TDI SIDEMOUNT CAVE DIVER COURSE
DURATION
2 days (already cave and sidemount diver)
5 days (crossover from backmount cave)
IN A NUTSHELL
The TDI Sidemount Cave Diver Course is designed for certified cave divers who wish to master the sidemount configuration for navigating narrow cave passages. The course offers two routes: one for divers already certified in sidemount diving and one for those new to the setup.
For experienced sidemount divers, the course refines equipment handling and cave-specific maneuvers, enhancing safety and efficiency. If you are new to sidemount diving, the course will provide foundational skills in sidemount theory, equipment setup, and handling before applying them in challenging cave environments.
This course prepares you to navigate confined spaces with greater versatility, improving your ability to explore more complex cave systems.
PRE-REQUISITES
Students must be 18 years old, and:
-
certified TDI Nitrox (or equivalent)
-
certified TDI Full Cave (or equivalent)
-
have a minimum of 20 logged cave dives
-
(5 days course duration)
or
-
certified TDI Nitrox (or equivalent)
-
certified TDI Sidemount (or equivalent)
-
certified TDI Full Cave (or equivalent)
-
have a minimum of 20 logged cave dives
-
(2 days course duration)
SUBJECT AREAS
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!
DURATION OF THE COURSE
The TDI Sidemount Cave Diver Course has a duration of 2 days or 5 days, depending on the following: You are a Full Cave + Nitrox diver from a recognized agency and have 20 logged cave dives: TDI Sidemount Cave Diver = 5 days You are a Full Cave + Nitrox + Sidemount diver from a recognized agency and have 20 logged cave dives: TDI Sidemount Cave Diver = 2 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