TDI ADVANCED SIDEMOUNT CAVE DIVER COURSE
DURATION
5 days
IN A NUTSHELL
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver course is designed for experienced sidemount cave divers looking to push their limits and explore highly challenging overhead environments. This training focuses on advanced cave diving techniques, requiring divers to fully remove and maneuver their cylinders to pass through the most restricted passages.
Beyond mastering equipment handling, the course emphasizes stress management, precision control, and mental resilience. Divers refine their propulsion techniques, line navigation, and failure resolution skills to ensure safety in these demanding conditions.
This is the pinnacle of sidemount cave diving, requiring exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strong mindset to navigate the most unforgiving cave systems.
PRE-REQUISITES
Students must be 18 years old, and:
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certified as a TDI Nitrox Diver (or equivalent), as we use Nitrox32 as a standard breathing gas
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certified as a TDI Full Cave Diver (or equivalent)
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certified as a TDI Sidemount Diver (or equivalent)
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have a minimum of 100 logged sidemount cave dives
SUBJECT AREAS
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 AND A WORD OF WARNING
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver course is the ultimate challenge for experienced sidemount cave divers looking to push their limits and master the most extreme cave environments. This program prepares you to navigate ultra-tight passages where full equipment removal is necessary, often in complete darkness, with zero visibility and no possibility of external assistance. Even the smallest mistake can have serious consequences.
Total Self-Reliance in Extreme Conditions
At this level, divers must be fully autonomous, and capable of resolving equipment failures, entanglements, and unexpected hazards independently. Assistance from teammates—or even the instructor—is impossible in certain situations, making problem-solving and self-sufficiency essential survival skills.
Key Skills and Focus Areas
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Equipment Removal & Repositioning – Master the ability to safely remove and maneuver cylinders in tight, unforgiving spaces.
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Underwater Problem Solving – Develop advanced techniques to manage critical equipment failures and entanglements under high-stress conditions.
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Equipment Durability & Failure Management – Confined spaces and abrasive surfaces place immense strain on gear, increasing the risks of leaks, damage, and entanglement. Preparation and precision are critical.
Mind Over Matter – Mental Strength is Everything
Success in this course hinges on exceptional mental discipline. Divers must stay calm under extreme pressure, control their stress, and execute precise actions in high-risk scenarios. Maintaining focus and making sound decisions in total darkness, with limited mobility, is the key to survival.
A Course for the Elite Diver
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver course is not for everyone. It is an advanced cave diving program designed to challenge even the most skilled divers. Those who complete it will emerge with the confidence, competence, and resilience needed to navigate the most unforgiving underwater environments.
DURATION OF THE COURSE
The TDI Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver Course with CDT Mexico has a minimal duration of 5 days Divers who have not trained with CDT Mexico at previous levels must complete a day of review for a skills assessment. This also applies if: - You have not dived the previous level in over 3 months. - Your previous course with us was more than 12 months ago.
DURATION OF THE COURSES
PRICE OF TRAINING
MEANING OF "PERFORMANCE-BASED TRAINING"
BEFORE STARTING THE COURSE / BOOKING
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A COURSE