Flexible cylinder handling
Attach and remove cylinders separately and, where the entry allows, avoid carrying the complete cylinder load on your back.
Sidemount Diver Course
Discover a New Way to Dive with PADI Sidemount Diving!
Looking for a game-changer in the way you configure your scuba gear? The PADI Sidemount Diver Course introduces you to a safer, more efficient, and balanced equipment setup. With tanks carried on your side instead of your back, you’ll enjoy better flexibility, less strain, and extended gas supply for longer, more comfortable dives.
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the ability to monitor all equipment because it’s in front of you
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increased gas supply for longer dives
Because you are able to move the cylinder from your back to your side, it instantly takes the pressure off of your back and gives you more flexibility to move and enjoy your dive. Plus, you don’t have to walk to the dive site with the cylinders on your back. You can enter the water and clip them on and go.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
PADI specialty course • Recreational sidemount
PADI Sidemount Diver Course in Sydney
Learn to configure, trim and manage a recreational sidemount system. Begin in controlled water, then refine equipment handling, propulsion, gas management and problem-solving across three instructor-guided open-water dives.
Two training days Hands-on progression
Controlled water Configure and practise
Three ocean dives Apply sidemount skills
Minimum age 15 Open Water or equivalent
A different way to configure your gas
Move the cylinders from your back to your sides
Sidemount places cylinders alongside the diver rather than on a conventional back-mounted system. A well-adjusted setup can offer configuration flexibility, direct access to cylinder valves and the option to attach or remove cylinders in the water where conditions and procedures allow.
The benefits depend on correct equipment selection, fit and repeated adjustment. This course teaches a structured recreational configuration and gives you supervised practice before you apply it on ordinary dives.
Configuration choices
Why divers explore sidemount
Accessible valves and regulators
See and reach key equipment more directly, then practise the checks and responses required for the chosen configuration.
Adjustable trim and profile
Fine-tune cylinder position, attachment points and weighting to develop balanced horizontal trim and a tidy profile.
About physical comfort: some divers prefer not having cylinders mounted on their back, but sidemount does not guarantee relief from pain or strain. Safe lifting and suitable medical advice still apply.
Build the system, then build the habits
What you’ll learn
Move from equipment assembly and adjustment to stable in-water skills and deliberate gas management.
Assemble the system
Identify and configure the sidemount harness, buoyancy system, cylinder attachments and regulators used during training.
Balance weight and trim
Adjust weight position, harness fit, cylinder height and attachment points to work toward stable horizontal trim.
Attach and remove cylinders
Practise secure cylinder attachment, controlled removal and the handling procedures used during entry and exit.
Manage breathing gas
Monitor cylinder pressures and switch second stages according to the planned procedure when diving with two cylinders.
Develop efficient propulsion
Use controlled body position and propulsion techniques, including frog kicking, while maintaining equipment awareness.
Respond to potential problems
Practise the checks, communication and problem-solving procedures appropriate to recreational sidemount diving.
Course structure
Learn online, configure in controlled water, then dive
Complete the online preparation before the course so your instructor-led sessions can focus on fitting the equipment and developing repeatable in-water skills.
Complete PADI eLearning
Allow approximately two to four hours for the online theory covering sidemount equipment, planning and procedures.
Begin in controlled water
Fit and adjust the system, then practise cylinder handling, gas procedures, buoyancy and problem-solving in a controlled setting.
Complete three open-water dives
Apply and refine the configuration, trim, propulsion, gas-management and troubleshooting skills across three guided dives.
Conditions matter: sites, entries, equipment procedures and schedules may change with weather, water conditions, student readiness and instructor judgement.
Specialised equipment
Confirm your course configuration before attending
Sidemount training uses a suitable harness and buoyancy system, one or two cylinders with the matching rigging and regulator arrangement, and the remaining personal scuba equipment required for the planned sessions.
The supplied page does not state exactly which sidemount equipment or cylinders are included. Contact Abyss before booking separate rental or purchasing equipment so your setup matches the course and instructor requirements.
Before you enrol
Certification and health requirements
Minimum age
You must be at least 15 years old.
Diver certification
PADI Open Water Diver or a qualifying entry-level certification from another recognised training organisation.
Medical screening
Complete the required participant medical questionnaire. A doctor’s clearance is needed when the questionnaire directs it or relevant health circumstances require review.
Recreational course scope
Sidemount does not add technical or overhead-environment privileges
This specialty teaches a sidemount equipment configuration for recreational open-water diving. Cave or wreck penetration, planned decompression, extended-range and other technical dives require separate training, experience, equipment and procedures.
Common questions
PADI Sidemount Diver FAQs
Does sidemount automatically make diving safer?
No. Accessible valves and independent cylinders can provide useful options when configured and managed correctly, but safety still depends on planning, maintenance, skills, conditions and appropriate responses.
Does carrying more gas mean I can always dive longer?
No. Additional gas does not override no-decompression limits, exposure, conditions, buddy gas or the planned reserve. Dive time is set by the most limiting factor.
Can I attach the cylinders after entering the water?
That can be an option at suitable entries when the cylinders can be handled and secured safely. The instructor will set the correct entry and exit procedure for the site and conditions.
Is sidemount equipment included?
The supplied course description does not specify the included equipment. Confirm the harness, buoyancy system, regulators, rigging, cylinders and personal equipment arrangements directly with Abyss before attending.
Does this course qualify me for cave or technical diving?
No. It teaches recreational sidemount configuration and skills. Overhead environments, planned decompression and technical diving require the relevant additional training.
Ready to learn recreational sidemount?
Choose an available course date, complete your eLearning and develop the equipment and gas-management habits needed for a well-configured sidemount dive.
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