Dive Deeper with Specialty Scuba Courses

Sidemount

Who this SDI course is for:

  • The certified diver looking to use a sidemount cylinder instead of the standard back mount unit.

Course prerequisites:

  • SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
  • Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent.

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Sidemount Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

  • Gas management utilizing independent cylinders
  • Equipment considerations
  • Cylinder options
  • Regulator options
  • Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)/harness options
  • Proper weighting
  • Equipment configurations
  • Communication
  • Hand signals
  • Problem solving
  • Gas-sharing
  • Gas hemorrhages
  • Water entries
  • Shore
  • Boat
  • S-Drills (specific to sidemount)

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

  • Plan dive
  • Test and check all equipment (depth gauges, bottom timers/watches and computers)
  • Familiarization with area
  • Descend to planed depth and not exceed any pre-planned limits
  • Demonstrate the ability to safely manage gas in independent cylinders
  • Monitor depth/time/air consumption, figure all times on slate
  • Demonstrate ability to control buoyancy
  • Attaching sidemount cylinders while
  • Out of water
  • On surface standing on bottom
  • On surface in water to deep to stand
  • At depth
  • Perform gas switches
  • Perform safety stops

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in sidemount diving activities without direct supervision, provided the following limits are adhered to:

  • Safety stops as appropriate
  • Planned dives do not exceed diver’s current certification level

Also, the SDI Sidemount Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Development program.

SDI Sidemount Diver minimum requirements:

  • Perform all land drills and open water dive requirements safely and efficiently
  • Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
  • Log all dives

Nitrox

If you are a new diver, you might be asking yourself, what is Nitrox? Nitrox is a breathing gas with more oxygen and less nitrogen. The magic of Nitrox lies in its reduced nitrogen content compared to standard compressed air. Excessive nitrogen buildup can lead to decompression sickness (DCS), a potentially dangerous condition. Nitrox minimizes this risk by decreasing the nitrogen component and increasing the oxygen content relative to air, which translates into extended bottom time. More oxygen means less nitrogen, and less nitrogen means you can stay down longer.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that Nitrox diving introduces its own set of considerations and risks, distinct from those of traditional air diving. Navigating these waters requires a keen understanding of Nitrox and the ability to apply that knowledge safely.

To equip divers with the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable Nitrox diving, Scuba Diving International (SDI) offers the Computer Nitrox course. This comprehensive program delves into the risks associated with Nitrox diving and provides invaluable guidelines to help manage those risks remain.

During the course, you’ll gain insights into the entire Nitrox spectrum, spanning oxygen levels from 22% to 40%. You’ll become well-versed in the selection of appropriate tools to enhance your Nitrox diving experience. If you’ve never used a dive computer before, fear not; the course covers this essential piece of equipment, ensuring you’re well-prepared to embrace Nitrox safely.

Nitrox diving is not without its myths and beliefs. Some divers swear by the idea that using Nitrox leads to reduced post-dive fatigue, while others believe it renders them less susceptible to nitrogen narcosis at depth. However, it’s essential to clarify that there have been no conclusive scientific tests to either validate or debunk these claims.

Instead, your experience as a Nitrox diver will provide the most insightful perspective. Both narcosis and post-dive fatigue are influenced by mental factors, and perceptions may vary widely from one individual to another. Dive into the world of Nitrox with an open mind, and you might uncover some personal advantages beyond extended bottom time.

For divers seeking expert opinions and in-depth information on Nitrox’s effects, the Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers valuable insights through their article titled “Air, Nitrox, and Fatigue.”

As you journey into the realm of Nitrox, you’ll not only stay longer but also embrace a world of possibilities. While there are no scientific grounds to support the claims of reduced fatigue or increased resistance to nitrogen narcosis, the personal experiences of Nitrox divers speak volumes.

By exploring the underwater world with Nitrox, you’ll contribute to a broader understanding of diving, its nuances, and the importance of scientific accuracy. As a community of divers, our collective knowledge evolves, ensuring that the myths are dispelled, and the truths shine brightly.

So, why wait? Sign up for the SDI Computer Nitrox course today, and let the underwater world eagerly await your exploration. Stay longer, and savor every moment.