Why Sidemount Diving?
Originally popular among wreck and mine divers, sidemount diving is now a versatile option for recreational divers. With your tanks positioned along your side instead of your back, you’ll experience unparalleled streamlining, better buoyancy control, and easier access to your valves—enhancing both your safety and enjoyment on every dive.
Course Highlights with Stuart Scuba:
- Learn Single & Dual Cylinder Sidemount Configuration: Gain confidence and versatility in your diving, whether with one tank or two.
- Boosted Comfort & Energy Efficiency: With no heavy tank on your back, you’ll move more comfortably and use less gas, extending your dive time.
- Improved Buoyancy and Trim: Enjoy easier, more precise buoyancy control, making sidemount diving ideal for divers of all levels.
Discover New Dive Sites
Located in Stuart, Florida, Stuart Scuba serves divers from Miami, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and beyond. Our sidemount course is also perfect preparation for diving at popular sites like the Blue Heron Bridge or exploring the vibrant reefs of Key Largo.
Easy Access from Surrounding Areas:
Certification Options
At Stuart Scuba, we’re proud to offer SSI and SDI certifications, ensuring you receive training that aligns with your diving goals.
Join Stuart Scuba and Instructor Benjamin Hadfield for this transformative Recreational Sidemount Diving Specialty Course and start diving with the skill and confidence that comes from world-class training!
Sidemount Course Schedule and Required Equipment
Minimum course duration: three days—one day of classroom instruction, one day of pool or beach diving, and one boat day with a two-tank dive. All three course days and the two-tank boat dive are included.
Bring the following required Sidemount equipment:
- Sidemount BC selected from Stuart Scuba’s approved list.
- Two first-stage and second-stage regulator sets (DIN preferred). Each first stage should have a fifth port and a turret.
- One dive computer, SPG, or transmitter per first stage.
- Two tank/stage kits.
- One 84-inch (84") long hose.
- Mask, snorkel, fins, and appropriate exposure protection.
Contact Stuart Scuba before class to confirm the approved BC and arrange any equipment you need.
Frequently Asked Questions about SSI Sidemount (recreational)
What will I learn in SSI Sidemount (recreational)?
Train in SSI recreational sidemount diving in Stuart, FL. Three included days cover classroom, pool or beach diving, and a two-tank boat dive.
Who is this course for?
This course is for certified divers who want to develop ssi sidemount (recreational) skills and meet the agency prerequisites.
What are the prerequisites?
Bring your current certification card and dive log if you have them. We’ll review the course’s age, certification, experience, and agency requirements with you before you enroll.
Which training agency issues this course?
This course follows SSI training standards. If you have prior training from another agency, we’ll review your records against the course requirements.
What skills will I practice?
You’ll configure recreational sidemount equipment and practice cylinder management, trim, buoyancy, and gas monitoring.
How many dives or sessions are required?
Sidemount training takes at least three days: one classroom day, one day of pool or beach diving, and one boat day with a two-tank dive. All three days and the two-tank boat dive are included.
How long should I plan for?
Plan for at least three days: one classroom day, one pool or beach day, and one boat day with a two-tank dive. These days and the boat dive are included.
Where does training take place?
We’re based at 3317 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34997. Pool, shore, and boat training may take place at a separate site; we’ll confirm the exact meeting locations for your dates.
What equipment should I bring?
Bring an approved sidemount BCD; two first-stage and second-stage regulator sets (DIN preferred; each first stage should have a fifth port and turret); one dive computer, SPG, or transmitter per first stage; two tank/stage kits; an 84-inch long hose; mask, snorkel, fins, and suitable exposure protection. We’ll review your setup before class.
Are tanks and weights included?
Tank rental and weights are included where required by this course. Availability and fees for other rental gear vary, so contact us before booking. Personal mask, snorkel, and fins are not included with Open Water class rental gear.
Is eLearning included?
Yes. eLearning is included with every Stuart Scuba class. We’ll send you access instructions after enrollment.
What does the course cost?
Current course tuition is $595 per student. Contact us to confirm any boat, gas, rental, travel, or additional training costs before booking.
What is included in the tuition?
The course includes eLearning, instructor-led training, one classroom day, one pool or beach day, and one boat day with a two-tank dive. The three training days and boat dive are included. Tank rental and weights are included; bring the required sidemount equipment.
Do I receive a certification card?
Yes. After you successfully complete the course requirements, we issue an electronic certification card (eCard). You can request a physical card for $20.
Can I use certification from another agency?
Bring your certification card and training records. We’ll review your background and confirm whether it meets this course’s agency requirements before you enroll.
What medical paperwork do I need?
Every student completes the medical questionnaire electronically through the course or on paper. A medical professional’s evaluation and signature are required only if your answers indicate that medical clearance is needed; complete it before any pool, shore, or boat diving activity. Download Form HERE.
Can I request private training?
Tell us if you prefer one-to-one or private training. We’ll check instructor availability and let you know whether it’s offered for this course and what it costs.
What if weather or water conditions change?
Your instructor or captain may adjust the site or schedule when weather, sea state, visibility, or current affects safe training. We’ll share the updated plan with you.
How should I prepare?
Complete your eLearning before class, review the prerequisites, and bring your certification card, logbook, and required equipment. Call us if you want to confirm your gear before you travel.
How do I check dates or enroll?
Choose an available date on this page or call Stuart Scuba at (772) 600-8288. We’ll help you review prerequisites, schedule, tuition, and what to bring.
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