Tec Sidemount – Advanced Technical Sidemount Diver Training
Delivered by Ed Bosworth (Professional Diver Training) in partnership with Go2Similan Diving, Khao Lak
Course Overview
The Tec Sidemount course develops your ability to conduct complex technical dives using a sidemount configuration. Building on the foundation of recreational sidemount training, this program teaches you to manage multiple stage and decompression cylinders, refine your trim and propulsion, and execute advanced technical skills in environments such as deep wrecks or narrow passageways.
Under the personalised guidance of Ed Bosworth, you will develop full mastery of sidemount equipment, redundancy systems and emergency management while applying the skills to progressively deeper and more demanding dives.
This course can be taken:
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As a standalone Tec Sidemount certification
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Combined with the Basic Sidemount course
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As the full Tec Deep (Tec 40 / Tec 45 / Tec 50) program in sidemount configuration
Why Train in Sidemount?
Sidemount offers several advantages for technical divers:
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Improved gas redundancy with fully independent cylinders
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Better mobility in confined or overhead-style areas
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Streamlined trim and stability
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More efficient problem solving, with equipment visible and accessible
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Easier cylinder handling at the surface and underwater
With Khao Lak’s deep wreck sites and open-water structures, it is an excellent location to develop advanced sidemount skills.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the course, you will learn and practise:
Equipment Configuration & Setup
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Rigging cylinders for technical sidemount
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Stage cylinder and deco bottle attachment
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Hose routing, redundancy planning and streamlining
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Preparing for overhead-style environments (wrecks)
Buoyancy, Trim & Movement
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Body positioning for sidemount stability
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Advanced finning techniques (frog, modified frog, back kick, helicopter turns)
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Maintaining trim with multiple cylinders
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Efficient propulsion for tight areas
Technical Diving Skills
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Gas-switching procedures
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Gas balancing and independent-cylinder consumption control
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Simulated decompression stops
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Ascent and descent protocols for sidemount
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Emergency drills including gas loss, regulator failures and unconscious diver response
Tec Sidemount Course Options & Pricing
1️⃣ Tec Sidemount Course Only – 35,000 THB
Includes:
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8 dives
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Full technical sidemount skill development
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Cylinder configuration and stage handling
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Multi-cylinder management
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Advanced emergency procedures
Prerequisites:
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Sidemount Diver certification
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Tec Deep Diver (or Tec 50) certification
2️⃣ Tec Sidemount + Basic Sidemount Combo – 65,000 THB
This option is ideal for divers who are new to sidemount and want to progress directly into technical sidemount diving.
Includes:
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16 dives total
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Basic Sidemount program + full Tec Sidemount training
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Complete equipment configuration from beginner to technical level
Prerequisites:
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Rescue Diver
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Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver
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Deep Diver
3️⃣ Tec Deep in Sidemount – 55,000 THB
For divers who want to complete Tec 40 + Tec 45 + Tec 50 entirely in sidemount configuration.
Includes:
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12 dives following the full technical dive course structure
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Progressive training to 50 metres
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Multi-gas decompression training
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Advanced wreck and deep environment scenarios
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Full technical sidemount certification combined with Tec Deep
Prerequisites:
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Sidemount Diver certification
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Rescue Diver
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Nitrox Diver
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Deep Diver
Frequently Asked Questions about Tec Sidemount
What is the Tec Sidemount course?
PADI Tec Sidemount is an advanced sidemount training course that teaches you how to use a multi-cylinder sidemount configuration for technical diving. You focus on equipment setup, cylinder handling, gas management, trim, propulsion and emergency procedures suitable for decompression and overhead-style dives.
Who is Tec Sidemount designed for?
Tec Sidemount is designed for experienced divers who either already dive sidemount or want to move into sidemount with a clear plan to progress into technical training. It suits divers who like streamlined, flexible setups and want redundancy, comfort and control for more advanced dives.
Do I need previous sidemount experience before Tec Sidemount?
Previous sidemount experience is a strong advantage, but not always essential if you already have solid buoyancy, trim and equipment skills. Before confirming your place, Ed will review your experience and may recommend doing a recreational sidemount course or a skills assessment first so you get the most from Tec Sidemount.
How does Tec Sidemount fit with Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50?
Tec Sidemount gives you the cylinder handling, gas management and configuration skills you need to complete Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50 in sidemount instead of twinset. Many divers choose to complete Tec Sidemount first and then progress through the TecRec levels using the same sidemount configuration.
What will I learn on the Tec Sidemount course?
You’ll learn how to configure a technical sidemount harness, correctly rig and label multiple cylinders, manage gas switches, maintain trim and buoyancy as cylinder weights change, handle stage and deco bottles, and deal with simulated emergencies such as valve shutdowns and regulator failures while staying stable and in control.
What equipment do I need for Tec Sidemount?
You’ll use a dedicated sidemount harness with suitable wing, long-hose and backup regulators, multiple sidemount cylinders, appropriate SPGs, backup timing and depth devices, and exposure protection suitable for local conditions. If you don’t yet own a full sidemount setup, Ed can help arrange appropriate equipment and guide you through configuration choices.
Where does the Tec Sidemount training take place?
Tec Sidemount training takes place in Khao Lak, Thailand. You’ll use classroom time for theory and equipment workshops, pool or confined water for drills and configuration tuning, and suitable open water sites for progressively more demanding training dives with multiple cylinders.
Can Tec Sidemount be combined with other Tec courses?
Yes. Tec Sidemount can often be scheduled together with Tec 40, Tec 45 or Tec 50 so you build your sidemount skills while progressing through the TecRec levels. Ed can help plan a realistic training path that matches your experience, available time and long-term technical diving goals.
Why Train With Ed Bosworth & Go2Similan Diving?
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Expert sidemount and technical instruction with personalised coaching
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Choice of backmount or sidemount adapted to your long-term dive goals
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Access to deep wreck sites and ideal technical training environments
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Professional logistics, dive support and boat operations
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Small group sizes for the highest safety and training quality
Book Your Tec Sidemount Training
Whether you want to add sidemount to your technical skillset or complete the entire Tec Deep pathway in sidemount configuration, this course provides the full progression.
Contact Professional Diver Training or reach out via Go2Similan Diving to confirm dates, availability and equipment requirements.