SSI Recreational Sidemount Speciality
- All Core Scuba Equipment
- All Course Materials and Certification
- Services of your Highly Trained and Professional Instructor and Support Team
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?
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You must be 12 years or older
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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:
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Properly adjust and trim your sidemount harness and cylinders for comfort and balance
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Master buoyancy and streamlining in the sidemount position
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Air management using independent cylinders
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Simulate air sharing and out-of-air scenarios with your buddy
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Remove and replace sidemounted cylinders both at the surface and underwater
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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?
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1 dry session (2–3 hours): configuration, equipment setup and land-based practice
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1 confined water sesssion (pool)
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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?
Prior to any Diver training course students need to complete a Mandatory Medical Questionaire.
Please ensure that you have read the Medical Statement and are sure that you will be able to commence any diver training PRIOR to paying as our Training Terms Conditions apply after payment has been made.
A doctor's confirmation of fitness to dive is required if you answer YES to any medical condition on the Medical Statement.
Please note that if you need a Physician signoff most of our local surgeries WILL NOT sign this form, we suggest you contact Midlands Dive Chamber 01788 579 555 in this instance.
You can check out the Medical Statement here:
PADI Courses:
PADI Medical Statement
SSI Courses:
Oakham Swimming Pool
The 25m heated swimming pool at Oakham School's Leisure Centre is perfect for scuba diver training and kids' diving courses. This state-of-the-art facility provides laned sections for focused training and a comfortable, warm environment, ensuring an ideal learning experience for divers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're refining your technique or introducing children to the wonders of diving, our pool offers the perfect setting.
Our pool session(s) are on Saturday evenings from 18:00 - 20:00, with a meet at the Dive Centre prior (this time will be confirmed when you book). The time at the Dive Centre is spent on various activities depending on which course you are undertaking but for all first session this will involve introducing you to your instructor, the dive equipment you will be using in the pool, a safety briefing and the evenings activities. During non term time then we have a pool session available on a Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00.
First Aid
First Aid
Our team of highly experienced instructors will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way
