Sidemount diving has become one of the most popular and versatile configurations in both technical and recreational diving. Whether you’re looking for greater flexibility, improved trim and buoyancy, or the ability to carry multiple tanks, sidemount diving offers unparalleled advantages.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, a PADI Career Development Centre and leading tech diving hub in Indonesia, we offer the TDI Sidemount Course, designed for divers who want to explore the benefits of sidemount diving in both open water and technical diving environments.
With expert TDI instructors, state-of-the-art sidemount equipment, and an ideal training location, Oceans 5 Gili Air is the ultimate destination for sidemount diving in Indonesia.
Sidemount diving is a configuration where divers mount tanks on their sides instead of on their back. Originally developed for cave and wreck diving, sidemount diving has now become popular in open water, technical diving, and even recreational diving.
Sidemount divers achieve a more horizontal position, reducing drag and improving efficiency underwater.
With two independent air sources, sidemount divers have greater control over their breathing gas.
Instead of carrying a heavy back-mounted tank, sidemount divers distribute weight along the body, reducing lower back strain.
Tanks can be clipped and unclipped underwater, making sidemount ideal for cave, wreck, and technical divers.
With multiple tanks, divers can carry more gas, extending their dives and allowing for staged decompression.
If you’re looking to enhance your diving experience and become a more efficient and comfortable diver, the TDI Sidemount Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air is the perfect way to get started.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is one of Indonesia’s leading technical diving centers, offering top-tier training for recreational and professional divers. Our TDI Sidemount Course is taught by experienced instructors in small, personalized groups, ensuring that every diver receives the highest level of training and attention.
What Sets Oceans 5 Gili Air Apart?
The TDI Sidemount Diver Course is designed to teach divers how to set up, configure, and dive using a sidemount system. The course includes both theoretical and practical training, ensuring that divers develop the skills needed for real-world sidemount diving.
The TDI Sidemount Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air follows a step-by-step approach to sidemount diving, covering everything from gear configuration to advanced sidemount techniques.
Before heading into the water, you’ll cover important sidemount diving concepts, including:
📌 Advantages of Sidemount vs. Backmount Diving
📌 Equipment Selection and Setup
📌 Tank Configuration & Hose Routing
📌 Buoyancy Control & Trim Adjustments
📌 Gas Management & Tank Switching Procedures
📌 Sidemount Diving Techniques for Different Environments (Cave, Wreck, Open Water)
This knowledge will help you understand the principles of sidemount diving and prepare you for in-water training.
The confined water session allows divers to practice sidemount skills in a controlled environment before heading into open water.
Key skills covered:
✔ Sidemount Equipment Setup & Tank Configuration
✔ Proper Trim & Buoyancy Control
✔ Gas Switching & Regulator Management
✔ Emergency Procedures (Gas Sharing, Valve Drills, Tank Removal & Replacement)
✔ Hovering & Finning Techniques for Optimal Stability
Once students demonstrate proficiency in confined water, they move on to real-world sidemount dives in open water.
The TDI Sidemount Course includes at least 4 open water dives, where divers apply their skills in real diving conditions.
During the 4 dives, students fine-tune their sidemount configuration and practice efficient underwater movement, trim adjustments, and gas switching procedures.
Our open water dives take place at stunning dive sites around Gili Air, offering clear water, minimal currents, and ideal conditions for sidemount training.
Once you complete the TDI Sidemount Diver certification, you can continue your technical diving journey with more advanced courses, including:
Take sidemount diving to the next level with multiple tanks and decompression diving.
Learn how to use higher oxygen mixes for extended bottom times.
Develop the skills needed for planned decompression dives beyond 40m.
By continuing your tech diving education at Oceans 5 Gili Air, you’ll gain more experience, confidence, and the ability to explore deeper dive sites safely.
If you’re ready to experience the freedom and flexibility of sidemount diving, the TDI Sidemount Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a recreational diver looking to improve your buoyancy and trim or an aspiring technical diver preparing for deeper and longer dives, our expert instructors will guide you through every step of the process.
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