RAID Sidemount Diver

RAID Sidemount Diver

The RAID Sidemount Diver program is a contemporary training course designed to encompass all current Sidemount procedures suitable for cave, technical, and recreational diving.

While initially developed for cave diving, Sidemount has evolved into a widely adopted configuration for both recreational and technical divers. It offers the advantage of extended dive times and enhanced redundancy by enabling divers to carry two independent cylinders.

This program is flexible and can be integrated with other RAID programs to create a customized training experience tailored to each student’s specific needs and goals. Whether it’s combining Sidemount with Open Water 20, technical diving, wreck exploration, or cave diving, the only prerequisites are meeting all necessary requirements and adhering to the prescribed training hours and minimum standards for both courses.

Sidemount Program Overview

• Divers may dive to their maximum current certification depth, but may not exceed a maximum depth of 40 meters / 130 feet.

Divers May Use

• Two correctly configured sidemount cylinders.
• Air, nitrox, oxygen and trimix (where applicable)
• The END/EAD for trimix must not exceed 30 metres/100 feet.
• The PO2 of any gas used may not exceed 1.4.
• Divers may only complete no decompression dives.
• The rule of thirds (or sixths where appropriate) must be strictly observed when managing gas.
• The RAID Sidemount course is a not a decompression or overhead program.

Prerequisites

• There is a minimum of 1 confined water skill session and 2 open water dives.
• The minimum in water time is 1 hour in confined and 3 hours in open water.

The RAID Sidemount Diver program with Aqua Ventura Divers is an advanced scuba diving course that focuses on equipping divers with the knowledge and skills needed to dive using the sidemount configuration. 

1. Prerequisite Certification: Before enrolling in the RAID Sidemount Diver program, participants typically need to have completed their Open Water certification, Explorer 30 certification, or equivalent foundational diving certifications. These prerequisites ensure that divers have a solid foundation in basic diving skills and experience.
2. Age Requirement: Participants are typically required to be at least 18 years old, given the complexity and equipment involved in sidemount diving.
3. Sidemount Configuration: Sidemount diving involves carrying one or two cylinders mounted on the diver’s sides rather than on the back, as is common in traditional scuba diving. The program teaches divers how to configure and use sidemount equipment effectively.
4. Dive Planning: Participants learn how to plan sidemount dives, including gas management, equipment setup, and safety considerations. Dive planning is essential for safe and enjoyable sidemount diving experiences.
5. Equipment Familiarization: The course covers the various pieces of sidemount equipment, including harnesses, BCDs (buoyancy control devices), regulators, and cylinders. Divers become proficient in assembling, configuring, and using this specialized gear.
6. Buoyancy Control: Sidemount diving places a strong emphasis on precise buoyancy control. Participants refine their buoyancy skills to maintain stability and trim while using sidemount cylinders.
7. Gas Management: Divers learn how to manage their gas supply effectively when using two sidemount cylinders. This includes gas switching and monitoring gas consumption during the dive.
8. Safety Procedures: Safety remains paramount in sidemount diving. Participants are trained in emergency procedures specific to sidemount diving, including equipment failures, gas emergencies, and buddy assistance techniques.
9. Practical Dives: The program includes practical sidemount dives in real-world underwater environments. These dives allow divers to apply their knowledge and skills while gaining hands-on experience.
10. Certification: Upon successful completion of the RAID Sidemount Diver program, participants receive a certification recognized worldwide. This certification signifies that divers are qualified to use the sidemount configuration and conduct sidemount dives safely.
11. Customization: Sidemount training can be tailored to meet individual goals and interests. Participants can integrate sidemount diving with other RAID programs or specialties, provided all prerequisites and minimum standards are met.

Aqua Ventura Divers

Aqua Ventura Divers RAID Sidemount Diver program with is a comprehensive course that equips divers with the expertise to safely and effectively use sidemount equipment. It offers valuable skills in gas management, equipment setup, and buoyancy control, enabling participants to explore underwater environments using this versatile configuration.