course is to provide an introduction to the use,
benefits and proper configuration of sidemount equipment for recreational diving, with
an emphasis on safety. The goal of this course is to provide a systematic, methodical,
approach to recreational sidemount diving, showing how to apply the skills developed
using conventional backmounted equipment. Once certified, student divers will be able to
use sidemount equipment comfortably for no stop recreational dives in conditions similar
to, or better than, those encountered during training.
Course goals are to:
• Explain the benefits of sidemount diving
• Develop student ability to assemble, configure and wear sidemount diving
equipment
• Guide students in the skills required to plan and make no stop recreational
sidemount dives
Course Flow Options

Have student divers complete PADI Sidemount Diver eLearning or read Section One of
the PADI Sidemount Diver and Tec Sidemount Diver Manual and complete the associated
Knowledge Review. You may conduct a classroom session to verify student diver
understanding and review the Knowledge Review prior to the Practical Application. Use
the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty Course Instructor Guide to conduct instructor-led

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
presentations if the diver manual is not available in a language student divers understand
and have them complete the Knowledge Review from the instructor guide. Student
divers must complete the practical application prior to the confined water dive.
Students must successfully complete the confined water dive prior to Sidemount
Dive One. See Sections One and Four for options regarding single- and two-cylinder
sidemount use during Sidemount Dive One.
There are three open water dives. You may rearrange skill sequence within each
dive, however the sequence of dives must stay intact. You may add more dives
as necessary to meet student divers’ needs. Organize your course to accommodate
student diver learning styles, logistical needs and sequencing preferences. Incorporate
environmentally friendly techniques throughout each dive.
Knowledge Development
• Student diver completes
independent study
• Classroom Presentation
(optional)
• Review Knowledge Review Practical Application
• Equipment setup and

preparation Open Water Dives
• Scuba skills review • Sidemount Dive 1
• Confined Water Dive • Sidemount Dive 2
(two cylinders) • Sidemount Dive 3
• Confined Water Dive
(single cylinder –
optional)

Sidemount Diver
SECTION ONE
Course Standards
This section includes the course standards, recommendations, and suggestions for
conducting the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty course.
Standards at a Glance
Topic Course Standard
Minimum PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty Instructor
Instructor Rating
Prerequisites PADI Open Water Diver
Minimum Age 15 years
Ratios Confined Water – 10:1 with 4 additional students per certified

assistant
Open Water – 8:1
Site, Depths Maximum Depth: Dives One and Two – 18 metres/60 feet; Dive
and Hours Three – 30 metres/100 feet
Hours Recommended: 24 over three days
Minimum Water Sessions: 1 confined water dive, 3 open water dives
Materials and Instructor: Student Diver:

Equipment • PADI Sidemount Diver Course • PADI Sidemount Diver
Specialty Instructor Guide eLearning or PADI Sidemount
Diver and Tec Sidemount Diver
• PADI Sidemount Diver
Manual
eLearning or PADI Sidemount
Diver and Tec Sidemount Diver • BCD and harness for
Manual sidemount
• Gear and cylinders for • Two cylinders with regulators
various sidemount diving and SPGs
configurations

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Instructor Prerequisites
To qualify to teach the PADI Sidemount Diver course, an individual must be a
teaching status PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or higher. PADI Instructors may
apply for the Sidemount Diver Specialty Instructor rating after completing a Specialty
Instructor Training course with a PADI Course Director, or by providing proof of experience
and applying directly. For further detail, reference the Professional Membership section of
your PADI Instructor Manual.
Student Diver Prerequisites

To qualify for the PADI Sidemount Diver course, an individual must be:
1. Certified as a PADI Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from

another training organization.
2. At least 15 years old.
Supervision and Ratios

A teaching-status PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty Instructor must directly
supervise of all activities at a maximum ratio of 10:1 in confined water and 8:1 in
open water (with 4 additional student divers allowed per certified assistant).
Sequencing
Ideally, student divers should complete the Knowledge Review before practical application
and the confined water dive.
Confined Water Dive

The confined water dive must be completed prior to Sidemount Dive One. It may
be completed using a single or two-cylinder sidemount configuration. Students must
master all confined water skills using two cylinders prior to Sidemount Dive Two.
You can accomplish this by covering both single and two-cylinder sidemount skills during
the confined water dive, or by adding a confined water dive between Sidemount Dive One
and Sidemount Dive Two.
Open Water Dives

Sidemount Dive One may be completed using either single or two-cylinder sidemount
configuration.
Sidemount Dive Two must be completed using two-cylinder sidemount. If Sidemount
Dive One was completed in a single cylinder, the two-cylinder sidemount skills from
Sidemount Dive One must be completed in Sidemount Dive Two.

Sidemount Diver
Site, Depths and Hours

Site
Choose sites with conditions and environments suitable for completing the performance
requirements. Ideally, select sites familiar to student divers. Shallow dives will provide divers
with more opportunities to complete tasks. Use different open water dive sites, if possible,
to give student divers experience in dealing with a variety of environmental conditions
(incorporate environment friendly techniques throughout each dive) and logistical
challenges.
The fundamental skills are practiced in confined water first to provide initial skill develop-
ment without environmental variables that can impede learning. Students subsequently
apply their skills and continue to develop them in open water, applying what they are
learning to the requirements of the dive environment.
Depths
Choose sites with conditions and environmental features suitable for completing the
course requirements. The maximum planned depth should not exceed the diver’s current
training level and experience.
• Dives One and Two – 18 metres/60 feet
• Dive Three – 30 metres/100 feet
Hours
The PADI Sidemount Diver course includes at least one confined water dive and
three open water dives.
Recommended course hours: 24 over three days
Materials and Equipment

Instructor
• PADI Sidemount Diver Course Specialty Instructor Guide
• PADI Sidemount Diver eLearning or PADI Sidemount Diver and Tec Sidemount
Diver Manual
• Equipment needed for student divers to dive in sidemount configuration:
• Specialty equipment and supplies:
– Spare parts kit
– Extra weights in small increments for student trim
– Different size cylinders for students to try

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Student Diver
• PADI Sidemount Diver eLearning or PADI Sidemount Diver or Tec Sidemont
Diver Manual
• BCD and harness configured for sidemount diving
• Two independent cylinders, each with a regulator with a single second stage,
and SPG. At least one second stage must be on a longer hose for sharing
gas approximately one metre/three feet in length, with 1.5-2 metres/5-7 feet
recommended. At least one regulator (typically the left) must be equipped with
a low pressure inflator hose to supply the BCD.
• Optional: For the Confined Water Dive and Sidemount Dive One only, a single cylinder
with first stage regulator, primary second stage, alternate second stage, SPG and LPI.
Assessment Standards
For eLearners, check the diver’s eRecord to verify successful completion of
Sidemount Diver eLearning, including the Knowledge Review.
To assess knowledge of divers using the manual, have divers complete the
Sidemount Diver Knowledge Reviews (located in the Appendix of this guide and
in the Sidemount Diver and Tec Sidemount Diver Manual) and review missed
questions until they demonstrate adequate knowledge.
During confined and open water dives, divers must perform all skills – procedures
and motor skills – in a reasonably comfortable, fluid, repeatable manner as would
be expected of a diver at this certification level.
Certification Requirements
To qualify for certification, student divers must meet all the performance
requirements for the Sidemount Diver Confined Water Dive and Open Water
Dives One, Two and Three.
The instructor certifying the student diver must ensure that all certification
requirements have been met.
Links to Other Courses

Divers who successfully complete Confined Water Dive One, Sidemount Dive One and the
Knowledge Review may receive credit for an Adventure Dive toward the PADI Adventure
Diver and the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certifications. The Sidemount Adventure
Dive conducted during the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course may count as the first
dive toward this specialty at your discretion.
Divers may also credit the specialty certification toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.

Sidemount Diver
SECTION TWO
Knowledge Development
Conduct
Divers complete Knowledge Development by interacting with PADI Sidemount Diver
eLearning, or by reading Section One of the PADI Sidemount Diver and Tec Sidemount
Diver Manual and completing the associated Knowledge Review. Use these knowledge
development presentations to prescriptively address student diver misconceptions, or to
provide clarification on certain points of interest.
If there is a need for instructor-led presentations, such as when the Sidemount Diver
eLearning or Manual does not exist in a language student divers understand, use the
following teaching outline to cover the knowledge development learning objectives
and course content. The Sidemount Diver Knowledge Reviews (located in this guide’s
Appendix) must be completed and reviewed before the diver is certified.
I. Introduction
Note to Instructor
Have students and staff introduce and provide a bit of background about themselves.
A. Course Goal
1. The goal of this course is to qualify and certify you to set up, plan and
make dives with sidemount equipment within your present certification and
experience limits.
2. Certification as a PADI Sidemount Diver means you are qualified to plan and
make dives using recreational sidemount equipment within the limitations of
your other recreational diver certifications, in conditions as good as, or better
than, those in which you train.
3. Important: Sidemount originated with, and has extensive application in tec
diving. The PADI Sidemount Diver certification does not qualify you as a tec
diver.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
B. Course Overview and Schedule
Note to Instructor
Discuss the course sequence, assignments, meeting times, places and other information
about all class and practical application sessions, and training dives. Build excitement about
the course, particularly the training dives.
C. Costs, Equipment Requirements and Paperwork
Note to Instructor
Explain all costs, equipment requirements and logistical details as necessary. Reconfirm
prerequisites if appropriate, and ensure all paperwork is completed – see Section One, and
Paperwork and Administrative Procedures, General Standards, PADI Instructor Manual.
Collect outstanding fees.
D. Performance Requirements and Certification

1. To qualify for any PADI certification, you must meet specific performance
requirements.
a. You pay for the course, but must earn the certification.
b. This requirement exists because your ability to dive safely depends upon
your ability to master and apply what you learn in this course.
c. Performance-based learning is objective – a student either meets
a requirement or not; your instructor is not arbitrary in assessing
performance.
2. Although you must meet all performance requirements, having difficulty does
not mean you will be unsuccessful.
a. You take a course to learn – making mistakes and needing time to master
knowledge and skill is part of learning.
b. You may pick up some things quickly and others slowly; what matters is
that you demonstrate mastery – not how long it takes.
c. You move on at the pace you learn – you may need extra dives or other
practice.

Sidemount Diver
II. Benefits of Sidemount

Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you should be able to answer the following questions:
1. What are seven general benefits of the sidemount configuration?
2. What are three disadvantages of sidemount?
1. What are seven general benefits of the sidemount configuration?

A. General benefits of sidemount
1. As you probably realize, in sidemount, divers wear one, or more commonly
two, cylinders along their sides with no cylinders on their backs.
2. This configuration originated with cave diving, but has a growing following in
recreational diving because it has these general benefits:
a. Ease of streamlining equipment. When you need or want more than one
cylinder, sidemount provides a very streamlined package. When correctly
configured, sidemount can reduce drag and avoids contact with the
environment.
b. Easier equipment transport. Most people find it easier to carry and wear
two smaller cylinders instead of one large cylinder. Divers with physical
challenges may find this a big advantage, especially in that it allows them
to don equipment in the water.
c. Versatility. Sidemount works well with many recreational diving activities
making it a great way to expand your capabilities with a single basic
configuration. Divers with physical challenges find that even when diving
only one cylinder, sidemount simplifies getting in and out of the water.
d. Increased gas supply. Using enriched air nitrox and an EANx dive
computer, you often have so much no stop dive time that you run out
of gas long before you approach a no decompression limit. The ability to
use two cylinders lets you enjoy more of this no stop dive time.
e. Accessibility. In sidemount, the regulator first stage and valves are in front
of you where they’re visible and accessible. This makes it easier to spot
and deal with problems (you’ll learn about this during the course).
f. Adjustability. Most sidemount configurations allow you to fine tune
equipment fit and trim during the dive to enhance streamlining and body
position. Most divers find this makes sidemount more comfortable than
other configurations.
g. Problem solving. With two-cylinder sidemount, you can handle an out-of-
gas problem without your buddy as your primary alternate air source.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
2. What are three disadvantages of sidemount?

B. Sidemount does have some drawbacks of which you should be aware, though
you’ll find you can deal with them relatively easily in most circumstances.
1. Cumbersome in full kit out of the water. With two larger cylinders (11 litre/80
cubic foot) out of the water, it can be awkward to stand and perform a giant-
stride in sidemount; you would normally put the cylinders on after you enter
the water. With two small cylinders, however, this is much less of an issue.
2. More complex gas management. With two cylinders, you must learn to switch
regularly between cylinders to keep the pressures relatively close. However,
this is not overly complex, and you’ll learn to do this as part of this course.
3. Buddy unfamiliarity. You may find yourself teamed with buddies who are not
acquainted with sidemount procedures. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to show
them what they need to know during dive planning.
III. Basic Sidemount Configuration

Learning Objectives
1. What are the main components of a sidemount rig?
2. What are common harness and BCD options for sidemount rigs?
3. What are common cylinders and cylinder configurations for sidemount rigs?
4. What options do you have for weight systems and weight placement when sidemount
diving?
5. Where do you carry accessories in a sidemount rig?
6. How do you don and wear a sidemount rig with one and with two cylinders?
Note to Instructor
It’s recommended that you refer to an actual sidemount rig during this presentation.
1. What are the main components of a sidemount rig?

A. The main components of a sidemount rig
1. Apart from the gear you normally use, here are the main pieces of equipment
you’ll use as a PADI Sidemount Diver. We’ll look at each item in detail shortly.
2. Harness and BCD. The harness has attachment hardware for holding cylinders
on each side of your body. The BCD is typically a wing-style, but streamlined.
3. Two cylinders, each with a regulator and SPG, one on each side.
a. Single-cylinder sidemount is sometimes used with cylinders that are
nearly neutral.

Sidemount Diver
b. In single-cylinder sidemount, you typically wear the cylinder on your left

side.
4. Weight system and trim options – integrated weights, weight belts and
weights mounted on cylinders.
5. Pockets/attachment points for accessories.
6. In sidemount diving, snorkels can interfere with gas sharing and hose
placement. Instead, carry a collapsible snorkel in your pocket that you can
deploy if needed.
2. What are common harness and BCD options for sidemount rigs?
B. Sidemount harness and BCD systems
1. Modern sidemount rigs consist of a harness and BCD specifically designed
for sidemount. It may be based on components you assemble to create a
sidemount rig, or it may be a dedicated sidemount configuration.
2. In either case, the unit’s harness has attachment points for the cylinders. The
BCD attaches to the harness and will have attachments and restraints to keep
it wrapped closely around your body.
a. Cylinders attach at the hip or over the buttocks on either side (or both),
and on the upper chest at armpit level.
b. Most configurations use an elastic system (bungee, tubing, etc.) to hold
the tops of the cylinders in place while worn. Some divers also have clips
that attach to the chest D-rings.
3. Popular harnesses are padded for comfort and accommodate weights so you
can balance your trim in the water (more about this later). Most have a crotch
strap to keep the harness properly positioned.
4. BCDs have different amounts of lift.
a. Select a BCD that provides adequate lift for your equipment and cylinders
so your head is out of the water at the surface, and so that your buddy
could rescue you should it be necessary.
b. This rarely differs significantly from the BCD lift capacity you would use
with a single cylinder, all else being the same.
5. Most sidemount rigs put the BCD inflator/deflator on the customary left side,
with a low pressure hose supplying it from the left main regulator.
a. This is why you normally wear a single sidemount cylinder on the left.
b. A few sidemount rigs use the right side.
6. Sidemount configurations continue to evolve, particularly with regard to new
methods of attaching BCDs and cylinders.
Note to Instructor
Show students current configurations.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
3. What are common cylinders and cylinder configurations for sidemount rigs?
C. Cylinders and cylinder configurations
1. Cylinder types vary in size and buoyancy characteristics, giving each type
advantages and disadvantages when used for sidemount.
2. Most aluminum cylinders are less negatively buoyant, making them easy to
put on, take off and adjust in the water.
a. They require you to wear more weight elsewhere, all else being equal.
This is an advantage in circumstances that require removing them
underwater because your weight is on you, not the cylinders.
b. The cylinder tails (bottoms) tend to float upward after you use about a
third of the gas, so some divers put weights on them. Another option is
to have high and low attachment points for different buoyancy states.
c. In single-cylinder sidemount, aluminum cylinders are the most common
due to buoyancy characteristics.
3. Steel cylinders are usually negatively buoyant throughout the dive, though
they become lighter with gas use.
a. Steels usually allow you to wear less weight.
b. They are harder to handle underwater than aluminum.
c. Steels tend to be more stable as you consume the gas, and do not float
tail-up as much as aluminums do.
4. As you’d expect, you plan cylinder capacity according to the dive you want to
do, or you plan the dive according to the cylinders you have available.
a. The 11 litre/80 cubic foot aluminum and the 12 litre/95 cubic foot steel
are among the most popular sizes.
b. You may not need extra gas capacity, but choose to wear sidemount for
equipment convenience. For this, two 6 litre/40 cubic foot or 7 litre/50 cubic
foot cylinders is a common choice.
5. DIN valves are preferred for sidemount, though yoke valves may be used if
DIN valves are not available.
a. It’s helpful to have both right and left side hand wheel valves configured
with the hand wheel on the outside, away from you. This makes it easier
to operate while worn, and puts the regulators inward, which reduces
entanglement issues.
b. Nonetheless, standard (right side) hand wheels may be used on both
sides.
6. Cylinder mounting options vary, but most use a stainless steel or fabric band
with an attachment point towards the lower part of the cylinder.
a. A large bolt snap (p-clip, sliding gate clip) normally attaches the cylinder
to the harness on a hip D-ring, butt rail or other attachment hardware as
appropriate for the particular harness.

Sidemount Diver
b. As mentioned, the top of the cylinder usually attaches to the harness by

elastic cord or bungee that stretches around the valve. Some divers use a
clip as well for extra security, especially when wearing mounted cylinders
out of the water.
c. Bungees, inner tubing or surgical tubing bands around the cylinders
allow you to tuck regulator hoses along their length for streamlining and
control.
d. A growing number of manufacturers have proprietary attachment
systems that are specific to their sidemount setups.
4. How do you configure your right and left side regulators for use when
sidemount diving?
D. Regulators and regulator configuration for sidemount.
1. In sidemount, the regulators mount on the cylinders so that everything is
streamlined without loops or protrusions that cause drag and snags. You rig
the regulators and cylinders so that when worn, the first stages are inward,
toward your body where they’re protected yet accessible.
2. SPGs must be accessible throughout the dive.
a. It is common to use short SPG hoses that allow the gauge to stand up
from the valve in view.
b. Other divers prefer standard SPG hoses. They route the hoses down
along the cylinder and back up, held by cylinder bands, placing the
gauges where they are visible. The hose is routed so that it does not trap
or interfere with other hoses on your rig.
3. Your left side main regulator usually has a low pressure inflator hose supplying
the BCD, with the second stage on a standard length (80-90 cm/32-36 in)
hose. When not in use, this second stage is either clipped to a shoulder D-ring
or secured in a necklace just under the chin. Some divers put a 90º or 45º
elbow on it to streamline its position.
4. Your right side main regulator has only an SPG and second stage, unless you
are supplying a backup BCD bladder or a dry suit.
a. The second stage hose is 1.5-2 metres/5-7 feet long for gas sharing with
a buddy. You route this hose down along the cylinder and back up, then
across your chest and around your neck into your mouth.
b. In single-cylinder sidemount, the left regulator commonly has a second
stage on a 1.5-2 metre/5-7 foot long hose for sharing gas and a second
stage on an 80-90 cm/32-36 in hose.
c. The cylinder bands hold the excess slack to keep everything streamlined.
You clip this second stage to a D-ring when you’re not using it.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
5. There are some variations in hose length and second stage placement
to accommodate regional preferences, personal needs and equipment
differences.
a. Hoses should be long enough to reach the mouth comfortably without
causing slack issues.
b. Sometimes elbow adaptors help you redirect hoses for a cleaner routing,
but be cautious because they can affect regulator performance and add
o-rings to take care of (they’re not commonly needed with modern, high
end regulators). These are most common only on the left second stage.
c. Some second stages accept the hose from either side, allowing you other
routing configurations.
6. Clips used on second stages and SPGs should be breakaway clips.
a. This means you secure the clip to the hose or other attachment point
with a thin o-ring or a small pull tie.
b. In an emergency, or should the clip jam, you can release the second stage
with a sharp tug or twist that breaks the o-ring/pull tie, leaving the clip
behind.
Note to Instructor
Show students a breakaway clip.
7. Although not common, there are some sidemount systems that have small
manifolds attached to the rear of the BCD. They’re designed to allow
the regulators to be configured much as they would be when diving in
backmount.
Note to instructor
Provide more detail if students will be using this type of system during the course.
5. What options do you have for weight systems and weight placement when
sidemount diving?
E. Weight systems and options
1. It’s important to be able to distribute your weight so you can swim or hover
horizontally with little effort.
2. In sidemount diving, it is not unusual to use more than one system to
distribute your weights.
3. Weight belts. Especially if you don’t need much weight, a weight belt will
often suffice.
a. Sidemount harnesses typically have crotch straps, which some divers
choose to place over weight belts.

Sidemount Diver
b. This is generally not recommended in recreational diving because it

makes it difficult to get rid of the belt quickly. But in some forms of
diving, such as tec diving, losing your weights and having an unplanned
and/or uncontrolled ascent is a bigger risk.
4. Integrated weight systems. Many sidemount harnesses include, or have an
option for, weight pockets similar to those you find on recreational BCDs.
5. Harness-mounted weights. Some divers like to thread weights onto their
harnesses to help with balance. You can’t ditch this weight, but you typically
only do this with about 2 kg/5 lbs of weight.
6. Cylinder-mounted weights. Some divers put 2 kg/5 lb weights (more or less)
with a nylon cam band onto their cylinders (especially aluminum cylinders).
One advantage of this is that you can loosen and reposition the band to fine-
tune your trim during the dive.
7. Specialized pockets. A few sidemount systems have pouches on your back (an
unused space) for locating weights. This keeps the front of your rig clean, but
you can’t ditch this weight.
8. You will learn how to determine how much weight you need, and where to
locate it with your rig, during the training dives.
Note to Instructor
Show students the weight and position options on a sidemount rig, ideally the same type
they will be using during the course.
6. Where do you carry accessories in a sidemount rig?

F. Options for carrying accessories
1. Carrying accessories in sidemount has some considerations that differ from
conventional backmount.
a. Your front, waist area tends to be hard to reach in sidemount once you
have your cylinders on. Avoid pockets and accessories in this area – only
put things you don’t use much here, and be sure you can get to them!
b. The upper chest is easily accessible, but needs to be kept relatively clear
for second stage access and securing your cylinders. Only clip accessories
here when you’re using them and need to free your hands for a moment.
c. Your low rear waist and upper buttocks area is relatively easy to reach.
Many sidemount divers have two or more rear D-rings to make use of
this area.
d. Exposure suit thigh pockets hold a lot and are readily accessible. These
are optimum storage areas.
2. You commonly store surface signaling devices (other than your whistle) in a
thigh pocket or rolled and butt-mounted.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
3. If you’ll be using a line reel, you normally clip it to a rear D-ring.

4. Small line cutting devices typically mount on BCD hoses and dive computer
wrist straps. You can carry larger devices in a pocket.
5. You can have a rear mounted “pocket book” (pouch) clipped behind you.
Unclip it and bring it in front to access it.
Note to Instructor
Show students examples of accessories and how to store them.
7. How do you don and wear a sidemount rig with one and with two cylinders?
Note to instructor
It’s recommended that you demonstrate the following steps as you describe them,
pointing out details.
G. Donning and wearing a typical two-cylinder sidemount rig

1. Assemble your cylinders.
a. When diving EANx, analyze the gas, check the pressure and label each
cylinder with your name, the gas, and the deepest depth you can safely
use the gas, positioned where you can read it.
b. Attach the cylinder bands and hardware, making sure to orient the
regulators according to right and left. Route the hoses down the cylinder
length, and for the moment, tuck all hoses into the bands to create a
tight package you can easily carry.
c. Predive check both cylinders (test breathe, listen for leaks, confirm
sufficient gas).
d. If appropriate for the dive, take the cylinders to the water’s edge or rear
of the boat, etc.
2. Prepare your mask, fins and collapsible snorkel.
3. Put on your exposure suit and weight belt (if using a weight belt). Stow your
snorkel and any accessories you carry in the thigh pockets.
4. Don your harness with BCD. Clip on rear mounted accessories and clip the
upper cylinder bungee (if appropriate for your rig).
5. In most instances when sidemount diving, you don the cylinders after you
enter the water, but sometimes you do it before you enter.
a. Either way, before entering, you conduct a predive check of all your gear
with your buddy.
b. Inflate your BCD before entering the water. If you’re donning the
cylinders in the water, you do this orally.
6. Attach the cylinders, beginning with the left.

Sidemount Diver
a. Most divers find it easiest to attach the lower clip to the butt rail or hip
D-ring first, then swing the cylinder into place, restrain it with the bungee
and clip it to a chest D-ring (if using an upper clip).
b. Once in place, deploy and connect the low pressure inflator hose to the
BCD. Confirm the SPG is visible and open the valve (or confirm that it is
open).
i. Practices vary with respect to when you open the valves on your main
cylinders.
ii. When entering water too deep in which to stand, you usually open
the cylinder valves before entry so you can use them immediately.
iii. When entering water shallow enough in which to stand, it is
common to have the valves closed until you put the cylinders on.
iv. Regardless, confirm that both valves are open before beginning a
descent.
c. Deploy the second stage, run it behind your neck and then under your
chin to the necklace, or, if it is a left-handed second stage, run it directly
to the necklace. Alternatively, clip it to a chest D-ring with most of the
hose still tucked into the bands, or between your body and cylinder.
d. In single-cylinder sidemount, you’re done after you don the left cylinder.
For two-cylinder sidemount, you mount the right cylinder the same way
as the left, including confirming that you can access the SPG and second
stage, and that the valve is open. Connect the inflator hose to your dry
suit (if supplying a dry suit from it). Secure the second stage and deploy
just enough hose for it to reach across your chest, around your neck and
into your mouth.
e. You usually position the right cylinder after the left so that its second
stage – the one you would share – is on top and not trapped by other
hoses.
f. Keep the valves to both cylinders open throughout the dive (unless you
have to shut down a freeflowing regulator).
7. If donning the cylinders before entering the water, sit on a bench while you
attach your cylinders.
a. Lift the cylinders onto the bench and orient them as you will wear them,
then sit between them.
b. Start by attaching the tail of the left cylinder. Then lift the top of the
cylinder up and attach it as previously described.
c. It helps to have someone assist you, and standing up can be awkward.
d. In some circumstances, an option is to don only your left cylinder
(supplies the BCD) out of the water, then put on the right after entering.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
IV. Diving Sidemount

Learning Objectives
1. In what ways can you enter the water and put on your cylinders when sidemount diving?
2. How do you check your buoyancy and determine correct weighting with sidemount?
3. What are “gas management” and “turn pressure”? What two goals do you have when
managing your gas in sidemount? What common techniques can you use to meet these
goals?
4. How do you adjust for proper trim in sidemount? What are your options for refining your
trim during a dive?
5. What two kicks do you most commonly use in sidemount?
6. Why might you disconnect the lower end of one or both of your sidemount cylinders, but
leave it or them secured at the top?
7. How do you exit the water in sidemount?
1. In what ways can you enter the water and put on your cylinders when
sidemount diving?
A. Sidemount entries
1. After donning all your gear and completing your predive safety check, you
can enter the water several ways when sidemount diving. The choice depends
upon the environment, and most of these methods work with single-cylinder
sidemount as well as two-cylinder sidemount.
a. Before all entries, inflate your BCD enough to assure adequate buoyancy.
b. Check the area and be sure your buddy is ready to go, too.
2. Don cylinders in the water.
a. Put cylinders in shallow water or dangle them just in the water from a
line.
b. Enter the water and don the cylinders at the surface.
c. This is probably the most popular entry method, but it isn’t always
possible from boats, especially with a moderate current.
3. Don cylinders out of the water and giant stride.
a. Buddies help each other into cylinders as described earlier.
b. Use a giant stride entry as you’re already familiar, but hold the cylinders
firmly to prevent them from striking upward when you impact the water.
c. This is a good choice for boat entries from an elevated height, but getting
into your gear and standing can be awkward if the boat is unstable.
4. Don cylinders out of the water and use a seated back roll.
a. Buddies help each other into cylinders as described earlier.
b. Use a seated back roll entry as you’re already familiar.

Sidemount Diver
c. This is a good choice for small boat entries, and from a low to moderate
height from an unstable platform.
d. Be sure to hold cylinder valves so that they don’t hit your head area
during the entry.
5. Don one cylinder, hold the other and giant stride.
a. Divers don the left cylinder (right with setups that supply the BCD with
the right). They giant stride breathing the left cylinder and holding the
mask with the left hand, holding the right cylinder with the right. (It can
also be handed in after entry.)
b. Don the right cylinder after entry.
c. It’s easier for the diver to stand and be stable before entry, making
it a good compromise when you need to use a giant stride from a
moderately unstable platform.
d. The disadvantage is you have to be careful not to drop the right cylinder
when you impact the water.
6. There are variations on these to fit the circumstances.
Note to instructor
Describe any local variations you’ll have students practice.
2. How do you check your buoyancy and determine correct weighting with
sidemount?
B. Buoyancy check and correct weighting
1. Correct weighting with sidemount is the same as with backmount. The goal is
to be able to maintain a safety stop at 5 metres/15 feet with your cylinders at
reserve pressure.
2. To check your weight, wearing your two cylinders (or one cylinder with single
cylinder configuration) with 50 bar/500 psi in each, you should float at eye
level with an empty BCD and holding a normal breath. When you exhale, you
should slowly sink. Adjust your weight until you reach this buoyancy state.
3. If you check with full cylinders (commonly the situation), add about 2.5 kg/6
pounds for each 2250 litres/80 cubic feet of free gas.
4. Using two of the popular 11 litre/80 cubic foot cylinders, for example, if you
are correctly weighted you should be 5-6 kg/10-12 lbs negatively buoyant
with full cylinders at the start of the dive.
3. What are “gas management” and “turn pressure”? What two goals do you
have when managing your gas in sidemount? What common techniques can
you use to meet these goals?

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
C. Gas management.
1. Gas management means you have
a. the gas required for the dive plan.
b. a reserve for emergencies beyond the planned amount.
c. determined your turn pressure – the pressure at which you must head up
or back so you finish the dive with your planned reserve.
2. Generally, in recreational single- or two-cylinder diving, this means you finish
the dive with at least 50 bar/500 psi in each cylinder.
a. Allow a greater reserve for more challenging conditions or situations, just
as you always would.
b. Dive well within your limits.
3. Because you usually don’t wear a snorkel sidemount diving, you may choose
to breathe from your cylinders at the surface while kitting up and waiting for
your buddy if it won’t be long.
a. If you will be waiting at the surface more than a short interval, deploy
your snorkel to breathe from so you don’t waste gas.
b. If you surface away from your exit point with low cylinder pressures, you
may choose to deploy your snorkel for the swim back to the boat or
shore.
D. Gas management goals
1. In two-cylinder sidemount, you have two special gas management goals.
a. The first is to keep both of your cylinders available for use so you always
have two useable systems, which is one of the advantages of sidemount.
b. The second is to keep your cylinders from having a substantial buoyancy
difference that throws your trim out of balance.
2. You accomplish both by breathing alternately from your cylinders; you don’t
breathe one all the way down before you switch.
a. There are differing views on how often you alternate cylinders.
b. Alternating too often makes the dive little more than a gas management
exercise.
c. Alternating too little throws your trim off and (worst case) leaves you
with one cylinder empty and one full. If the full cylinder were to have a
problem, you would have to ascend on your buddy’s alternate air source
rather than switch to the other cylinder and ascend.
d. The technique is to watch your SPGs and then switch from one cylinder
to the other following a pattern based on the gas you use.
e. With practice, many divers can feel when they are nearing a switch by
the changes in cylinder buoyancy (although they still use their SPGs).

Sidemount Diver
3. Method one: Thirds

a. Use one third of your right.
b. Use two thirds of your left.
c. Return to your right and breathe to reserve pressure (50 bar/500 psi),
then return to the left. Plan to finish the dive with 50 bar/500 psi in both
cylinders.
d. This method reduces the number of gas switches; the maximum buoyancy
difference between cylinders (at switch pressure) is about 1-1.5 kg/2-3 lbs,
which most divers find manageable.
e. Some divers advocate switching every third rather than switching and
breathing the left cylinder two thirds. That is, breathe one third of your
right, one third of your left, one third of your right and so on.
4. Method two: 30 bar/500 psi [Note: 30 bar and 500 psi are not identical
pressures; they are easily read on the SPG for the respective systems.]
a. Breathe 30 bar/500 psi from your right main cylinder.
b. Switch to your left main and breathe 30 bar/500 psi.
c. Return to your right main and breathe 30 bar/500 psi.
d. Continue until you reach turn pressure, or for no stop diving, so you end
the dive with 50 bar/500 psi in each cylinder.
e. This method has you trading more often, but some divers like to have less
weight difference between cylinders.
5. Other management strategies are acceptable, provided your buddies agree,
they keep you within your planned gas use, and they balance the gas use
from your cylinders so you always have good trim and a backup to which you
can switch.
6. Some divers prefer to start breathing on the left instead of the right, which
does not make a significant difference. It is important, however, that you
establish and stick to a personal habit for which cylinder you start with and
for managing your gas supply.
7. With single-cylinder sidemount, you manage your gas as you normally do on
a single cylinder backmount dive.
4. How do you adjust for proper trim in sidemount? What are your options for
refining your trim during a dive?
E. Proper trim in sidemount.
1. You need optimum trim and streamlining to move cleanly and efficiently,
which saves energy and gas. Streamlining reduces damage to the
environment because you’re not dragging gear across sensitive aquatic life.
2. On your first sidemount dives, your instructor will have you establish neutral
buoyancy.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
a. Relax and hover. See what your natural attitude is in the water
(horizontal, feet high, low, etc.).
b. Your buddies and the instructor will help you be sure your cylinders are
relatively in line with your body (you can’t always see them on yourself).
3. Because sidemount is designed for proper trim and streamlining, you may find
you need little or no adjustment after you kit up. As you use gas, however,
you may find it changes. Your trim may become more head-down.
4. Regardless, as necessary, to adjust for proper trim and streamlining, arrange
your weights so you can hover horizontally with little or no effort, and so you
can easily change positions during the dive. Arrange your cylinders so they’re
inline with your body.
5. Changing cylinder attachment points and sliding weights up or down on the
cylinders (if you have weights on them) can help.
6. It may take some practice initially, but usually becomes intuitive quickly.
5. What two kicks do you most commonly use in sidemount?

F. Common sidemount kicks
1. Flutter kick
a. This is the same kick you already know.
b. Remember to kick primarily from the hip, with little bend to the knees.
2. Frog kick
a. You will learn to frog kick during the training dives if you’re not already
familiar with this kick.
b. Many prefer this kick because it does not stir up silt.
c. When neutrally buoyant in a horizontal position, you can use a “reverse”
frog kick to back up without using your hands. Your instructor will show
you this technique.
3. As in backmount scuba, any effective propulsion technique that doesn’t stir
up the bottom or harm the environment is acceptable. Divers with physical
challenges may swim with their arms, etc., as appropriate for their particular
situation.
6. Why might you disconnect the lower end of one or both of your sidemount
cylinders, but leave it or them secured at the top?
G. Partially removing one or both cylinders
1. There are times when you may release the lower end of one (or both) of your
cylinders, leave it secured on your upper chest, and swing it (or both) so that it
is pointed ahead of you.
2. One reason you may do this is to adjust a weight on the cylinder, or some of
its hardware, to fine tune your trim, as previously discussed.

Sidemount Diver
3. You may also do this to prepare to remove the cylinder at the surface or exit,
but you want to swim some distance before releasing it completely.
4. The cylinders you use affect your ability to do this.
a. With aluminum cylinders, you can generally do this with both cylinders
because most of your weight is on your harness, in your weight system.
7. How do you exit the water in sidemount?

H. Exits in sidemount
1. After your ascent and safety stop(s), you surface together with your buddy in
sidemount just as you always would.
2. The most common exit procedure, whether on boat or shore, is to remove
your cylinders and hand them up, or leave them some place appropriate to
retrieve after exiting (shallow water, clipped to a line, etc.).
a. Inflate your BCD; assure adequate buoyancy before disconnecting the
inflator.
b. To reduce damage risk, retuck the hoses in the cylinder bands before
passing them up, suspending them, etc.
3. In some circumstances, you may need to climb a boat ladder or exit on to
shore wearing your cylinders.
a. You will need to get help or use a bench to support the cylinder weight
to take them off.
b. Before exiting, confirm you’ve reclipped the upper end of the cylinders if
you unclip them during the dive.
V. Sidemount Problems
Learning Objectives
1. What is your first response if you find yourself without gas from a regulator during a two-
cylinder sidemount dive? What is your second response?
2. How do you share gas when diving sidemount?
1. What is your first response if you find yourself without gas from a regulator
during a two-cylinder sidemount dive? What is your second response?
A. First response
1. Your first response if you find yourself without gas from a regulator when
using two cylinders is to switch to the regulator on your other cylinder. The
problem could be running out of gas in that cylinder, or having to close the
valve supplying a malfunctioning regulator due to uncontrolled freeflow.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
2. If you’re managing your gas properly, you should have enough gas on the
remaining side to ascend at a safe rate to the surface. Signal your buddy and
begin your ascent together. If you close a valve, be aware that you may have
lost low pressure supply to your BCD and would need to use oral inflation.
B. Second response
1. If for some reason your other cylinder can’t provide gas, your second response
is to signal your buddy to share gas with you.
2. When using single-cylinder sidemount, you would share gas with your buddy’s
alternate air source as usual.
2. How do you share gas when diving sidemount?

C. If you must share gas with a buddy, you will share gas with your long hose second
stage (right side when using two cylinders).
1. If you are breathing the right side, pass the second stage from your mouth to
your buddy and switch to your left cylinder second stage.
2. If you are already breathing the left side, you need only pass the long hose,
right second stage.
3. If necessary, break away the clip to get gas to your buddy quickly.
4. It is possible to give a buddy the entire cylinder, but you usually avoid doing this.
a. Giving up a cylinder may throw off your weighting and trim; you don’t
want to be dealing with that while dealing with a gas emergency.
b. It should be unnecessary – make contact and begin your ascent.
5. If you’re managing your gas appropriately, you should have enough gas to
finish the dive on your left cylinder.
a. In a buddy team of three, however, a wise option is to switch donors.
This keeps either of the assisting divers from getting too low on gas.
b. Switching donors adds task loading, so only do so as needed to keep
either donor from running excessively low on gas.
6. If you must swim while sharing gas with the long hose, the protocol is for the
out-of-gas diver to lead, with the donor behind, which allows the donor to
monitor the out-of-gas diver.
a. The long hose passes down the right side of the receiver to the donor,
who is immediately behind.
b. Both divers maintain a grip on the hose as they swim.

Sidemount Diver
SECTION THREE
Practical Application and
Confined Water Dive
Practical Application
The PADI Sidemount Diver Practical Application focuses on setting up sidemount
equipment.
Sequencing
• You can conduct the Practical Application at any time prior to or integrated with the
confined water dive.
• It’s recommended that you integrate it with Knowledge Development and conduct it
while discussing equipment setup.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the Practical Application, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the general setup, preparation and adjustment of a sidemount rig, including
two cylinders, harness, BCD and accessories.
Recommended Sequence
1. Show students your sidemount rig, including cylinders, explaining each aspect.
Highlight the importance of the attachment hardware adjustments, regulator
configuration and positioning SPGs so that the diver can easily access them. If students
will be using differing makes/models from your example, point out these aspects with
each type as required.
2. If students will be using single-cylinder sidemount, also show them single cylinder
setup.
3. Divide the students into buddy teams. Have students configure their equipment in
two and one (optional) sidemount configuration working together. Provide assistance,
but encourage students to solve problems together and help each other. Students
must nonetheless demonstrate that they are individually capable of setting up their
equipment.
4. It is recommended that you have additional clips, bungees and tools available to assist
divers in configuring their equipment as necessary.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Confined Water Dive

Conduct
The PADI Sidemount Diver course has one required confined water dive. You may split the
Confined Water Dive into two dives if desired to cover all the skills in both two-cylinder
sidemount and (optional) single-cylinder sidemount. If you elect to have two confined
water dives, during the first confined water dive in single-cylinder sidemount, students
are obviously not required to meet the performance requirements for objectives that are
specific to two-cylinder sidemount. The requirements must be met in the second session.
By the end of the Confined Water Dive, the student should be able to, as part of a buddy team
and with instructor guidance as appropriate:
1. Assemble, don and adjust the sidemount equipment that will be used on the dive.
2. Demonstrate an appropriate sidemount entry into water shallow enough in which to stand
and donning sidemount cylinders in the water.
3. Inflate the BCD to establish buoyancy, swim on the surface into water too deep in which to
stand, perform a buoyancy check, and adjust for proper weighting.
4. Execute a five-point descent with a buddy.
5. Locate both SPGs and indicate the gas supply in each cylinder to the instructor and
buddies.
6. Throughout the dive, in two-cylinder sidemount, manage gas by switching second stages
as planned before the dive.
7. Establish neutral buoyancy and swim using flutter kicks and frog kicks (unless it is not
possible for the student due to a physical limitation), with a buddy, 24 metres/80 feet
to assess balance and trim, to make adjustments as required, and to develop/confirm
familiarity with both kicks.
8. Recover and clear the second stage from behind/below the cylinder.
9. In two-cylinder sidemount, remove and release the second stage of one cylinder, secure
the second stage of the other, clear it and begin breathing from it, then recover the first
second stage.
10. Establish neutral buoyancy and hover using breath control for at least one minute.
11. Respond to a simulated out-of-gas emergency as both the donor and as the receiver by
sharing gas with a long hose second stage, then swimming 15 metres/50 feet maintaining
contact with a buddy.
12. In two-cylinder sidemount, respond to a simulated failed regulator or failed cylinder valve
by switching second stages (if necessary to maintain a breathing supply) and shutting
down the simulated affected cylinder valve, within 60 seconds.
13. With a buddy, perform a safety stop in midwater for three minutes, not varying from the
stop depth by more than 2 metres/7 feet.
14. Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy, remove the
cylinder(s) and exit the water.
15. Establish positive buoyancy, enter water too deep in which to stand and don cylinders,
connecting the BCD and other inflators as appropriate for the configuration in use.

Sidemount Diver
16. Swim underwater for a distance of not less than 24 metres/80 feet, including at least
one turn of 180 degrees and swimming backwards using only kicks (unless doing so is
impossible due to a physical limitation), without making contact with the bottom.
17. Disconnect the lower attachment of at least one cylinder, swing it in front with the upper
connection in place, swim at least 18 metres/60 feet, then reconnect the lower attachment.
18. Execute a proper ascent, and exit the water (any method), then enter the water using a
method in which the diver dons the cylinders before entry (giant stride, seated back roll,
etc.)
19. Throughout the session, respond calmly, correctly and appropriately to simulated
emergencies presented by the instructor.
I. Confined Water Dive One Standards

A. Environment: Pool or confined water
II. Suggested Sequence

A. Predive planning and equipment setup
1. Take students through basic planning and setup with sidemount.
2. Provide an overview of what they will be doing and the time required for
planning purposes.
3. It’s recommended that you provide skill descriptions and details immediately
before they gear up and enter the water.
4. Students assemble their equipment.
5. Give a dive site overview for diver comfort and planning purposes.
a. Depth, temperature, entry/exit points, noteworthy features.
b. Facilities – parking, lockers, boat dry and wet areas, where to find
emergency equipment, etc.
6. Assist with any problems found during dive planning and setup.
7. The predive plan should include gas management of the cylinders and turn
pressures.
8. Agree on depth and time limits, emergency signals, etc.
9. Skill Briefing – After confirming an appropriate dive plan and initial
equipment assembly, student divers should be ready to enter the water.
a. Describe each skill, the performance requirements and how you’ll
conduct it, including signals.
b. You may wish to dry-demonstrate some skills during the briefing in
addition to your underwater demonstration during the dive.
B. Confined Water Dive
1. Predive check
a. Buddies conduct the predive check; watch for and correct errors.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
2. Entry
a. Teams and staff enter water shallow enough in which to stand.
b. Demonstrate how to don cylinders in water shallow enough in which to
stand.
c. Buddies don their cylinders; watch for and correct errors.
3. Buoyancy check and proper weighting
a. Demonstrate the skill.
b. After establishing ample buoyancy, teams swim into water too deep in
which to stand and check their buoyancy.
c. Have students adjust their weight until it is correct.
4. Gas management
a. Before beginning the descent (next skill), remind divers of the dive’s gas
management requirements.
b. Confirm they are starting with the appropriate cylinder according to their
management system.
c. During the dive, check cylinder pressures at irregular intervals to confirm
they are managing gas appropriately.
5. Descent
a. Demonstrate a proper five-point descent with a staff member or student.
b. Students descend using the five-point descent, staying with their buddies.
6. Locate SPGs and signal pressures
b. All divers signal their cylinder pressures to their buddies and you.
7. Neutral buoyancy, trim and flutter kicks/frog kicks
b. In teams, divers establish neutral buoyancy and swim at least 24
metres/80 feet using flutter kicks and frog kicks (unless not possible due
to physical limitation).
c. Note any adjustments that need to be made. If possible, divers make the
adjustment themselves (use a slate to communicate if necessary).
d. If necessary, teams should surface to make adjustments.
e. You may have students with weighted cylinders practice adjusting those
weights underwater (optional).
Note
Allow ample time for this. Getting everything properly adjusted and the trim correct are
central to sidemount diving, so provide ample time. Do not move on until everyone is
rigged and trimmed properly. Time invested at this stage will save time later. Allow the
same time for both single-cylinder and two-cylinder configurations.

Sidemount Diver
8. Recover and clear a second stage from below/behind a main cylinder.

b. Students release the second stage from the cylinder they’re breathing and
allow it to fall away (outside/below).
c. Students recover the second stage by following the hose, replace it, clear
it and resume breathing.
9. Recover and clear a second stage from below/behind a main cylinder after
switching.
b. Students release the second stage from the cylinder they’re breathing and
allow it to fall away (outside/below).
c. Students deploy and begin breathing from their other second stage.
d. Students recover the lost second stage by following the hose, switch to
it, clear it, resume breathing with it and restow/resecure the other second
stage.
10. Hovering
b. Students establish neutral buoyancy and hover for at least one minute.
c. Encourage hovering in a horizontal, swimming position.
11. Long hose gas sharing
b. Signal that a student is “out-of-gas.” The student signals “out-of-gas” to
a buddy.
c. The buddy provides the long hose second stage (switching to the left
cylinder if necessary).
d. After settling down and getting into a rhythm, divers make contact and
swim 15 metres/50 feet with the “out-of-gas” diver leading.
e. Signal the exercise is over. Students return to their normal configuration.
f. Repeat the exercise until all students have had a turn as the donor and
the receiver.
12. Freeflow shutdown and regulator switch (if necessary) with two-cylinder
sidemount
b. Signal the student that a second stage is freeflowing (either one).
c. The student shuts down the “freeflowing” one within 60 seconds and
switches to the other (if necessary), and signals “end the dive” to the
team.
d. After ending the exercise, confirm reopening the closed valve.
e. Repeat until all students complete the skill.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Note
Some instructors like to simulate freeflows by holding the purge button. This is acceptable,
but do not do this with the second stage in the diver’s mouth, and be aware that it can
significantly deplete the gas supply, making it necessary to change cylinders to complete
the dive skills.
13. Midwater safety stop

a. Demonstrate the skill (if necessary).
b. Divers make a three minute stop in midwater, not varying more than 2
metres/7 feet from the stop depth.
c. After completing the stop, buddies ascend to the surface and establish
positive buoyancy.
14. Remove cylinders in the water and deep water exit
b. After confirming positive buoyancy, divers remove their cylinders in water
too deep in which to stand and exit using an appropriate technique
(ladder, up the side, etc.)
c. Buddies may pass the cylinders up to one another, tie them on a line to
pull up, etc.
15. Don cylinders in water too deep in which to stand
b. Divers enter the water and don cylinders at the surface.
c. The cylinders may be on lines, handed in by buddies, etc.
d. Confirm connecting inflators as appropriate.
16. Descent
a. Buddies make a five-point descent together.
17. Swimming as a buddy team
a. Demonstrate kicking to swim backwards and making turns using only
kicks.
b. Students swim together as teams for at least 24 metres/80 feet without
making bottom contact.
c. The swim must include at least one 180º turn and backing up using only
kicks (unless not possible due to a physical limitation).
d. Continue until all divers demonstrate clean, effective kicks (including
backing up), proper body position and good buoyancy control.
18. Swimming with a cylinder or cylinders extended ahead
b. Students disconnect the lower attachment for one cylinder, swing it in
front with the upper attachment secure, and swim 18 metres/60 feet.

Sidemount Diver
c. In two-cylinder sidemount, students repeat the swim with the other side
cylinder extended if wearing substantially negatively buoyant cylinders
(e.g. steel cylinders).
d. In two-cylinder sidemount, students repeat the swim with both cylinders
extended if wearing cylinders that are not substantially negatively
buoyant (e.g. aluminum).
19. Ascent, exit and re entry
a. On your signal, buddies ascend properly to the surface.
b. Divers exit using any method (it is recommended that you use the
method they will use in open water if it differs from what they’ve done
so far).
c. Demonstrate redonning the cylinders out of the water and entering using
an appropriate entry (giant stride, seated back roll, etc.)
d. Divers enter the water in buddy teams. Watch for establishing buoyancy,
teamwork, etc. At this point, students should be doing these with fewer
and fewer reminders.
20. Free time
a. Allow divers time to practice skills, get used to sidemount, etc.
b. Conduct appropriate surprise drills based on what they’ve learned.
21. Ascent and exit
a. On your signal, buddy teams ascend properly together, establish positive
buoyancy and exit the water.
b. It is recommended you have them practice an exit technique you will
have them use in open water.
C. Post Dive
1. Debriefing – Have students critique themselves on their performance. Add
your observations as appropriate.
2. Students log the dive for the instructor’s signature.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
SECTION FOUR
Open Water Dives
Conduct
The PADI Sidemount Diver course has three open water dives.
You may add training dives as appropriate for additional experience as needed for students
to demonstrate mastery. However, student divers must demonstrate mastery of all
performance objectives for each dive prior to progressing to the next training
dive. Prior to certification, students must demonstrate mastery of all performance
objectives in all dives.
Dives, Times, Depths and Gases

1. The minimum number of dives for certification as a PADI Sidemount Diver is
four dives (one confined water, three open water dives).
2. All dives must be planned as no stop (no decompression) dives. Divers may
use enriched air to extend no stop time if they are certified as PADI Enriched
Air Divers.
3. The maximum depth is the deepest depth to which the student is qualified, or the
maximum depth listed for the specific training dive, whichever is shallower.
General Considerations
1. Plan ample time. Part of the training in this course is simply learning how to wear and
adjust sidemount equipment. Give students ample time to experiment, adjust and try
again. Keep appropriate tools and accessories at hand, and encourage students to
repeat skills that configuration changes may affect. Students completing the single-
cylinder sidemount option must demonstrate all skills in both single- and two-cylinder
configurations in confined water before Open Water Dive Two and certification; this
requires extra time as well.
2. Choose sites with familiar environments. The PADI Sidemount Diver course is primarily
a hardware management course. Choose environments that are not particularly
challenging so students can focus their attention on the new equipment and the new
skills they apply using it.
3. Use certified assistants. Certified assistants are not only helpful during the dives, but
can help predive assembly and checks go faster because they can assist you in keeping
up with details.

Sidemount Diver
4. Have pull ties, bolts, snaps, clips, bungees, inner tubing, cam straps and other gear-
rigging paraphernalia as appropriate for the sidemount system(s) in use. Success with
sidemount often relies on the little adjustments and the related accessories. Have these
at hand to help your students; it may even be appropriate to have some in your kit to
allow minor adjustments while diving.
Sequence Options and Dives

1. The Knowledge Development and Practical Application must be completed
before the Confined Water Dive. The Confined Water Dive must be completed
before Dive One.
2. Training dives must be conducted in order. You may rearrange skill sequences
within a dive.
Single-Cylinder Sidemount Option

Divers have the option, at your discretion, of using single-cylinder sidemount for
Sidemount Dive One. For certification as a PADI Sidemount Diver, however, the
diver must complete Sidemount Dives Two and Three using two cylinders.
Sidemount Dive One

By the end of Sidemount Dive One, the student should be able to, with a buddy and with
instructor guidance as appropriate:
Note – If student is making this dive in single-cylinder sidemount, skills requiring two-cylinder sidemount
do not apply.
2. Complete a predive safety check.
3. Demonstrate a sidemount entry appropriate for the local environment.
4. Inflate the BCD to establish buoyancy, perform a buoyancy check, and adjust for proper
weighting.
5. Execute a five-point descent with a buddy.
6. Locate the SPG(s) and indicate the gas supply to the instructor and buddies at regular
intervals and when asked.
7. In two-cylinder sidemount, throughout the dive, manage gas by switching second stages
as planned before the dive.
8. Establish neutral buoyancy and swim using flutter kicks and frog kicks (unless it is not
possible for the student due to a physical limitation), with a buddy, 24 metres/80 feet
to assess balance and trim, to make adjustments as required, and to develop/confirm
familiarity with both kicks.
9. Recover and clear a second stage from behind/below the cylinder.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
10. In two-cylinder sidemount, respond to a simulated failed regulator or failed cylinder valve
by switching second stages (if necessary to maintain a breathing supply) and shutting
down the simulated affected cylinder valve, within 60 seconds.
11. With a buddy, ascend at a rate no faster than 18 metres/60 feet per minute and make a
three minute safety stop at 5 metres/15 feet.
12. At the surface in two-cylinder sidemount equipment, tow a simulated tired diver in two-
cylinder sidemount equipment 24 metres/80 feet.
13. Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy, remove the
cylinder(s) and exit the water.
14. Throughout the dive, respond calmly, correctly and appropriately to simulated emergencies
presented by the instructor.
I. Sidemount Dive One Standards

A. Environment: Open Water.
B. Depth Range: 6 metres/20 feet to 18 metres/60 feet.

A. Briefing
1. Evaluate dive site conditions.
2. Identify facilities at the dive site.
3. Explain interesting and helpful facts about the dive site, including bottom
topography, bottom composition, depth range and points of interest (use a
dive site map if appropriate).
4. Describe entry and exit techniques for the dive site.
5. Have buddy teams plan their turn pressure, ascent pressure and reserve
pressure for the dive based on gas supply limits.
6. Review the dive sequence and performance objectives.
7. Review communication and other emergency protocols as required by local
regulations.
B. Predive Procedures
1. Students assemble their equipment.
2. Assist with any problems found during the predive planning and setup.
3. Review check-out/in procedure with surface support staff (as required).
C. Sidemount Dive One
1. Predive check
a. Buddies conduct the predive check.
b. Watch for and correct errors as appropriate.
2. Entry

Sidemount Diver
a. Teams and staff enter the water using a method appropriate for the
environment. (An entry in which divers enter and then don their
cylinder(s) is recommended.)
b. Buddies assist each other with donning their cylinders (if necessary for the
entry method).
a. Have students check their buoyancy and adjust their weight as necessary.
4. Gas management
a. Before beginning the descent, remind divers of the dive’s gas
management requirements.
b. Confirm they are starting with the appropriate cylinder (two-cylinder
sidemount) according to their management system.
c. During the dive, check cylinder pressures at irregular intervals to confirm
5. Descent
a. Buddies execute a five-point descent.
b. Watch for and correct errors.
6. Locate SPGs and signal pressures
a. All divers signal their cylinder pressures to their buddies and you when
asked.
7. Neutral buoyancy swim
a. In buddy teams, divers establish neutral buoyancy and swim at least
24 metres/80 feet using flutter kicks and frog kicks (unless the student
cannot due to physical limitation).
b. Note any adjustments that need to be made. If possible, divers make
the adjustment themselves (use wet notes or a slate to communicate if
necessary).
8. Recover and clear a second stage from below/behind a cylinder
a. Individually on your signal, students release the second stage from the
cylinder they’re breathing and allow it to fall away (outside/below).
b. Students recover the second stage by following the hose, replace it, clear
it and resume breathing.
9. Two-cylinder sidemount freeflow shutdown and regulator switch (if necessary)
a. Signal the student that a second stage is freeflowing (either one).
b. The student shuts down the “freeflowing” one within 60 seconds and
team.
c. After ending the exercise, confirm reopening the closed valve.
d. Repeat until all students complete the skill.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
10. Free time

a. Under instructor supervision, students explore dive site, time and gas
allowing.
b. Conduct surprise drills based on the skills they have mastered.
c. The dive ends upon reaching a planned turned pressure, time, depth or
other limit.
11. Ascent and safety stop
a. Students ascend in teams as appropriate for the local environment and
make a three minute safety stop at 5 metres/15 feet.
b. After the stop, teams ascend to the surface following proper procedures
and establish buoyancy.
12. Tired diver tow
b. Divers tow a simulated tired diver at least 24 metres/80 feet. Any
effective method is allowed.
c. Repeat until all students have performed the tow.
13. Exit
a. Divers remove their cylinders in the water and hand them up or secure
them as appropriate for the environment.
D. Post-dive Procedures
1. Check in with surface support staff (as required).
2. Divers stow equipment and exchange cylinders as appropriate.
E. Debriefing
1. Provide positive reinforcement and assess performance.
2. Have student divers critique themselves on their performance. Add your
observations as appropriate.
3. Log the dive (instructor signs log book/approves digital log).

Sidemount Diver
Sidemount Dive Two

By the end of Sidemount Dive Two, the student should be able to, with a buddy and with
instructor guidance as appropriate:
1. If the student completed Sidemount Dive One in single-cylinder sidemount, the student
must complete the tired diver tow from Sidemount Dive One.
3. Complete a predive check using proper procedures.
5. Execute a five-point descent as part of a buddy team.
6. Throughout the dive, manage gas by switching second stages as planned before the dive.
contact with the buddy.
9. Respond to a simulated failed regulator or failed cylinder valve by switching second stages
(if necessary to maintain a breathing supply) and shutting down the simulated affected
cylinder valve, within 60 seconds.
10. Disconnect the lower attachment of at least one cylinder, swing it in front with the upper
connection in place, swim at least 18 metres/60 feet, then reconnect the lower attachment.
12. Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy, and exit the
water.
I. Sidemount Dive Two Standards

B. Depth Range: 6 metres/20 feet to 18 metres/60 feet.

A. Briefing

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
6. Review the dive sequence and performance objectives. If students completed
Sidemount Dive One in single-cylinder sidemount, brief the two-cylinder diver
tow, and explain whether you will do it at the start of the dive or at the end
of the dive.
regulations.
1. Have divers prepare and assemble equipment.
2. Put on all equipment.
C. Sidemount Dive Two
1. Predive check
a. Buddy teams conduct the predive safety check.
2. Entry
a. Buddy teams and staff enter the water using a method appropriate for
the environment.
4. Gas management
a. Before beginning the descent, confirm divers are starting with the
appropriate cylinder according to their management system.
b. During the dive, check cylinder pressures at irregular intervals to confirm
5. Descent
a. Buddy teams execute a five-point descent.
6. Gas sharing as donor and receiver
a. On your signal, have divers simulate being out of gas and sharing with a
buddy via the long hose.
b. After starting to share, the donor and the receiver swim 15 metres/
50 feet, maintaining contact.
c. Repeat the exercise until all students have played the role of both donor
and receiver.
7. Hovering
a. Divers hover for at least one minute using only breath control to maintain
depth.

Sidemount Diver
8. Freeflow shutdown and regulator switch (if necessary)

a. Signal the student that a second stage is freeflowing (either one).
b. The student shuts down the “freeflowing” one within 60 seconds and
team.
c. After ending the exercise, confirm reopening the closed valve.
d. Repeat until all students complete the skill.
9. Swim with cylinder(s) extended forward
a. Divers disconnect the lower attachment of one or both cylinders (one for
negatively buoyant cylinders, both for neutral/positive cylinders).
b. In teams, divers swim 18 metres/60 feet, then reconnect the cylinders at
the lower attachment point.
10. Free time
allowing.
b. Conduct surprise drills based on the skills they have mastered.
c. The dive ends upon reaching a planned turned pressure, time, depth or
other limit.
a. Students ascend in buddy teams and make a three minute safety stop at
5 metres/15 feet.
b. Encourage maintaining a relatively horizontal position and keeping stop
depth at chest level.
c. After the stop, divers ascend to the surface following proper procedures
12. Exit
E. Debriefing
3. observations as appropriate.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Sidemount Dive Three

By the end of Sidemount Dive Three, the student should be able to, with a buddy and minimal
instructor guidance:
2. Complete a predive check using proper procedures.
4. Execute a five-point descent as part of a buddy team.
5. Throughout the dive, manage gas by switching second stages as planned before the dive.
contact with the buddy.
9. Surface in water too deep in which to stand, establish positive buoyancy, and exit the
water.
I. Sidemount Dive Three Standards

B. Depth Range: 6 metres/20 feet to 30 metres/100 feet, or students’
maximum depth qualification, whichever is shallower.

A. Briefing
6. Review the dive sequence and performance objectives.
regulations.

Sidemount Diver
1. Have divers prepare and assemble equipment.
2. Put on all equipment.
C. Sidemount Dive Three
1. Predive check
a. Buddy teams conduct the predive safety check.
2. Entry
a. Buddy teams and staff enter the water using a method appropriate for
the environment.
4. Gas management
a. Before beginning the descent, confirm divers are starting with the
appropriate cylinder according to their management system.
b. During the dive, check cylinder pressures at irregular intervals to confirm
5. Descent
a. Buddy teams execute a five-point descent.
6. Gas sharing as donor and receiver
a. On your signal, have divers simulate being out of gas and sharing with a
buddy via the long hose.
b. After starting to share, the donor and the receiver swim 15 metres/50
feet, maintaining contact.
c. Repeat the exercise until all students have played the role of both donor
and receiver.
7. Hovering
a. Divers hover for at least one minute using only breath control to maintain
depth.
8. Free time
allowing. This should be the majority of the dive – experiencing what it’s
like to dive in sidemount.
b. Conduct surprise drills based on the skills they have mastered. However,
allow ample “just diving” time.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
c. The dive ends upon reaching a planned turn pressure, time, depth or
other limit.
a. Students ascend in buddy teams and make a three minute safety stop at
5 metres/15 feet.
b. Encourage maintaining a relatively horizontal position and keeping stop
depth at chest level.
c. After the stop, divers ascend to the surface following proper procedures
10. Exit
E. Debriefing
observations as appropriate.

Sidemount Diver
APPENDIX

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Knowledge Review
Complete this knowledge review to hand in to your instructor for review. If there’s
something you don’t understand, review the related material. If you still don’t understand,
have your instructor explain it to you.
1. Which of the following are benefits of sidemount (choose all that apply):
a. Ease of streamlining equipment
b. Easier equipment transport
c. Increased gas supply
d. Accessibility
e. Adjustability
f. Problem solving
2. In two-cylinder sidemount, one drawback is more cumbersome _____________

management.
3. In sidemount, for gas sharing you usually have a hose that is

a. standard length.
b. 1.5-2 metres/5-7 feet long.
c. attached to the second stage left side.
4. In sidemount diving, it is not unusual to use more than one system to distribute your
weights, including upon your cylinders in some cases.
True
False
5. In sidemount, it is typical to wear a snorkel throughout the dive, just as you do in

backmount recreational diving.
True
False
6. When diving in two-cylinder sidemount, during the dive you breathe from one cylinder
until you reach reserve pressure, then switch to the other cylinder.
True
False

Sidemount Diver
7. During a dive wearing two-cylinder sidemount, one of your regulators starts to freeflow. Your
primary first response to this would be to
a. switch to the other cylinder.
b. share gas with your buddy.
c. breathe from the freeflowing regulator.
8. During your training dives, your instructor has you release the tail of your cylinder and then
extend it in front of you, the top still secured to your harness, and swim. You do this because
a. it is a useful defense posture against predators.
b. you may do this in preparation for removing a cylinder at the surface or exit.
c. many divers prefer to conduct the entire dive this way.
9. Due to unexpected difficulties beyond your control, you have run out of gas and are sharing
gas with your buddy. Surface conditions make it desirable to swim back to the mooring line
before you ascend, and your buddy has ample gas to do so. As you swim ______ would be in
front and ___________ would follow.
Student Diver Statement:

I’ve reviewed the questions and answers, and any I answered incorrectly or incompletely
I have had explained to me and/or reviewed the material, so that I now understand what
I missed.
Student Name ________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature________________________________________ Date________________________

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Knowledge Review Answer Key
Complete this knowledge review to hand in to your instructor for review. If there’s
something you don’t understand, review the related material. If you still don’t understand,
have your instructor explain it to you.
1. Which of the following are benefits of sidemount (choose all that apply):
a. Ease of streamlining equipment
b. Easier equipment transport
c. Increased gas supply
d. Accessibility
e. Adjustability
f. Problem solving
2. In two-cylinder sidemount, one drawback is more cumbersome _ _gas___

management.
3. In sidemount, for gas sharing you usually have a hose that is

a. standard length.
b. 1.5-2 metres/5-7 feet long.
c. attached to the second stage left side.
4. In sidemount diving, it is not unusual to use more than one system to distribute your
weights, including upon your cylinders in some cases.
True
False
5. In sidemount, it is typical to wear a snorkel throughout the dive, just as you do in

backmount recreational diving.
True
False
6. When diving in two-cylinder sidemount, during the dive you breathe from one cylinder
until you reach reserve pressure, then switch to the other cylinder.
True
False

Sidemount Diver
7. During a dive wearing two-cylinder sidemount, one of your regulators starts to

freeflow. Your primary first response to this would be to
a. switch to the other cylinder.
b. share gas with your buddy.
c. breathe from the freeflowing regulator.
8. During your training dives, your instructor has you release the tail of your cylinder
and then extend it in front of you, the top still secured to your harness, and swim.
You do this because
a. it is a useful defense posture against predators.
b. you may do this in preparation for removing a cylinder at the surface or exit.
c. many divers prefer to conduct the entire dive this way.
9. Due to unexpected difficulties beyond your control, you have run out of gas and are
sharing gas with your buddy. Surface conditions make it desirable to swim back to
the mooring line before you ascend, and your buddy has ample gas to do so. As you
swim __you__ would be in front and __your buddy__ would follow.

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
PADI Specialty Training Record

Sidemount Diver
Instructor Statement
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed all academic and/or any confined
water training sessions as outlined in the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty Course Instructor
Outline. I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor in this specialty.
Instructor Name____________________________________________ PADI #_____________________
Instructor Signature_________________________________________ Completion Date____________
Open Water Dives

Dive One
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed Dive One as outlined in the PADI
Sidemount Diver Specialty Course Instructor Outline including:
• Establish neutral buoyancy and swim at least 24 metres/80 feet using flutter kicks and
frog kicks (unless the student cannot due to physical limitation).
• Recover and clear a second stage from below/behind a cylinder.
• Two-cylinder sidemount freeflow shutdown and regulator switch (if necessary).
I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor in this specialty.

Sidemount Diver
Dive Two
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed Dive Two as outlined in the PADI
• Gas sharing as a donor and receiver.
• Hovering for at least one minute using only breath control to maintain depth.
• Freeflow shutdown and regulator switch (if necessary).
• Swim with cylinder(s) extended forward.
Dive Three
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed Dive Three as outlined in the PADI
• Gas sharing as a donor and receiver.

• Hovering for at least one minute using only breath control to maintain depth.
Student Diver Statement

I verify that I have completed all performance requirements for this Sidemount Diver
specialty course. I am adequately prepared to dive in areas and under conditions similar to
those in which I was trained. I agree to abide by PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices.
Student Name________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature________________________________________ Date________________________

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
PADI Advanced Open Water Training Record

Adventure Dive: Sidemount
Skills Overview
• Knowledge Review • Establish neutral buoyancy and swim
• Confined water dive 1 with buddy 24m/80ft while assessing
• Briefing and adjusting balance and trim
• Gearing Up • Recover and clear second stage
• Predive Safety Check (BWRAF) • Respond to simulated failed regulator or
• Entry valve
• Buoyancy Check • Ascent – Safety Stop
• Descent • Tired diver tow
• Locate SPG and indicate gas supply • Exit
• Manage gas by switching second stages • Debrief
between the two cylinders as planned • Log Dive – Complete Training Record
Instructor Statement
I verify that this student has satisfactorily completed the Knowledge Review and Performance
Requirements (as described in PADI’s Advanced Open Water Diver Instructor Guide) for this
PADI Advanced Open Water Training Dive. I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor for
the current year.
Instructor Name____________________________________________ PADI #____________________
Instructor Signature_________________________________________ Completion Date ___________
Instructor Contact Information (Please Print)

Instructor Mailing Address_______________________________________________________
City_____________________________________________ State/Province_______________
Country________________________________ Zip/Postal Code________________________
Phone___________________________ Email_______________________________________
Student Diver Statement

I verify that I have completed all of the Performance Requirements for this Adventure Dive.
I realize that there is more to learn about sidemount diving and that completion of a PADI
Sidemount Diver course is highly recommended. I also agree to abide by PADI Standard Safe
Diving Practices.
Student Name_____________________________________________
Student Signature__________________________________________ Completion Date ___________

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SIDEMOUNT

Product No. 70490 (Rev. 07/22) Version 2.0 © PADI 2022

PADI Sidemount Diver

Product No. 70490 (Rev. 07/22) Version 2.0

2 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

SECTION ONE Course Standards

SECTION TWO Knowledge Development

SECTION THREE Practical Application and

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 3

SECTION FOUR Open Water Dives

4 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Course Philosophy and Goals

Course Flow Options

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 5

• Equipment setup and

6 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Prerequisites PADI Open Water Diver

Minimum Age 15 years

Ratios Confined Water – 10:1 with 4 additional students per certified

Materials and Instructor: Student Diver:

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 7

Student Diver Prerequisites

1. Certified as a PADI Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from

2. At least 15 years old.

Supervision and Ratios

Confined Water Dive

Open Water Dives

8 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Site, Depths and Hours

Materials and Equipment

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 9

Links to Other Courses

10 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 11

B. Course Overview and Schedule

C. Costs, Equipment Requirements and Paperwork

D. Performance Requirements and Certification

12 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

II. Benefits of Sidemount

1. What are seven general benefits of the sidemount configuration?

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 13

2. What are three disadvantages of sidemount?

III. Basic Sidemount Configuration

1. What are the main components of a sidemount rig?

14 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

b. In single-cylinder sidemount, you typically wear the cylinder on your left

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 15

16 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

b. As mentioned, the top of the cylinder usually attaches to the harness by

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 17

18 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

b. This is generally not recommended in recreational diving because it

6. Where do you carry accessories in a sidemount rig?

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 19

3. If you’ll be using a line reel, you normally clip it to a rear D-ring.

G. Donning and wearing a typical two-cylinder sidemount rig

20 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 21

IV. Diving Sidemount

22 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Student Signature________________ Date

Instructor Name________________________ PADI #_

Instructor Signature_____________________________ Completion Date

Instructor Name________________________ PADI #_

Instructor Signature_____________________________ Completion Date