TDI SIDEMOUNT CAVE DIVER
QUICK OVERVIEW
This course is designed to teach certified cave divers how to safely utilize side-mounted primary cylinders as an alternative to the traditional back-mounted configuration to dive into smaller cave passages. Students will learn how to safely unclip and reattach cylinders in a cave environment. It is an intermediary step to the Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver.
IN A NUTSHELL
Sidemount configuration has become the preferred choice for many cave divers. This course is designed to help you master the sidemount setup while honing the skills necessary to safely navigate the unique challenges of cave environments.
Sidemount diving offers unmatched versatility and safety in caves. By moving cylinders to your sides, it improves streamlining, maneuverability, and valve access while allowing access to areas unreachable with back-mount setups. However, these benefits come with added complexities and responsibilities.
The Challenges of Sidemount Cave Diving
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Increased Complexity
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Sidemount diving demands more intricate equipment setup and maintenance.
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Proper balancing and trimming of cylinders are crucial for optimal performance.
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Heightened Awareness
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Sidemount requires a higher level of situational awareness and attention to detail.
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Constant monitoring of your equipment and environment is essential, especially in confined spaces.
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Advanced Gas Management
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With independent cylinders, gas management becomes more complex.
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Precise planning and execution of gas switches are vital for safety.
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Navigating Smaller Caves
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As caves become narrower, the risks of entanglement, getting stuck, or damaging the environment increase.
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Proper training and practice in confined spaces are essential to mitigate these risks
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SUBJECT AREAS (non exhaustive)
During our TDI Sidemount Cave Diver Course, we will focus on the following aspect (on top of reviewing everything else from previous levels) - Proper sidemount equipment configuration and adjustment - Advanced buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques - Effective gas management strategies - Risk assessment and mitigation in tight cave passages - Emergency procedures specific to sidemount cave diving Underwater: - valve drill in zero visibility - bump-and-go procedure in low/no visibility - passing restrictions while pushing one cylinder - pull-and-glide propulsion technique in zero visibility - problem solving (leakage, valve failure, rigging failure, etc) - problems with the guideline (broken or missing, entanglement, etc.) On land: Gear workshop, land-drills and simulations of procedures - rigging of cylinders - regulator configuration - valve drills Briefings and de-briefings - pretty much everything… White board presentations and discussions - advanced gas planning and management - specific dangers and consideration for penetration in smaller spaces - psychological and physiological considerations - mind-control and stress recognition and management - impact and cave conservation
MEET NEW CHALLENGES
The Importance of Self-Limitation While sidemount configurations allow you to venture into areas inaccessible to back-mount divers, this added capability also requires sound judgment and self-imposed limitations. Just because you can go somewhere doesn’t mean you should. Understanding your own limits, the cave’s constraints, and the potential hazards of each dive is critical to ensuring your safety and the safety of your team. This course is ideal for certified cave divers who want to transition to sidemount or for sidemount divers looking to refine their skills specifically for cave environments. A strong commitment to safety, precision, and continuous learning is required to succeed in this demanding discipline. Take the Next Step By completing the Sidemount Cave Diver Course, you will gain the confidence and competence to explore caves safely and responsibly, pushing the boundaries of your diving adventures while minimizing risks. Join us to unlock the full potential of sidemount diving in caves!
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 50 logged cave dives.
COURSE DURATION AND COMBOS
The TDI Sidemount Cave Diver Course has a duration of 2 days if you are already a certified cave and sidemount diver. If you are a certified cave diver without without sidemount experience, training in the open water prior to enter the cave in sidemount is necessary. 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 3 days. If you are a Full Cave diver from a recognized agency trained in sidemount: TDI Sidemount Cave diver + 1 check/review day = 3 days - $900 USD If you are a Full Cave diver from a recognized agency without sidemount experience: TDI Sidemount + TDI Sidemount Cave diver + 1 check/review day = 6 days - $1,800 USD