The “IANTD Sidemount Tek Instructor” course is an advanced training program offered by the IANTD (International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers). It is aimed at qualified IANTD dive instructors who wish to teach technical sidemount diving. In this course, you will demonstrate and teach the technical sidemount configuration, the use of gas mixes such as Trimix, Nitrox, or Oxygen to experienced technical divers looking to transition to the sidemount configuration for their decompression dives.

Here is a summary of the content of the “IANTD Sidemount Tek Open Water Instructor” course:

Prerequisites: Before enrolling in the “Sidemount Tek Open Water Instructor” course, you must already be a qualified dive instructor certified by IANTD. You must also have completed at least the “Advanced Nitrox Instructor” training and be certified as a “Sidemount Diver.”

Specialized Pedagogical Training: The “Sidemount Tek Open Water Instructor” course includes specialized pedagogical training to teach technical sidemount diving using gas mixes other than air effectively and safely. You will learn teaching principles, class management, sidemount-specific teaching techniques, and how to create a positive and appropriate learning environment for new divers.

Advanced Technical Knowledge: You will deepen your technical knowledge of sidemount and technical gas mixes, including different equipment configurations, dive planning with mixes, gas management in technical sidemount, decompression tables and dive computers, gradient factors for decompression dives with technical gas mixes, and specific procedures for sidemount diving.

Confined Water Practice: A significant portion of the course will take place in confined environments to reinforce specific skills related to technical sidemount diving, such as bottle and gas mix management, advanced propulsion techniques, and emergency procedures specific to technical sidemount.

Technical Sidemount Dives with Technical Gas Mixes: Following the confined water portion, you will conduct several technical sidemount dives with a demonstration of sidemount tek exercises. During this phase, you will be required to demonstrate perfect utilization of the sidemount tek configuration, especially during gas switches, and the ability to plan and execute your dive plan. These dives will allow you to put into practice the skills acquired during the theoretical training and the confined water portion, enabling you to teach technical sidemount diving with decompression and gas mixes different from air.

Student and Candidate Evaluation: You will be trained to assess the skills of students in technical sidemount diving and provide constructive feedback to help them progress toward their goals.

IANTD Teaching Standards: You will learn IANTD safety standards and ethical guidelines for teaching technical sidemount diving with technical gas mixes, as well as the legal responsibilities of an instructor.

Upon successfully completing the “IANTD Sidemount Tek Open Water Instructor” course, you will be qualified to teach the IANTD Sidemount Tek Open Water Diver program. This will allow you to introduce certified sidemount divers and twin-tank technical divers to advanced techniques using technical gas mixes with a new configuration. As an instructor, you will play a crucial role in promoting safety and efficiency in technical sidemount diving, while helping divers develop their skills and confidence in using technical gas mixes for more advanced dives.