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Some dive centers may require one (esp. if they offer sidemount classes but also if they have seen untrained sidemounters having problems). Proof of skill is nice to have, but should certification be mandatory? Should everything require a certification?Just wondering if a plastic card in sidemounting can be mandatory for some dive centers? For me, SM is quite intuitive and a cert would just be a proof of my skills.
Why?Just wondering if a plastic card in sidemounting can be mandatory for some dive centers? For me, SM is quite intuitive and a cert would just be a proof of my skills.
actually BM doubles class does exist- it’s usually called Intro to Tec - or something similar. Many Tec programs teach IN THAT CONFIGURATION therefore meeting the similar depth, conditions requirement mentioned in standards. So many (not all) boats want to see that cert or some other technical endorsement to dive doubles (or deco gasses). Some don’t care- but from an operator liability perspective- yes it most certainly is an operator’s right to ask to see such a cert.Back mount doubles certification doesn't even exist, but somehow side mount should? I think from a safety stand point, doubles should require it more than side mount.
I have never been asked for a side mount cert and didn't get one issued until it was required to issue my SW cert. I certified through Hypoxic Trimix and Full Cave (using side mount) without a side mount certification.
actually BM doubles class does exist- it’s usually called Intro to Tec - or something similar. Many Tec programs teach IN THAT CONFIGURATION therefore meeting the similar depth, conditions requirement mentioned in standards. So many (not all) boats want to see that cert or some other technical endorsement to dive doubles (or deco gasses). Some don’t care- but from an operator liability perspective- yes it most certainly is an operator’s right to ask to see such a cert.
So there is “Tec Sidemount” which is usually issued in lieu of “Intro To Tec” if you are in a S/M configuration In both PADI and SDI/TDI. NOT SURE if NAUI does it that way too. But generally, an intro to Tec or above rating gets rental of BM doubles. Some places want an SM card to rent SM rigged tanks/gear, some don’t.What if I took intro in sidemount? None of the certifications specify backmount vs sidemount except the sidemount course itself. I have never been in backmount doubles, but no one would hesitate to rent them to me based on the certificaitons.
Edit: I believe all my technical certs should specify backmount or sidemount. I don't think I would be safe at all at 100 meters in backmount doubles.
I do have a normoxic trimix cert, hence intro to Tec is included.But generally, an intro to Tec or above rating gets rental of BM doubles.