TDI ADANCED SIDEMOUNT CAVE DIVER
QUICK OVERVIEW
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver course’s objective is to teach experienced sidemount cave diver who want to push their limits and learn how to safely dive into cave passages so restricted that it becomes necessary to remove all the cylinders to pass. It is a form of diving also known as "no mount cave diving". It is a form of extreme cave diving and it is not meant for everyone.
The training focuses greatly on stress management and mind preparation. We practice advanced equipment removal and advanced propulsion techniques, as well as advanced line procedures and advanced equipment failures resolutions.
IN A NUTSHELL
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Course is the ultimate challenge for experienced sidemount cave divers looking to elevate their skills and knowledge to the highest level. This course pushes the boundaries of what is possible, equipping divers with the techniques and mindset required to navigate and solve complex problems in the most extreme cave environments.
Key Skills and Focus Areas
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Equipment Removal in Tight Spaces: Master the ability to safely remove and reposition your gear to navigate restricted "no-mount" areas.
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Underwater Problem Solving: Develop advanced techniques to address major equipment failures directly underwater, even in highly stressful situations.
Mental Preparedness is Critical
At this level, proper mental preparation is not just important—it’s essential. The ability to maintain calm, make sound judgments, and execute precise actions under stress is crucial, as the risks increase significantly in highly confined passages.
Autonomy in Extreme Conditions
When cave passages become extraordinarily narrow, divers often face situations where:
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Assistance from teammates is impossible.
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Zero visibility is the norm.
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Problem-solving must occur independently, in tight, unforgiving spaces.
These conditions demand complete self-reliance and mastery of both mental and physical skills.
A Course for the Elite Diver
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver Course is not for everyone—it is an extreme cave diving program that will challenge even the most skilled divers. Those who complete it will emerge with the confidence, competence, and resilience needed to navigate the most demanding underwater environments.
Are you ready to face the ultimate test of your cave diving abilities?
SUBJECT AREAS (non exhaustive)
During our TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver Course, we will focus on the following aspect (on top of reviewing everything else from previous levels) - Mental preparedness, mind control, stress recognition and mitigation - Proper minimalistic and clean sidemount equipment configuration and adjustment - Advanced buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques - Effective gas management strategies - Risk assessment and mitigation in extremely tight cave passages - Emergency procedures specific to sidemount cave diving Underwater: - valve drills and management in zero visibility - bump-and-go procedure in low/no visibility and extremely tight spaces - passing restrictions while pushing both cylinders - pull-and-glide propulsion technique in zero visibility - line-pull, finger-walk, no fins, and other advanced propulsion techniques - problem solving (leakage, valve failure, rigging failure, etc) - unscrewing and exchanging a first stage regulator while breathing from the valves - breathing from valves, hoses, air guns and corrugated hose - problems with the guideline (broken or missing, entanglement, etc.) On land: Gear workshop, land-drills and simulations of procedures - rigging of cylinders - advanced equipment configuration for advanced restrictions - advanced short hose regulator configuration (one reversed) Briefings and de-briefings - pretty much everything… White board presentations and discussions - advanced gas planning and management - specific dangers and consideration for penetration in extremely small spaces - psychological and physiological considerations - mind-control and stress recognition and management - impact and cave conservation
MEET NEW CHALLENGES
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Course is the ultimate challenge for experienced divers seeking to master the most extreme cave environments. This program prepares you to navigate ultra-tight passages, often in complete darkness, where even the smallest mistakes can have serious consequences. Total Self-Reliance In these conditions, assistance is impossible—not even your instructor can intervene in certain situations. You must be fully autonomous, capable of resolving equipment failures, entanglements, and other issues entirely on your own. Heightened Risks and Equipment Strain Confined spaces and abrasive environments put immense strain on your equipment and increase the risk of entanglement, leaks, or gear failure. Preparation, maintenance, and precision are critical at every stage of the dive. Mind Over Matter Success hinges on exceptional mental discipline. Staying calm under extreme pressure, making sound decisions, and controlling stress are essential skills that will be pushed to their limits. This course is reserved for the most committed divers—those prepared to face the most unforgiving challenges in technical diving. Are you ready to prove you belong to a very special group of cave divers?
PRE-REQUISITES
Students must be 18 years old, and - certified as a TDI Nitrox diver (or equivalent), as we use Nitrox32 as a standard breathing gas - certified as a TDI Full Cave diver (or equivalent) - certified as a TDI Sidemount Diver (or equivalent) - have a minimum of 100 logged sidemount cave dives.
COURSE DURATION
The TDI Sidemount Cave Diver Course has a duration of 4 days if you are already a certified cave and sidemount diver. An additional day of training for reviews and checks is required for students coming from another instructors/area and who wishes to continue their training with CDT Mexico. In this case the minimal duration is 5 days. TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave diver + 1 check/review day = 5 days - $1,500 USD