Take Your Sidemount Diving Specialty Course on Koh Tao
What Makes Sidemount Scuba Diving Different?
Take the weight off your back and experience freedom underwater with this sidemount diving specialty course.
This streamlined setup places one or two cylinders at your sides rather than on your back, giving you greater comfort, balance, and control.
Crystal Dive’s SSI sidemount certification on Koh Tao program is ideal for divers who want to reduce back strain, extend bottom time, or prepare for more advanced dive styles.
Why Learn Sidemount Diving in Thailand?
Originally developed for cave and technical divers, sidemount diving is now growing in popularity among recreational divers who want to enhance their skills and flexibility.
Through sidemount scuba diving training, you’ll improve your buoyancy, learn to manage gas redundancy, and move more efficiently underwater.
If you’re ready to learn sidemount diving in Thailand, this course gives you the skills, confidence, and experience to do it right.
8,750 THB
What to Expect from Your Sidemount Diving Specialty Course
This sidemount SCUBA diving training is flexible and can be adjusted to match your travel plans or preferred pace. Below is a typical outline of what your sidemount training will include.
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Part 1 – Theory and Harness Fitting
Your sidemount diving specialty course begins with a welcome, paperwork, and course briefing. After orientation, you’ll dive into the theoretical content using the digital training app or browser platform.
Your instructor will walk you through key training concepts in sidemount SCUBA diving, including cylinder configuration, gas management, and safety procedures. Once you’ve completed your Knowledge Reviews, you’ll be fitted for your sidemount harness and begin learning how to configure it for proper trim, comfort, and functionality.
Part 2 – Pool Skills and Configuration Practice
Sidemount is a new experience for most divers, and the pool offers the perfect controlled environment to build comfort before heading into open water.
In the pool, you’ll:
- Adjust your buoyancy and balance for a streamlined sidemount profile
- Practice different finning styles to improve control and efficiency
- Make small configuration tweaks to ensure ideal trim
- Get familiar with the process of donning and doffing cylinders
This practice ensures you’re fully prepared to learn sidemount diving in Thailand.
Part 3 – Open Water Dives
Once you’re comfortable in the pool, it’s time to hit the ocean. Over two open water dives, you’ll apply your new skills in a real-world environment.
On your open water dives, you’ll:
- Refine your horizontal trim for maximum control
- Practice smooth cylinder attachment/detachment on the surface and underwater
- Execute controlled ascents and descents
- Deploy a surface marker buoy (SMB)
- Monitor your SAC rate to improve gas efficiency
Throughout the dives, your instructor will offer feedback and fine-tuning tips, helping you complete your SSI sidemount certification on Koh Tao with solid, real-world experience under your belt.
Schedule for Your SSI Sidemount Diving Specialty Course
Every diver learns at a different pace, so we can adjust your sidemount SCUBA diving training to fit your personal schedule. Below is a typical 3-day sidemount course layout to help you plan your time with us.
DAY ONE
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1:00 PM – Course orientation, paperwork, and theory overview with your instructor
Afternoon – Harness fitting and sidemount configuration workshop
Evening – Optional self-study using the SSI training app
DAY TWO
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Morning – Pool session focused on buoyancy, trim, and sidemount-specific finning techniques
Lunch break
Afternoon – First two open water dives with your sidemount setup (shallow dive sites)
DAY THREE
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Morning – Two deeper sidemount dives practicing air management, gear streamlining, and controlled ascents
Midday – Certification review and finish
Prefer a different pace or timeline to learn sidemount diving in Thailand? Contact us and we’ll help tailor a schedule that works best for you.
Prerequisites for the SSI Sidemount Diving Specialty Course
Safety and comfort are at the heart of sidemount diving. Before attempting to earn your SSI sidemount certification on Koh Tao, all divers must meet a few basic prerequisites to ensure they’re ready to take on new gear configurations and dive techniques with confidence.
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Minimum Certification Level
To join the Sidemount Diving Specialty, you must be certified as an Open Water Diver or hold an equivalent certification from another recognised training agency.
Minimum Age
The minimum age to participate in this course and learn sidemount diving in Thailand is 12 years old.
Medical Statement
All participants must be medically fit for diving. Please download and review the official scuba diving medical form. If you answer “yes” to any questions, you’ll need clearance from a physician before starting the course.
Recent Diving Experience
To ensure safety and insurance coverage, divers must show proof of a logged dive within the last 6 months. If you haven’t been diving recently, you’ll need to complete a Scuba Review before starting the course.
SIDEMOUNT DIVING SPECIALTY
Price: 8,750 THB
Duration: 3 days
Minimum age: 12 yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Day 1: Orientation & Theory and Harness Fitting
Day 2: AM Pool PM 2 Dives
Day 3: 2 Dives (Midday Finish!)
What’s Included in Your Sidemount Diving Specialty Course
Your sidemount scuba diving training at Crystal Dive includes everything you need to train comfortably and confidently in this unique equipment setup. From your digital materials to personalized instruction and in-water practice, this course is built to deliver top-tier training and value.
You’ll receive expert guidance throughout your training, with small group ratios (maximum 4 students per instructor) and full access to our sidemount-specific equipment and facilities.
Your package includes:
- Full SSI Sidemount Diving Specialty Course training with 4 dives
- Use of standard scuba gear throughout the course
- FREE use of a dive computer
- SSI Standard E-learning access (Diamond Access upgrade available)
- SSI Sidemount Certification upon successful completion
- Crystal Dive T-shirt
- Multilingual, personal SSI instructor
- Daily boat trips with refreshments
- Dive insurance (valid for 30 days during your course)
- Discounted accommodation for the course duration
- 10% discount on additional training or equipment purchases
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Please note: due to the specialized nature of sidemount diving, equipment rental is charged separately. Specialized sidemount gear rental is available at an additional cost of 3,000 THB. All sidemount harnesses and cylinder rigging systems are professionally maintained and properly configured for your training.
Book Your SSI Sidemount Diving Specialty Course Today
Ready to dive differently and learn sidemount diving in Thailand? The SSI Sidemount Diving Specialty Course at Crystal Dive Koh Tao teaches you how to streamline your profile, balance your buoyancy, and dive with greater freedom using one or two tanks mounted at your sides.
Across land-based training, pool sessions, and four open water dives, you’ll develop the skills needed to be successful in your sidemount scuba diving training. Learn to adjust your harness, configure your cylinders, and execute safe entries and exits—all while improving trim and air efficiency.
฿8,750
This is a popular course for divers who want to expand their skills and comfort underwater. Earning your SSI sidemount certification Koh Tao opens up new dive experiences and prepares you for more specialized training in the future.
Don’t forget – sidemount equipment is NOT included in the course price. A full sidemount gear setup rental is ฿3,000 for the duration of the course.
Sidemount Diving Specialty
This is a popular course for divers who want to expand their skills and comfort underwater. Earning your SSI sidemount certification Koh Tao opens up new dive experiences and prepares you for more specialized training in the future.
Don’t forget – sidemount equipment is NOT included in the course price. A full sidemount gear setup rental is ฿3,000 for the duration of the course.
Capture Your Sidemount Diving Specialty Experience
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Want to remember your sidemount training forever? Our in-house media team, Crystal Images, offers professional photo and video services to capture your sidemount diving specialty course from start to finish.
Whether you’re perfecting your trim in the pool or gliding through Koh Tao’s stunning dive sites with your tanks mounted at your sides, you can take home a high-quality, personalized record of your experience.
Choose between a cinematic 10-minute highlight video or a set of 10–15 professionally edited high-resolution photographs.
These media services can be added to your sidemount scuba diving training booking by selecting the “video & photo” option during checkout.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Sidemount Diver Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Sidemount Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Sidemount Diver Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Sidemount Diver Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation?
For your Wreck Diver Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 3 nights. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Sidemount Diver Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Sidemount Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Sidemount Diver Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Sidemount Diver Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students (2 for the penetration dive) per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple instructors to teach you together.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Sidemount Diver Specialty Course?
Currently, under Thai law, neither students nor instructors are allowed to use cameras during any course, except for specific photo/video courses. Our in-house Video & Photo company Crystal Images can take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on two of your dives on the Sidemount Diver Specialty Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Sidemount Diver Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Sidemount Diver Specialty Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we will get right back to you!
