SIDEMOUNT

For us, sidemount is much more than a course: it is the configuration we have adopted for years and use for our regular diving. In our experience, it meets all the requirements to be considered the ideal setup: clean, modular, versatile, and capable of offering total control of the equipment even in confined spaces. Its hydrodynamics are exceptional, and when guiding, it proves especially efficient in gas donation or emergency situations.

We maintain several sets of Poseidon regulators specifically for sidemount, ensuring you take the course with maximum quality equipment.

We are passionate about giving this training, and below you will find all the course details.

Prerequisites

  • Be at least 12 years old, with parental or guardian authorization.
  • Hold a RAID Open Water 20 certification (or equivalent) or RAID Open Water Junior certification (or equivalent).
  • Hold a current Diver Medical Statement.
  • Hold valid mandatory diving and accident insurance.

Course Schedule

A total of 3 days of training, combining theory and practical sessions. The theory portion can be taken online or in-person, as preferred. The practical portion can be conducted in open water or confined water.

Day 1 (1 hour)

  • Theory 1 (1 hour)
    • What is Technical Diving?
    • Sidemount diving philosophy
    • Technical Diving Training
    • Mental Clarity (Clean Mind)
    • Gas management
    • The 3 Rings
    • Communication
  • Theory 2 (1 hour)
    • What is Sidemount?
    • History of Sidemount
    • Types of Sidemount
    • Advantages and disadvantages of Sidemount
  • Practical Session 1 (2 hours)
    • Configuration Workshop
  • Practical Session 2 (2 hours)
    • Land Drills Workshop
  • Dive 1
    • Water entry.
    • Weight check.
    • Trim check.
    • Pre-dive checks (equipment, bubbles, V-Drill, S-Drill).

Day 2 (8 hours)

    • Briefing

    • Dive 2

      • The 6 Core Skills (or The 6 Basics)

    • Dive 3

      • Finning Techniques (Frog Kick, Modified Frog Kick, Flutter Kick, Modified Flutter Kick, Helicopter Turn)

      • SMB deployment, controlled ascent.

Day 3 (8 hours)

  • Dive 4

    • Rescue Skills

  • Dive 5

    • Navigation (gas management, cylinder un-clipping/handling, etc.)

Course Details

Price:

  • €599 + VAT (Valid until 31/12/2026)

Ratio:

  • Minimum 2 – Maximum 4 students

 

Included in the price:

Not Included in the price:

  • The RAID International Sidemount Certification fee (€59 + VAT).

  • Student accommodation and meals.

  • Rental of dive equipment or cylinders (beyond what is included).

  • Student air/nitrox fills.(Learn more)

  • Student boat fees (if applicable).

  • Instructor expenses (to be shared among all students):

    • Fuel and tolls

    • Accommodation

    • Meals

    • Instructor gas fills

    • Instructor boat fees (if applicable)

DIVE GEAR / EQUIPMENT
All equipment necessary for the course is included in the price, but if you have your own gear, even better! Having your own sidemount gear will give you greater comfort and allow you to continue practicing after the course.

If you like, we can help you acquire it with a special student quote. Contact us to find out more.

Ready to take the first step? You can start your course right now at no cost!

Create your profile on the RAID website.

Go to the “Free E-learning Shop”.

Select your course.

You will get access to all the manuals and can complete the first knowledge review quiz completely free.

What’s next after this course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to dive autonomously and safely with your buddy using sidemount systems, and you can continue expanding your RAID training with new specialties.

Find your next course here on the RAID FLOWCHART.