PADI
Sidemount
Course
Master the art of streamlined diving. Learn proper sidemount configuration, trim, buoyancy, and gas management — the modern approach to underwater comfort and control.
Tanks on Your Sides.
Not Your Back.
Sidemount diving places cylinders along the diver's sides instead of on the back. The result: better flexibility, improved streamlining, and superior balance underwater. What was once a cave diving technique has evolved into a mainstream configuration embraced by recreational, technical, and professional divers worldwide.
The PADI Sidemount Course at Tioman Dive Buddy is a 4-day, hands-on program that teaches you proper equipment configuration, trim, buoyancy, gas management, and problem-solving — through real dive experience rather than theory-heavy classroom sessions.
No previous sidemount experience is required. If you're a certified Open Water Diver or higher, you're ready to start.
Why Divers Switch to Sidemount
Improved horizontal positioning and balance for a more streamlined profile.
No heavy tank on your spine — easier on your back and shoulders.
Clip tanks on and off in the water — no struggling on boats or shore entries.
Two independent cylinders give you a backup gas source on every dive.
Navigate tight spaces, swim through coral formations, and adapt to different dive environments.
Built for Divers
Who Want More
Certified Divers
Open Water Diver or higher looking to expand their skill set with a modern diving configuration.
Trim Seekers
Divers who want better buoyancy control, horizontal trim, and a more streamlined profile underwater.
Gear Enthusiasts
Divers interested in learning advanced equipment configuration and handling techniques.
Future Tec Divers
Divers preparing for technical or cave diving paths where sidemount is the standard configuration.
What You'll
Learn
Equipment Configuration
Assemble and adjust sidemount harness systems. Correctly attach cylinders, optimize hose routing for safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Trim, Buoyancy & Streamlining
Develop proper body positioning, balance, and buoyancy control to maintain a streamlined profile while diving in sidemount configuration.
Gas Management & Switching
Practice gas planning, regulator switching between independent cylinders, and monitoring gas supply throughout every dive.
Problem Management
Handle common sidemount challenges — regulator failures, cylinder repositioning, and equipment adjustments in a controlled environment.
4 Days of
Hands-On Training
Equipment Workshops & Confined Water
Sidemount BCD setup, harness fitting, cylinder attachment, hose routing. Confined water or shallow open water skill sessions for trim and buoyancy foundations.
Open Water Sidemount Dives
Multiple open water dives in sidemount configuration. Progressive skill development with regulator switching, gas management, and problem-solving on real reefs.
Course
Package
Complete structured training
Expert sidemount guidance
Configuration sessions + open water
Sidemount cylinders provided
Sidemount Diver card processing
Ideal Training
Conditions
🌊 Calm Waters
Sheltered bays with gentle conditions — perfect for focusing on equipment and skills without fighting currents.
👀 Good Visibility
Generally 10–20m visibility lets you see your equipment, your buddy, and your instructor clearly at all times.
🚤 Short Boat Rides
Dive sites within minutes — more time in the water practising sidemount skills, less time commuting.
🐠 Natural Reef Training
Learn on real coral reef environments, not swimming pools — skills transfer directly to real-world diving.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Is sidemount diving difficult to learn?
Sidemount diving is not difficult, but it is different from backmount diving. If you are used to wearing a tank on your back, sidemount requires you to develop new muscle memory for managing valves, regulators, and trim. Most students at Tioman Dive Buddy find the freedom and stability of sidemount addictive once they get past the first day of training. The 4-day course structure gives you enough repetition to build real comfort and confidence.
Is it heavy to carry two tanks?
On land, two tanks are heavier than one. However, sidemount diving is designed so you attach and remove cylinders in the water — not on land. Once underwater, the weight is distributed along your sides rather than concentrated on your back, which most divers find significantly more comfortable. Many divers with back problems specifically switch to sidemount for this reason.
Do I need to buy my own sidemount BCD and regulators?
No. Tioman Dive Buddy provides tanks and weights as part of the course package. For sidemount-specific equipment such as the sidemount BCD/harness and regulators, your instructor will discuss options with you. Many students rent or borrow equipment during the course before deciding whether to invest in their own sidemount setup.
Can I combine the sidemount course with other courses?
Yes. Many divers combine the PADI Sidemount Course with other training at Tioman Dive Buddy, such as the Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or Divemaster courses. Contact us to discuss combining courses and scheduling your training efficiently during your stay on Tioman Island.
How long does the PADI Sidemount Course take?
The PADI Sidemount Course at Tioman Dive Buddy takes 4 days. This includes equipment configuration workshops, confined water or shallow open water skill sessions, and multiple open water sidemount dives. The course is entirely practical with no written exams — the focus is on hands-on learning, repetition, and progressive skill development.
What are the prerequisites for the sidemount course?
To join the PADI Sidemount Course, you must be a certified PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent certification from another recognized training organization). No previous sidemount diving experience is required. The course is suitable for recreational divers who want to learn sidemount configuration, as well as experienced divers preparing for technical diving pathways.
Ready to Go
Sidemount?
Experience the modern approach to diving. Join the PADI Sidemount Course at Tioman Dive Buddy and transform the way you dive.
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