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Tec Zone · 40m · SSI XR Programme

SSI XR Extended Range
Sidemount Diving

Two cylinders worn at your sides. Flat trim through restrictions. Redundant gas supply for overhead environments and extended range diving. This is XR sidemount: a technical configuration course, not a recreational specialty. If you hold Open Water and are ready to build toward tec, sidemount is where streamlining meets serious overhead capability.

Apply for This Course Course Requirements
Certified by SSI
Course Price
€750
€580 course fee + €170 SSI eLearning · gases included
✓SSI XR eLearning access
✓1-2 confined water sessions
✓4-5 open water training dives
✓Sidemount harness hire available
✓SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving certification card
Apply for This Course
Questions? WhatsApp us first
4
Open Water Dives
2-3
Course Days
40m
Cert. Depth
TEC
Zone
OWD
Prerequisite
1
Confined Sessions
Course Overview

Two cylinders. Both on your sides. One course that changes how you move underwater.

The SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving course teaches the XR sidemount configuration: two independent cylinders clipped to the left and right sides of the body rather than back-mounted. The result is a dramatically lower profile, better trim for restriction entry, and complete gas redundancy at technical diving depths.

This is not the recreational SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving specialty. That course uses a single or lightweight side cylinder for comfort and streamlining on recreational dives. XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving uses two full-size cylinders, independent primary and backup regulators on each, and a system designed for overhead environments, decompression capability, and extended range diving to 40m.

In Malta the course runs confined sessions at Cirkewwa and progresses to open water training dives at sites with natural restriction approaches: Blue Hole Gozo for the cave arch entry, and wreck penetration approaches at Um El Faroud and MV Rozi. The sidemount configuration was developed for exactly these environments.

  • Configure and manage two independent sidemount cylinders for technical diving
  • Achieve flat, streamlined trim appropriate for overhead and restriction entry
  • Perform independent valve management on both cylinders underwater
  • Execute primary and backup regulator switches between cylinders
  • Plan and conduct dives to 40m on air or nitrox in sidemount configuration
  • Respond to cylinder isolation and equipment failure scenarios underwater
SSI

SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving

XR-level sidemount certification. Recognised alongside your base certification for overhead environments and extended range diving worldwide.

Depth Limit
40m Tec Zone
Prerequisite
Open Water Diver + swim fitness assessment (timed swim and survival float)
Min. Age
18 years
Gas
Air or Nitrox (introductory level)
Card issued
SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving card issued on completion of certification dive
Next Step
Extended Range Nitrox Diving or Extended Range Wreck Diving in sidemount configuration

XR Sidemount vs Recreational Sidemount

Recreational Sidemount (single cyl.) 18-30m
XR Sidemount (two independent cyls.) 40m

XR sidemount adds a second full cylinder, independent primary and backup regulators on each side, and a structured valve management protocol. It is a different course solving a different technical problem.

Course Content

Progressive from pool to 40m open water cert dive.

The course opens in confined water to establish the sidemount configuration before moving to open water. Each open water dive adds depth and complexity. By the final dive you will be conducting a complete XR sidemount profile to 40m with independent cylinder management and redundant gas procedures.

DIVE
01

Buoyancy and Trim in Sidemount

12-18m

First open water dive in full XR sidemount configuration. Focus on neutral buoyancy with two side cylinders and establishing correct horizontal trim. Cylinder attachment, pressure checks, and gas management are practised in open conditions.

  • Cylinder clip-on and adjustment at the surface and underwater
  • Independent valve management: isolate each cylinder in sequence
  • Horizontal trim check with both cylinders balanced
  • Regulator switching between primary and secondary (one per cylinder)
DIVE
02

Gas Management and Redundancy

20-25m

Deeper dive consolidating cylinder management and introducing the rule of sixths gas planning used in sidemount XR diving. Both cylinders are drawn down proportionally. Simulated out-of-gas emergencies from each cylinder are practised.

  • Rule of sixths: turn pressure calculation for two independent cylinders
  • Simulated valve failure response: switch to remaining cylinder
  • Ascent with single cylinder deployment after simulated failure
  • SMB deployment in sidemount configuration
DIVE
03

Streamlining and Navigation

30m

Increased depth with navigation pattern and streamlining assessment. By this dive the cylinder trim should be instinctive. Navigation exercises are run on a natural and compass bearing to simulate overhead environment entry requirements.

  • Natural and compass navigation with sidemount cylinders
  • Streamlining assessment: no dangling equipment, flat profile maintained
  • Controlled ascent with correct cylinder position throughout
  • Gas log: match actual consumption against pre-dive plan
DIVE
04

Certification Dive

40m

Full XR sidemount profile to 40m. All skills are demonstrated to certification standard: trim, cylinder management, gas planning, valve handling, emergency procedures, and controlled ascent. On passing, the SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving certification is issued.

  • Complete independent cylinder management throughout the dive
  • Valve isolation and switch demonstrated at depth
  • Full rule of sixths gas plan executed without deviation
  • Certification assessment: all skills to XR standard
Gases Used

Air and Nitrox at introductory XR level.

SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving introduces the XR sidemount configuration on air or nitrox. This is the entry level of the XR sidemount programme. Gas fills are prepared and labelled at diveshack before every dive.

Air
21% O2 / 79% N2
MOD 56m (1.6 bar PO2)

Standard compressed air. Used across all confined and early open water dives. No special analysis required. Independent management on both cylinders: each cylinder tracked separately throughout the dive.

Nitrox (EAN)
Up to 40% O2 / N2 blend
MOD varies by blend

Nitrox can be used for deeper open water training dives. Both cylinders carry the same blend. Cylinders must be oxygen-clean and analysed before each dive. SSI Enriched Air Nitrox certification required if nitrox is used.

This course does not use helium, trimix, or oxygen decompression gas. Those gas configurations belong to subsequent XR courses. The focus here is the sidemount equipment system and configuration management, not gas mixing complexity.

Equipment Required

Sidemount harness system. Two independent cylinders. One streamlined profile.

A full XR sidemount setup is required. The key difference from back-mount: there is no BCD wing behind you. Buoyancy is managed through a sidemount-specific harness with bladder or drysuit. diveshack can supply the sidemount harness and cylinders: contact us to confirm before booking.

Sidemount harness system with buoyancy bladder
Two independent cylinders (side-clipped, not back-mounted)
Primary regulator on left cylinder
Primary regulator on right cylinder
Backup regulator on each cylinder (total two backup regs)
Long hose primary (200cm) routed under arm
SMB and spool for ascent signalling
Cutting tool (shears or knife)
Wetsuit 5mm minimum or drysuit
Dive computer: nitrox-capable (no trimix required at this level)
Mask and fins: split fins work; long blade fins not recommended in restrictions
Dive slate for gas tracking notes

What diveshack provides: Sidemount harness hire, cylinder hire (both side cylinders), regulator hire. What students should own: Mask, fins, wetsuit, dive computer. Contact us early to confirm equipment availability and sizing before booking dates.

What's Included

Everything in the course fee

SSI XR eLearning

Lifetime access to SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount digital study materials. Complete theory before the water sessions begin.

All Cylinder Fills

Air or nitrox fills for both sidemount cylinders across all confined and open water sessions. Cylinders labelled and checked before each dive.

Boat Dives

All open water training dives from diveshack's dedicated vessel, covering Cirkewwa and Gozo training sites.

XR Certification

SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving certification card issued on successful completion of the 40m certification dive.

Not included: DAN dive accident insurance (strongly recommended). Sidemount harness hire if you do not own one: available from diveshack but must be confirmed before booking. Personal equipment such as wetsuit, fins, and mask.

Requirements

What you need before enrolling

The entry point for this course is Open Water Diver certification plus a swim and water fitness assessment. The fitness test runs before the first confined water session and consists of a timed swim and a survival float: both must be passed before the course proceeds.

  • Required SSI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent from any recognised agency)
  • Required Minimum age 18 years
  • Required Swim fitness assessment: timed swim (distance and time confirmed at booking) and survival float
  • Required Comfortable water entry with two cylinders attached: upper body strength and water confidence
  • Recommended SSI Enriched Air Nitrox if you plan to use nitrox on the open water dives
  • Recommended Some logged dive experience before starting: the more comfortable you are underwater, the faster you will progress through sidemount configuration drills
This is not the recreational sidemount course

XR Sidemount vs Recreational Sidemount

SSI also offers a Recreational Sidemount Diving specialty for divers who want a single side cylinder for comfort and streamlining on recreational dives within Open Water depth limits. The XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving course is a distinct XR programme using two full independent cylinders, a tec-oriented harness system, and certification to 40m. If you are unsure which course is right for you, contact us: we will talk you through both.

Ask us which sidemount course suits you →
Accepted Equivalent Prerequisites
  • ✓ SSI Open Water Diver
  • ✓ PADI Open Water Diver
  • ✓ BSAC Ocean Diver
  • ✓ CMAS 1-star Diver
  • ✓ Any WRSTC-recognised Open Water certification
Pricing

Course options

XR Specialty
XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving
€750

Price on application. Contact us to confirm dates, equipment requirements, and whether you need harness hire.

  • ✓ SSI XR eLearning for Extended Range Sidemount Diving
  • ✓ 1-2 confined water sessions with tec instructor
  • ✓ 4-5 open water training dives to 40m
  • ✓ All air or nitrox cylinder fills (both cylinders)
  • ✓ SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving certification
  • ✓ Sidemount harness hire available on request
Apply Now
Combo: Sidemount + Nitrox Diving
Enquire

Combine XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving with Extended Range Nitrox Diving in one programme. Enquire for combo pricing and scheduling.

  • ✓ Everything in XR Sidemount Diving
  • ✓ Plus SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diving
  • ✓ Nitrox fills across both courses
  • ✓ Both SSI certifications issued
  • ✓ Savings vs booking courses separately
Enquire

Deposit required to confirm dates  ·  See cancellation policy  ·  Sidemount harness hire extra if required

FAQ

Common questions

What is the difference between XR Sidemount and Recreational Sidemount? ▼
SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving is a specialty course that teaches a single side cylinder for comfort and a lower profile on recreational dives. It stays within Open Water depth limits and is a streamlining tool, not a tec configuration. SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving is a separate XR programme using two full independent cylinders, independent regulators on each, and a technical harness system. Certification depth is 40m. The courses serve different purposes for different divers. If you are not sure which fits your goals, contact us before booking.
What does the swim fitness assessment involve? ▼
The assessment consists of a timed swim over a set distance and a survival float (treading water or floating without assistance) for a set period. Both components must be passed before confined water training begins. Exact times and distances are confirmed at enrolment. If you have any concerns about the fitness test, contact us before booking: we can advise whether additional confined water sessions to prepare would be useful.
Do I need to own a sidemount harness to do this course? ▼
No. diveshack has sidemount harness hire available. You will need to confirm availability and sizing before locking in your dates. If you are planning to dive sidemount regularly after the course, investing in your own harness is worthwhile: the fit affects trim and cylinder position throughout the dive. We can advise on suitable systems.
Can I combine this with Extended Range Nitrox Diving or Wreck Diving? ▼
Yes. SSI XR Extended Range Sidemount Diving can be combined with Extended Range Nitrox Diving and Extended Range Wreck Diving in a single programme. Many divers use sidemount specifically for wreck penetration, so combining sidemount with wreck diving makes practical sense. Contact us to discuss a combined programme schedule.
Is sidemount suitable for cave diving approaches at Blue Hole Gozo? ⦥
The Blue Hole at Gozo has a distinctive arch and cave approach that benefits from a lower profile. Sidemount configuration reduces your vertical footprint significantly compared to back-mount. We use the Blue Hole approach as a training dive location during this course because it is an excellent environment to practice position management with two side cylinders. Full cave penetration requires additional overhead environment training beyond this course.
What is the cancellation policy? ▼
Cancellations more than 7 days before the course start receive a full deposit refund. Cancellations within 7 days forfeit the deposit. If diveshack cancels due to weather or operational reasons, you receive a full refund or rebooking at no charge.
Keep Exploring

Related courses

XR Programme

Extended Range Foundations

The XR gateway course. Introduces tec equipment, decompression theory, and back-mount configuration before specialising into sidemount or nitrox diving.

View Course →
XR Programme

Extended Range Nitrox Diving

Add nitrox gas planning and extended range profiles in your sidemount configuration. Can be combined with this course in a single programme.

View Course →
XR Programme

Extended Range Wreck Diving

Apply your sidemount configuration to wreck penetration. Combines directly with XR Sidemount Diving for divers targeting Malta's major wreck entries.

View Course →

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