PADI TecRec - PADI Tec Sidemount Diver on Koh Tao
Tec Sidemount training teaches you how to manage two or more cylinders in a side-slung configuration for extended technical decompression dives.
This setup offers superior flexibility and access to tight spaces, while allowing for easier gas management and cylinder handling compared to back-mounted twinsets.
Widely used for wreck penetration and deep-sea exploration on Koh Tao, sidemount is the preferred choice for technical divers seeking maximum streamline efficiency.
PADI Tec Sidemount Diver in Koh Tao
The PADI Tec Sidemount Diver course at Black Turtle Dive is an advanced technical training program on Koh Tao designed for divers transitioning to multi-cylinder configurations. Unlike recreational sidemount, this course focuses on managing two or more primary cylinders plus additional stage and decompression tanks. It provides the essential equipment foundation for PADI Tec 40, PADI Tec 45, and PADI Tec 50, emphasizing streamlined trim, gas redundancy, and complex valve management in technical environments.
Experience and explore the fastest-growing, most popular, and preferred equipment configuration for Technical Diving across multiple environments, including both deep, open-water Extended Range diving, and hard overhead diving, such as Cave, Mine & Wreck.
Become A PADI Tec Sidemount Diver
Sidemount Diving has quickly become the most versatile and popular configuration of choice for discerning Technical Divers the world over, because of its exceptional accessibility, customizability, flexibility, and enhanced positioning and trim in the water.
Sidemount diving involves carrying and mounting tanks along the sides of the body, as opposed to traditional Backmount Twinset diving,
This configuration not only provides excellent balance, streamlining and trim in the water, but it also allows and enables divers to manage multiple cylinders more effectively, efficiently and safely, which is an important advantage when planning and conducting deep decompression dives.
Easily Identify Problems
Rather than potential freeflows, leaks and problems being isolated, and to a degree unidentifiable, behind your head, as is the case with Backmount Twinset diving, with Sidemount diving, you have immediate access to and line of sight to all of your regulators and valves, and as a result, identification, isolation and resolution of any potential problems becomes infinitely easier, more manageable, and safer.
Add to this the lower profile, dialed and honed buoyancy control, and almost limitless customizability and personalized preferences that you can add, adjust and amend on your rig, then it becomes easy to see why Sidemount diving is the current configuration in vogue for many modern Technical Divers.
PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Equipment Assembly
During the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver course, you will learn how to assemble and configure a Sidemount harness system, specifically for the intention and purpose of managing multiple cylinders and using it to engage in deep, staged gas decompression diving.
This involves managing multiple cylinders and maintaining stable buoyancy and trim while diving effortlessly and fluidly with side-mounted tanks.
For many modern Technical Divers, Sidemount has become the preferred configuration of choice for the enhanced accessibility, comfort, customizability, flexibility and safety that it provides across a diverse and wide range of Technical Diving environments, including deep reefs, wrecks and overhead environments.
Included in the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course
- PADI Tec Sidemount eLearning & PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Manual
- 4 x Dives at varying shallow skills focussed and advanced deep dive sites around Koh Tao
- PADI Tec Sidemount Certification eCard
- Rental and use of all required Technical Diving equipment, including Sidemount Harness & Sidemount Regulators, 100% O2 Compatible Decompression Regulator + required backup / redundant equipment, including Dive Computers, Reels, SMBs, Slates etc. + Decompression Cylinders & Gases
- FREE rental and use of 2 x Dive Computers required throughout the course
- 2 x Students per PADI TecRec Instructor, and / or max. 4 x Students per PADI TecRec Instructor + PADI TecRec Certified Assistant
- Black Turtle Dive Customer & Environmental Promise + FREE Black Turtle Tech T-Shirt
Prerequisites for PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver with PADI Rescue Diver recommended
- 30 x logged dives
- 18 years old
- Medically fit to dive
**Please note that qualifying certification(s) from another agency can be used to meet the prerequisites for the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course on Koh Tao – please contact us for clarification / confirmation, or with any additional questions.
PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course Schedule & Structure
The PADI Tec Sidemount Course on Koh Tao is typically conducted over 2-3 x days, depending on the experience level and the preferences of the diver, and combines a synthesis of theory sessions, equipment workshops, as well as practical in-water training.
Day 1:
08:00-11:30 – Equipment & Theory
12:30-17:30 – PADI Confined Water Training Session
Day 2:
08:00-11:30 – Equipment & Theory
12:30-17:30 – 2 x PADI Training Dives
Day 3:
08:00-11:30 – Equipment & Theory
12:30-17:30 – 2 x PADI Training Dives
The course consists of three sections:
PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Knowledge Development
During these presentations guided by our in-house PADI TecRec Instructor, you will learn about the genesis and history of Sidemount diving, as well its advantages and applications, with specific application to and focus on equipment configuration, gas management strategies, and Technical Diving practices and procedures.
PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Equipment Workshop
During this element of the course, our in-house PADI TecRec Instructor will guide you through the setup, adjustment, and configuration of a Sidemount harness system, specifically for practical application and use in Technical Diving activities.
This ensures both a balanced, comfortable and streamlined configuration, but also providing discussion points and opportunities to further fine-tune, hone, and refine this Sidemount harness system throughout the remaining duration of the course.
PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Confined & Open Water Training
Throughout your confined and open-water training dives, you will practice and master the handling and management of multiple cylinders, as well as gas management and switching procedures, advanced and enhanced buoyancy control and propulsion techniques, while diving safely and successfully with side-mounted cylinders.
Mastering the Art of Advanced Sidemount
Throughout your PADI Tec Sidemount Diver course on Koh Tao, you will work toward developing numerous skills and strategies that will enable you to dive competently and confidently with multiple cylinders side-mounted along your body, including but not limited to:
- Precise buoyancy and trim control
- Safe and streamlined equipment configuration
- Multiple cylinder management and advanced gas access, management and switching procedures and strategies
- Advanced propulsion and stability techniques
- Increased independence and the development of Self-Reliant Sidemount diving practices and principles
All in-water drill, skills and training will be conducted in accordance with Black Turtle Dives Neutral Buoyancy Philosophy, ensuring that you develop the precise control and strong stability in the water associated with, and critical to, this form of diving.
What Next After PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course?
Your PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course can be taken as a stand-alone Specialty Course or integrated into your progression through the PADI TecRec Technical Diving pathway, including PADI Tec 40 Diver, PADI Tec 45 Diver and PADI Tec 50 Diver training.
For divers curious, eager and interested in exploring more challenging and deeper environments with greater control, flexibility and redundancy, the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Specialty Course offers an excellent, and often opted for, alternative to traditional Backmount configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn during the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course on Koh Tao?
During the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course on Koh Tao you will learn how to configure and dive with multiple side-mounted cylinders specifically for use in Technical Diving applications and environments.
This will include but is not limited to learning how to: correctly rig side-mounted cylinders, configure regulators and hoses, manage and use multiple gas supplies, and how to maintain proper buoyancy and trim while diving with multiple cylinders mounted along your sides.
You will also practice skills such as: regulator switching, cylinder handling and management underwater including rotation and switching of cylinders, gas access and management procedures, and staging and recovery of cylinders during a dive.
These skills are applicable and widely used in a variety of Technical Diving disciplines, including Extended Range, Cave, Mine & Wreck exploration, to name a few.
How long does the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course take on Koh Tao?
The PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course on Koh Tao typically takes 2-3 days to complete, depending on the experience level of the diver and the students preferred scheduling arrangements.
During this time, you will complete independent Knowledge Development sessions, Equipment & Theory workshops, and multiple Training Dives designed and delivered to help you become a comfortable, confident and proficient PADI Tec Sidemount Diver.
What is the cost of the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course on Koh Tao?
The cost of the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course on Koh Tao is: 17,000 THB.
This is an all-inclusive price and includes eLearning, instructor fees, equipment rental, dive trips and dive accident insurance for the duration of the course.
Food and accommodation are not included, although we can help to recommend accommodation options on Koh Tao.
Please note that Continuing-Education and Returning Students may also qualify for additional discounts, please contact us to discuss your eligibility.
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