Recreational Sidemount Diver Speciality Course

Cost: £600 or £400 if you have your own equipment

All-inclusive — SSI digital theory, one confined/pool session, and three open water sidemount dives (max depth 30 m).

What’s the Sidemount Diver Course?

This SSI speciality teaches you to dive with single or dual cylinders worn at your sides instead of on your back. You’ll learn proper sidemount configuration, valve access, streamlining, gas management, and buoyancy control – all designed for more comfortable, efficient, and flexible diving.

What to Expect

Digital Learning – Complete SSI’s digital modules covering sidemount setup, buoyancy, gas management, trim, and safe dive planning.

Confined Session – In a calm pool or shallow water, you’ll get hands-on practice rigging your sidemount gear and mastering trim and buoyancy techniques.

Three Open Water Dives – Heading out on real dives (up to 30 m), you’ll apply sidemount skills under instructor supervision, exploring with improved mobility and redundancy.

Who’s it for?

Open Water Divers aged 12 and up who want to experience the benefits of sidemount diving. Ideal for anyone keen on better trim, easier access to valves, longer dives, and redundancy. A great first step into cave, wreck, or technical sidemount diving.

WHY LEARN WITH US?

You’ll be supported by experienced, friendly instructors every step of the way.
We always aim for one-to-one sessions, creating a calm and fun learning environment, we tailor the pace to suit you.
Our goal is to help you feel safe, confident, and excited about your next dive.

What Happens Next?

After certification, you’ll be able to dive recreationally with sidemount gear and can optionally upgrade to Extended Range Sidemount for deeper or decompression diving. Your SSI recognition also counts toward the Speciality Diver ratings.