SSI Recreational Sidemount Speciality

SSI Recreational Sidemount Diver

Sidemount diving isn’t just for caves and technical divers—it’s a versatile, streamlined, and balanced way to dive that many recreational divers are now choosing as their primary configuration.

SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving Speciality Course Overview

The SSI Sidemount Diving program provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to dive safely and comfortably using a sidemount configuration. Whether you want to reduce the strain on your back, streamline your profile in the water, or simply explore a new way to dive—sidemount is an exciting and highly practical alternative to traditional backmount setups.

This Speciality certification also counts as one of the four Speciality certifications required for your SSI Master Scuba Diver certification.

What do I need to start the SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving Speciality Course?

• You must be 12 years or older

• Be certified as an Open Water Diver or above

• You get the most out of this course by having your own sidemount equipment - want the list of our recommendations then complete the Want to Know More form below.

What will I do during the SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving Speciality Course?

The course begins with a dry session to introduce you to the equipment, how to correctly set up and configure your sidemount system, and how to adapt your dive planning and skills to this new setup.

First in your Confined Water session and dry setup, you will learn to:

• Properly adjust and trim your sidemount harness and cylinders for comfort and balance

• Master buoyancy and streamlining in the sidemount position

• Air management using independent cylinders

• Simulate air sharing and out-of-air scenarios with your buddy

• Remove and replace sidemounted cylinders both at the surface and underwater

• Improve propulsion techniques such as frog kick and back finning for more efficient movement

These skills will then be repeated and practised in open water over three dives.

The course is designed to make you a confident, competent sidemount diver with a strong understanding of its application in a recreational environment

What materials will I use during the SSI Recreational Sidemount Speciality Course?

You will receive the SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving digital learning materials through the SSI app, allowing you to study at your own pace before joining us for the in-person sessions.

How long does the SSI Recreational Sidemount Speciality Course take?

• 1 dry session (2–3 hours): configuration, equipment setup and land-based practice

• 1 confined water sesssion (pool)

• 1 full day in open water: 3 training dives with skills practice and coaching

Any other costs?

Course price does not include entrance fees to open water sites or any travel expenses. 

What’s my next adventure after the SSI Recreational Sidemount Speciality?

Sidemount skills open the door to a whole range of diving adventures—from exploring confined spaces in wrecks and caverns, to simply enjoying long, comfortable dives on our recreational trips.

Once you’ve completed this course and have logged 24 dives, you might consider further progression into areas such as Advanced Wreck, Deep Diving, or even our Extended Range programmes for technical diving.

But most importantly—come diving with us! The more time you spend in the water using your new configuration, the more natural it becomes. Join our trips, have some fun, and keep your adventure going.

Want To Know More?