The RAID Sidemount Diver course changes the way you dive: tanks at your sides, a more streamlined profile, and the stability to fine-tune your trim like never before.
Originally developed for cave explorers, sidemount has become a favourite for recreational and technical divers alike because it's streamlined, comfortable, and adds an extra layer of safety with full gas redundancy.
Whether you're curious about sidemount for fun diving, or plan to move toward technical training, this course will give you the skills and confidence to make the most of it.
We'll start with a theory and equipment workshop where you'll learn how to set up your sidemount rig, route hoses, and make adjustments for comfort and balance. In the afternoon, you'll move to the pool to practice donning and doffing tanks, regulator switches, and buoyancy control in a controlled environment.
Your first two ocean dives are at beginner-friendly sites, where you'll put your pool training into practice. You'll focus on trim, propulsion techniques, and gas management while getting comfortable with the sidemount setup in real diving conditions.
On your last day, you'll complete two more dives at deeper or more challenging sites. Here you'll refine your skills, repeat key exercises, and start to feel the real advantages of diving sidemount — balance, redundancy, and freedom in the water. By the end, you'll be certified as a RAID Sidemount Diver.
- Prerequisites: RAID Open Water 20 (or equivalent)
- Your maximum training depth depends on your current certification level
- Small groups — maximum 4 students per instructor
- Everything's included in your Sidemount Course — from your dives and gear to insurance for the duration of the course
- Days
- 3
- Dives
- 4
- Max Depth
- depends on your certification
- Why should I learn sidemount diving?Sidemount gives you better balance, improved buoyancy, and full gas redundancy. It also makes diving more comfortable by distributing your tanks at your sides instead of your back. Many divers find it easier on their body, safer, and a lot more fun.
- Do I need my own sidemount gear for the course?No, all equipment is provided during your course, including sidemount harnesses and tanks. If you already own gear or are considering buying some, we'll help you set it up and make adjustments so it fits you perfectly.
- Is this a technical diving course?No, the RAID Sidemount Diver course is a recreational certification, but it teaches you procedures and skills used in technical diving like gas management and regulator switching. That's why it's popular with divers who want to expand their skills or move toward tech in the future.
- What's the difference between sidemount and backmount?With backmount, your tanks sit on your back. With sidemount, they're clipped at your sides giving you a streamlined profile, easier access to valves, and independent gas supplies. Many divers prefer sidemount for the comfort, safety, and flexibility it offers.
- Can I do the sidemount course as an Open Water diver?Yes, the minimum requirement is RAID Open Water 20 (or equivalent). Your maximum depth while diving sidemount will depend on your existing certification level.
- What skills will I learn in my sidemount course?You'll learn how to set up your sidemount harness and tanks, route hoses, don and doff tanks in the water, fine-tune your trim and propulsion, switch regulators, manage your gas, and handle air-share and emergency procedures.