Why Take a Sidemount Diving Course in Malta?
Malta is internationally recognised as one of Europe’s best diving destinations. The island offers exceptional visibility, calm conditions, and a variety of dive environments including reefs, caves, and historic wrecks.
Training for your SSI Recreational Sidemount certification in Malta allows you to practice your skills in real dive conditions while enjoying some of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in the Mediterranean.
Key advantages of learning sidemount diving in Malta include:
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Clear water with excellent visibility
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A wide range of dive sites suitable for training
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Easy shore and boat access to dive locations
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Year-round diving conditions
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A strong international diving community
What Makes the Diveshack Sidemount Course Different?
At Diveshack Malta, we focus on building strong diving skills rather than simply meeting the minimum certification requirements.
Our sidemount courses are designed to help divers feel comfortable and confident using this equipment configuration in real diving situations.
Benefits of training with Diveshack include:
Small group training
Courses are conducted in small groups to ensure personal attention and detailed coaching.
Extended in-water practice
We provide additional time underwater to fine-tune buoyancy, trim, and equipment setup.
Professional sidemount instruction
Our instructors are experienced sidemount divers who teach practical techniques used by advanced and technical divers.
High-quality sidemount equipment
Students train with properly configured sidemount systems designed for comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Flexible scheduling
Courses are scheduled around your travel plans whenever possible.
What You Will Learn in the SSI Recreational Sidemount Course
The SSI Recreational Sidemount Diver specialty teaches you how to safely configure and dive with a sidemount system while improving your overall buoyancy and diving control.
The course combines digital theory learning with practical water training.
1. Sidemount Equipment Configuration
You will learn how to properly assemble and configure a sidemount system, including:
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Harness and wing setup
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Cylinder attachment and positioning
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Hose routing and regulator configuration
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Equipment adjustments for trim and comfort
A properly configured system is essential for efficient sidemount diving.
2. Buoyancy Control and Trim
Sidemount diving offers exceptional balance underwater, but correct positioning is key.
During training you will learn how to:
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Maintain a horizontal trim position
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Improve buoyancy control with sidemount cylinders
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Achieve better streamlining in the water
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Move efficiently without disturbing the environment
Many divers find that their overall diving skills improve significantly after sidemount training.
3. Gas Management and Diving Procedures
Because sidemount diving uses two cylinders, proper gas management is an important part of the course.
You will practice:
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Monitoring gas supply in two cylinders
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Regulator switching procedures
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Managing cylinder pressure during dives
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Safe entry and exit techniques with sidemount equipment
These skills improve both safety and efficiency underwater.
4. Open Water Training Dives
During the course you will complete 3 to 4 training dives in open water where you will apply everything you have learned.
These dives allow you to:
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Adjust and refine your equipment setup
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Practice sidemount skills in real dive environments
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Build confidence diving with a sidemount configuration
Malta’s clear water makes it easy to focus on technique while enjoying the surrounding dive sites.
Who Can Join the SSI Recreational Sidemount Course?
The course is open to certified recreational divers who want to improve their diving configuration and skills.
Minimum requirements:
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Certified SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent
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Minimum age 15 years old
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Comfortable with basic diving skills and buoyancy control
This course is ideal for divers who want to:
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Improve trim and buoyancy
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Reduce back strain from traditional tanks
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Learn a configuration used in advanced diving
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Prepare for SSI Advanced Wreck Diver, cavern, or technical diving training
What Is Included in the Course?
The SSI Recreational Sidemount Diver Course with Diveshack Malta includes everything needed for training.
Course inclusions:
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Professional SSI sidemount instructor
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3–4 open water training dives
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Complete sidemount equipment system
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Digital learning materials through the SSI system (select the tick box)
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SSI certification fees included with eLearning
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Lifetime access to your digital certification via the SSI app
There are no hidden equipment or certification costs.
What Can You Do After Becoming a Sidemount Diver?
After completing the course, you will be certified to dive recreationally using a sidemount configuration anywhere in the world.
Benefits include:
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Improved balance and trim underwater
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Greater comfort compared to traditional back-mounted tanks
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Enhanced gas management with two cylinders
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A configuration compatible with wreck and overhead environments
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Preparation for advanced sidemount or technical diving training
Many divers discover that sidemount becomes their preferred way to dive.
Why Choose Diveshack Malta for Your Sidemount Training?
Diveshack is one of Malta’s established dive centres, known for professional instruction and a strong focus on diver safety and skill development.
Reasons divers choose Diveshack:
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Experienced sidemount instructors
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High training standards beyond minimum certification requirements
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Access to some of Malta’s best dive sites
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Small group courses for better learning
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Modern equipment and professional facilities
Our goal is to help you become a confident and capable diver, not just complete a certification.
SSI Recreational Sidemount Course Details
Course duration: Typically 2 days
Location: Diveshack, Malta
Start dates: Courses run regularly throughout the year
Certification: SSI Recreational Sidemount Diver
Malta’s excellent diving conditions allow training to take place almost year-round.
Book Your SSI Sidemount Course in Malta
Learning sidemount diving can completely change the way you experience scuba diving. With improved balance, streamlined equipment, and greater comfort underwater, sidemount has become one of the fastest-growing diving configurations worldwide.
Train with experienced instructors and explore the clear waters of the Mediterranean while earning your SSI Recreational Sidemount certification with Diveshack Malta.
Spaces are limited to maintain small training groups.
Enrol today or contact us for course availability.
Frequently Asked Questions – SSI Sidemount Course Malta
Do I need previous sidemount experience to take the course?
No. The SSI Recreational Sidemount course is designed for divers who have never used sidemount equipment before.
What certification do I need to start the sidemount course?
You must be a certified Open Water Diver (or equivalent) and at least 15 years old.
How long does the SSI Sidemount course take in Malta?
The course typically takes 2 days and includes theory sessions and 3–4 open water training dives.
Will I use my own sidemount equipment?
You can use your own equipment if you have it, but Diveshack provides a complete sidemount setup for all students during the course.
Is sidemount diving better than backmount diving?
Sidemount offers advantages such as improved trim, reduced back strain, and better gas management. Many divers prefer it after trying it.
Can I use sidemount equipment on normal recreational dives?
Yes. Once certified, you can dive sidemount recreationally anywhere in the world.