TDI TDI Sidemount

Course Overview

TDI Sidemount is designed to teach certified divers how to safely use side-mounted primary cylinders as an alternative to the traditional back-mounted setup. The official TDI standards describe it as a course that may also be combined with other TDI technical programs such as Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, Trimix, Advanced Trimix, and Advanced Wreck when the standards for each course are met. The value is in building a clean, controlled equipment configuration before adding more demanding dive plans.

This course is for certified divers who want better cylinder access, flexibility, and balance in a sidemount system. TDI lists a minimum age of 18 and SDI Open Water Scuba Diver certification, or equivalent, as student prerequisites. Planned dives stay within the diver's existing certification level, so sidemount training does not by itself grant deeper, decompression, cave, or wreck penetration privileges.

Training normally covers configuration, harness and cylinder setup, gas access, trim, propulsion, entries, exits, and problem solving with side-mounted cylinders. In High Springs, Florida, it is especially relevant for divers who may later move into technical, cave, or advanced wreck programs. Successful students should finish with a sidemount system they understand, can manage without direct supervision, and can build on in future training.