The IANTD (International Association of Nitrox and Technical Diving) Technical Sidemount Diver course is designed for experienced divers who wish to explore deeper waters with an advanced approach to sidemount diving. Sidemount tek is a diving configuration in which the diver carries the scuba tanks on their sides rather than on their back, offering improved maneuverability, weight distribution, and greater flexibility in gas management.

This IANTD Technical Sidemount Diver training is intended for divers already certified in technical areas such as decompression diving, wreck diving, or cave diving. It also allows technical divers who are interested in sidemount to explore and use this configuration for their diving expeditions. The course aims to develop the skills required to dive using specific gas blends and to manage the unique requirements of deep or overhead environment dives. Participants will learn to correctly configure their sidemount tek equipment, handle tanks and regulators, manage different gas sources, and anticipate emergency situations.

The key components of the IANTD Sidemount Tek training include:

Configuration and Equipment: Divers learn how to assemble and adjust their sidemount tek equipment, including harnesses, tanks, and regulators, for optimal configuration based on their needs.

Gas Management: Participants acquire advanced skills in gas management, including safely switching between gas sources and performing cylinder rotations.

Propulsion and Maneuverability Techniques: The training focuses on propulsion techniques, neutral buoyancy, and water maneuverability, enabling divers to navigate smoothly and precisely, even in demanding environments.

Safety and Emergency Procedures: Participants learn specific safety protocols related to sidemount tek, including equipment failure management and rescue procedures.

Practical Dives: The training includes a series of dives in confined and open water environments, allowing divers to learn and then apply their skills in real-life scenarios.

By successfully completing the IANTD Sidemount Tek training, divers receive certification that attests to their sidemount tek diving skills. This certification opens the door to new opportunities for underwater exploration, including wreck diving, cave diving, deep diving, and technical dives in various environments.