I thought I would pass this along as an FYI.....may be something a few folks are looking into in the future.
I know there has been some recent growth in side mount gear configuration and diving, particularly in the cavers. Now it appears a select few PADI shops are offering a distinctive specialty class in side mount protocols.
I copied and edited (the shop name) from the some what lengthy e-note I received from an LDS in my area. You might check with your local PADI/DSAT shops to see if they are yet offering this.
"PADI Open Water Side Mount Diver.........
PADI Open Water Side Mount Diver is the newest specialty PADI Offers. Be one of the first to explore this new certification.
Currently there are only three Instructors in the world that can teach this certification, one in Chicago, one in Florida, and one in DFW. With this certification you will be able to manage multiple scuba cylinders above the water and below. This increases safety having multiple gas sources underwater also allowing you to carry smaller cylinders to the waters edge instead of one large heavy cylinder. In addition to the ease of transporting gear, underwater we will focus on trim and new skills.
The Prerequisites:
* Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent certification from another organization
* Minimum age 15
Additional benefits of the PADI Open Water Side Mount Diver:
* Can be applied toward the Master Scuba Diver rating.
* Will allow you to take the DSAT Deep Technical Program including Trimix Diver in side mount gear (providing the Technical Instructor is qualified and approved by PADI/DSAT to conduct this course in a side mount configuration).
* Will allow you to take the PADI Cavern class in side mount gear (providing the Cavern Instructor is qualified and approved by PADI to conduct this course in a side mount configuration).
* As a Certified Assistant you can assist Technical and Cavern classes in a side mount configuration.
Equipment/Gear:
Side Mount
(4 Open Water Dives in Side Mount Gear)
Book work and/or classroom:
None. We will conduct the briefings and practical applications at the lake."
**I am not in anyway trying to promote this class or PADI or any particular shop, just found it an interesting offering and felt it news worthy in terms of the board. Happy and safe diving always.
I know there has been some recent growth in side mount gear configuration and diving, particularly in the cavers. Now it appears a select few PADI shops are offering a distinctive specialty class in side mount protocols.
I copied and edited (the shop name) from the some what lengthy e-note I received from an LDS in my area. You might check with your local PADI/DSAT shops to see if they are yet offering this.
"PADI Open Water Side Mount Diver.........
PADI Open Water Side Mount Diver is the newest specialty PADI Offers. Be one of the first to explore this new certification.
Currently there are only three Instructors in the world that can teach this certification, one in Chicago, one in Florida, and one in DFW. With this certification you will be able to manage multiple scuba cylinders above the water and below. This increases safety having multiple gas sources underwater also allowing you to carry smaller cylinders to the waters edge instead of one large heavy cylinder. In addition to the ease of transporting gear, underwater we will focus on trim and new skills.
The Prerequisites:
* Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent certification from another organization
* Minimum age 15
Additional benefits of the PADI Open Water Side Mount Diver:
* Can be applied toward the Master Scuba Diver rating.
* Will allow you to take the DSAT Deep Technical Program including Trimix Diver in side mount gear (providing the Technical Instructor is qualified and approved by PADI/DSAT to conduct this course in a side mount configuration).
* Will allow you to take the PADI Cavern class in side mount gear (providing the Cavern Instructor is qualified and approved by PADI to conduct this course in a side mount configuration).
* As a Certified Assistant you can assist Technical and Cavern classes in a side mount configuration.
Equipment/Gear:
Side Mount
(4 Open Water Dives in Side Mount Gear)
Book work and/or classroom:
None. We will conduct the briefings and practical applications at the lake."
**I am not in anyway trying to promote this class or PADI or any particular shop, just found it an interesting offering and felt it news worthy in terms of the board. Happy and safe diving always.