SSI Sidemount Diving Course

SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving — eLearning or Full Course

Discover a new way to dive with the SSI Recreational Sidemount specialty. This course teaches you how to set up and dive with sidemount cylinders — offering better trim, balance, and comfort underwater. You’ll enjoy easier equipment handling, improved streamlining, and the freedom of movement that sidemount diving provides.

Choose your course option

• eLearning & Certification Credit Only – Complete the academic portion online and earn your certification credit. You can then add optional in-water training later with Dorset Diving or another SSI Dive Centre.
• Full Course (with Dives) – Includes the online theory, certification, and practical in-water training sessions with an SSI Instructor. You’ll learn to configure, balance, and manage sidemount cylinders confidently in real dive conditions.

What you’ll learn online

• The benefits of sidemount diving and how it differs from backmount
• Equipment configuration, setup, and adjustment for comfort and balance
• Gas management and switching between cylinders safely
• Streamlining, trim, and body position for efficient movement
• Entry, exit, and emergency procedures for sidemount diving
• Environmental awareness and low-impact diving techniques

Full Course — Practical Training

The Full Course option includes hands-on training with a Dorset Diving Instructor, where you’ll develop confidence and control through:

• Assembling, adjusting, and donning your sidemount equipment
• Performing weighting and trim checks for perfect balance
• Gas switching and regulator handling underwater
• Practising buoyancy, movement, and cylinder management techniques
• Learning problem-solving and safety drills specific to sidemount diving

Equipment & Costs

• All full courses include full kit hire, except for your mask, snorkel, and boots, which every diver should own personally.
• These can be purchased at Dorset Diving Services before or during your training.
• Entry fees to open water sites (such as Vobster Quay) and boat dives, if applicable, are not included.

Prerequisites

• You must hold an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) before taking the in-water sessions.
• Please confirm that your chosen dive centre offers SSI Recreational Sidemount training if completing practical dives elsewhere.

Free Registration

Start your sidemount journey today by creating a free SSI account and affiliating with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving

What’s Next?

Once certified, expand your skills with other SSI specialties such as Perfect Buoyancy, Deep Diving, or Wreck Diving. These courses build on your sidemount foundation and open up even more diving adventures.