PADI Sidemount Diver

A sidemount configuration (scuba tanks alongside of the diver) offers more flexibility and better streamlining options. Learn about the many benefits of diving with a side mount configuration.

Having scuba tanks on your back isn’t a requirement for exploring the underwater world. Many scuba divers have discovered the joy of mounting cylinders on their sides. Sidemount diving gives you flexibility and streamlining options. Plus, you don’t have to walk with heavy cylinders on your back - just enter the water, clip them on and go. Sound interesting? Sign up for the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty course.

What the Course Entails

Along with learning about the many benefits of diving with a sidemount configuration, during one confined water and three open water scuba dives you’ll learn how to:

Course Pre-requisites

If you’re a PADI Open Water Diver who is at least 15 years old, you can enrol in a PADI Sidemount Diver course.

Course Flow

Having scuba tanks on your back isn’t a requirement for exploring the underwater world. Many scuba divers have discovered the joy of mounting cylinders on their sides. Sidemount diving gives you flexibility and streamlining options. Plus, you don’t have to walk with heavy cylinders on your back - just enter the water, clip them on and go. Sound interesting? Sign up for the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty course.

How Can I Get Started?

Visit your local PADI dive shop to enrol in the course and get your PADI Sidemount Diver and Tec Sidemount Diver Manual. You can read chapter one before meeting with your instructor to review key points. By studying ahead, you’ll be better prepared to start using your sidemount gear.

What is the next adventure?

Advanced Rebreather Diver
AWARE Shark Conservation
Altitude Diver
Boat Diver
Cavern Diver
Deep Diver


Holidays featuring this Course

Solo Divers

Atlantis Puerto Galera

Philippines, Mindoro & Anilao

The Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle with spectacular scenery above and below the water. This idyllic resort has to be on every divers bucket list!

  • Boutique resort on the hills of Sabang Bay
  • Center of biodiversity in the Coral Triangle
  • Spa facilities with a range of treatments
  • Up to five dives a day available
  • Excellent camera room facilities
  • 2018 Trip advisor Certificate of Excellence

Solo Divers

Atlantis Puerto Galera

Philippines, Mindoro & Anilao

The Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle with spectacular scenery above and below the water. This idyllic resort has to be on every divers bucket list!

  • Boutique resort on the hills of Sabang Bay
  • Center of biodiversity in the Coral Triangle
  • Spa facilities with a range of treatments
  • Up to five dives a day available
  • Excellent camera room facilities
  • 2018 Trip advisor Certificate of Excellence

Solo Divers

Atlantis Dumaguete

Philippines, The Visayas

The luxurious Atlantis Dumaguete is located on a long peaceful stretch of beach with out of this world diving close by including Apo Island, Siquijor and Dauin marine.

  • Beachfront resort on Dauin
  • Day trips to Apo Island and Oslob
  • Rooms with balcony or patio & hammocks
  • Up to 5 dives a day available
  • Spa facilities with sauna and rain shower
  • Dedicated underwater camera facilities

Solo Divers

Atlantis Dumaguete

Philippines, The Visayas

The luxurious Atlantis Dumaguete is located on a long peaceful stretch of beach with out of this world diving close by including Apo Island, Siquijor and Dauin marine.

  • Beachfront resort on Dauin
  • Day trips to Apo Island and Oslob
  • Rooms with balcony or patio & hammocks
  • Up to 5 dives a day available
  • Spa facilities with sauna and rain shower
  • Dedicated underwater camera facilities

Solo Divers

Siladen Resort & Spa

Indonesia, Siladen Island

Siladen Resort & Spa is exclusively located in the heart of the world renowned Bunaken National Marine Park abundant with amazing marine life, this exquisite hotel is the perfect place to relax.

  • Island resort with sandy beach
  • 10 bungalows split into 20 rooms
  • Premium and deluxe rooms
  • Spa/Pool/Pool Bar/WIFI/
  • Full board basis
  • Great for couples and non-divers

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Shagra

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

The ultimate diving adventure! Enjoy the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Marsa Shagra, a unique location the likes of which you will not find anywhere else in the world.

  • Close to Elphinstone Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Full board basis
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Natural location
  • Ideal for diving families

Solo Divers

Marsa Nakari

Red Sea, Marsa Alam

Marsa Nakari is a charming village featuring a sheltered bay just 40 km south of Marsa Alam city. A smaller, quieter and more remote alternative to Marsa Shagra but with all the benefits.

  • Close to Dolphin House Reef
  • Unlimited house reef diving
  • Small & intimate atmosphere
  • Access to reefs by speedboat
  • Singles, couples & families
  • Individual and groups welcome