Sidemount

The RAID Sidemount Diver course is the ultimate choice for divers seeking to refine their diving technique, increase in-water control, and set themselves up for seamless progression into more advanced diving.

This program provides structured, hands-on training that develops exceptional equipment awareness, buoyancy, and gas management skills—giving you the confidence and flexibility that sidemount diving is known for.

Throughout the course, participants will learn to configure and dive with a sidemount system correctly and efficiently. Emphasis is placed on proper equipment setup, harness adjustment, hose routing, and streamlining to create a balanced, comfortable, and stable platform underwater. By mastering these fundamentals early, divers position themselves for easier transitions into technical, overhead, and extended-range environments in the future.

Our Mission: Training Safe and Skilled Divers

At Snorkel Dive Melbourne, our mission aligns with RAID’s philosophy to provide high-quality, safety-focused dive training in a welcoming and enjoyable environment. Each of our courses is performance-based, ensuring that divers meet all standards for proficiency and safety. We are committed to giving you the time and support needed to achieve these standards.

In cases where extra training time or additional resources are required—such as an additional boat dive to meet course requirements—these may incur supplementary costs. Our priority is your success, ensuring you complete your training as a confident, competent diver.

Why Learn Sidemount Properly?

Sidemount isn’t just a different way to carry tanks — it’s a refined equipment system that offers better trim, comfort, redundancy and flexibility.

A quick 1-day course rarely gives divers the skills to configure and control the system effectively. Proper training means learning how to fine-tune your harness, manage gas efficiently, and move effortlessly in the water.

The best results come from training with an instructor who actually dives sidemount outside of courses. Real-world experience translates to better configuration, problem-solving, and confidence.

PRE REQUISITES

• To be a minimum of 15 years of age

• Certified as RAID Open Water 20 or equivalent

• Minimum of 4 hours of logged underwater dive time after Open Water certification

• Complete the RAID registration and online training procedures HERE

Before making your course payment we encourage you to complete the medical questionnaire either on the RAID website or via this downloadable form HERE. If anything on there could be of concern, please contact us!

COURSE STRUCTURE

• Online theory completion

• 1 Pool/Confined Water session — harness and regulator setup, buoyancy & trim, skill development

• 2 Open Water dives — progressive skill integration, gas management, and equipment handling

• 2 Boat dives - to apply new skills to boat diving

• Equipment configuration & streamlining workshop

• Buoyancy and trim refinement session

• Gas management, dive planning & redundancy procedures overview

This structure ensures divers build a solid foundation in sidemount configuration and in-water control before progressing to more advanced environments or technical pathways or simply enjoying the benefits of sidemount diving

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Sidemount harness and wing (properly fitted and adjusted)

• Two regulators configured for sidemount (long hose and short hose setup)

• Two cylinders (matched in size and configuration)

• Mask, fins and exposure protection appropriate to conditions

• Dive computer 

• Wrist slate or wetnotes

• Primary torch and backup (recommended for overhead or low-vis dives)

• Compass

• SMB with spool or reel

• Cutting device (knife, line cutter, or shears)

• Weight system suitable for sidemount configuration

If required, cylinders and regulators can be provided as part of the course.

COURSE PRICING

Practical & e-learning Training Package $1199

- Includes Course Online Material

-Club pricing for any Hire Gear needed

COURSE DATES

Enquire for dates, courses normally arranged for student availability/needs.

Course Booking Information

For course booking information, including our rescheduling policy, please click HERE.