What is the TDI Sidemount Diver course and how does it differ from recreational sidemount?

The TDI Sidemount Diver course teaches certified divers to safely use side-mounted primary cylinders in a true technical configuration. Unlike recreational sidemount, the TDI course focuses on gas matching with dissimilar cylinder volumes, managing two fully independent regulator systems, S-Drills specific to sidemount, advanced propulsion techniques, and technical problem-solving including gas hemorrhage, entanglement, and loss of visibility procedures.

Who can join the TDI Sidemount course in Koh Chang?

Minimum age 18 years. Minimum certification: Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent. No confined water session is required by TDI standards — training takes place in open water over a minimum of 2 days.

How much does the TDI Sidemount course cost and how long does it take?

TDI Sidemount Diver: 14,990 THB — 4 open water dives over 2 days, 1 TDI certification, incl. all sidemount equipment and eLearning. TDI Sidemount + TDI Advanced Nitrox package: 23,990 THB — the same 4 dives and 2 days, but you earn 2 TDI certifications: Sidemount Diver and Advanced Nitrox Diver.

What equipment is required for the TDI Sidemount course?

Required equipment: dual cylinders (volume appropriate for planned dives), two independent first and second stage regulators each with a submersible pressure gauge (SPG), a buoyancy compensator device (BCD) configured for sidemount, exposure suit, mask, fins, a dive computer, and a backup depth/timing device. All equipment is included in the course price at Chang Diving.

Can the TDI Sidemount course be combined with other technical courses?

Yes. At Chang Diving we offer TDI Sidemount combined with TDI Advanced Nitrox (23,990 THB — same 4 dives, 2 TDI certifications). Note: a valid recreational Nitrox certification is required as a prerequisite for the Advanced Nitrox course. We also offer combinations with Decompression Procedures and Advanced Wreck — contact us for pricing.

TDI Sidemount Diver Course Koh Chang – 2 Days, from 14,990 THB

Name: TDI Sidemount Diver Course Koh Chang – 2 Days, from 14,990 THB
Price: 14990 THB
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (171 reviews)

TDI Sidemount Diver Course Koh Chang – Technical Dual-Cylinder Diving

The TDI Sidemount Diver Course is designed to teach certified divers how to safely utilise side-mounted primary cylinders as an alternative to the traditional back-mounted configuration. Over 2 days and 4 open water dives, you develop the gas management, trim, and problem-solving skills demanded by real technical diving — from the HTMS Chang wreck to complex overhead environments. The course can also be combined with Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, and Trimix.

TDI Sidemount differs from recreational sidemount courses in its technical emphasis: you work with two independent regulator systems, practice S-Drills specific to sidemount, and master gas management across dissimilar cylinder volumes — the same skills required in wreck penetration and cave environments. This is a TDI certification recognised worldwide for technical diving progression.

Why train TDI Sidemount on Koh Chang?

Koh Chang offers calm Gulf conditions ideal for mastering the exacting buoyancy and trim required in sidemount technical diving — plus direct access to the HTMS Chang wreck for real-world overhead training. Our TDI instructors work in groups of maximum 4 students, giving you focused coaching on every dive.

If you already hold a recreational sidemount certification (SDI/PADI) and want to step into true technical configuration, the TDI Sidemount course is the logical next step on your tech diving pathway.

→ Learn how specialty courses work at Chang Diving

What You’ll Learn

⚙️ Gas matching procedures — including dissimilar cylinder volumes
Gas management and switching with two fully independent cylinder systems
S-Drills (out-of-gas and bubble check) specific to sidemount
Advanced propulsion: frog kick, modified flutter, backwards kick, helicopter turns
Buoyancy control — hover at a fixed point without moving hands or feet
Trim — maintain correct body position throughout descent, bottom, and ascent
Unclip and attach sidemount cylinders while maintaining trim and buoyancy
Regulator switches with and without a mask
Deploy lift bag; problem solving: gas hemorrhage, entanglement, loss of visibility
Conservation, awareness, and back-referencing techniques

Your Options

TDI Sidemount Diver – 14,990 THB: Online theory (SDI/TDI eLearning or manual) + 4 open water dives over 2 days → 1 TDI certification
⭐ TDI Sidemount + TDI Advanced Nitrox – 23,990 THB: Same 4 dives, same 2 days — but you leave with 2 TDI certifications: Sidemount Diver AND Advanced Nitrox Diver. Use high-oxygen mixes above 40% O₂ from day one.
Further combinations: Decompression Procedures, Advanced Wreck — contact us for pricing

Theory via SDI/TDI eLearning or in-house instructor sessions

→ See how specialty training works at Chang Diving

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years
Minimum Certification: Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
Duration: Minimum 2 days (suggested 4 hrs classroom/briefing)
Dives: 3 open water dives minimum (90 min accumulated bottom time) — we include a 4th dive
Max group size: 4 students per instructor
For the Sidemount + Advanced Nitrox package: A valid recreational Nitrox certification (e.g. SDI/PADI Nitrox) is required as a prerequisite for the Advanced Nitrox course
Required equipment: Dual cylinders, 2 independent regulators each with SPG, sidemount BCD, exposure suit, mask, fins, dive computer + backup

What's Included?

2-day TDI Sidemount Diver course
4 open water dives from the boat
TDI-certified instructor (max. 4 students per instructor)
All sidemount scuba equipment (dual cylinders, sidemount BCD, dual regulators with SPG)
SDI/TDI Sidemount eLearning or manual
TDI certification registration
Lunch, fruits, soft drinks, tea/coffee
Hotel pickup (available in selected areas of Koh Chang)

⚠️ Optional

Exclusive for our students & dive guests
Get a special discount on selected equipment
Mask, snorkel, fins & more available online
Book this equipment together with your course or trip and save instantly!
Offer valid only for combined online bookings on our website.
Dive accident insurance – recommended for all divers
GoPro rental available for certified divers

Sidemount diver demonstrating proper tank configuration during specialty course at Koh Chang

Instructor teaching sidemount gas management and regulator switching techniques

Sidemount diver showing improved trim and buoyancy control with side-mounted tanks

Sidemount diving setup with streamlined equipment configuration and redundancy systems

Where will you train?

TDI Sidemount training dives take place at the HTMS Chang Wreck and the coral reefs of Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park — providing varied terrain for practising trim, gas management, and overhead skills in real diving conditions.

Use our dive site map to plan your adventure or dive deeper into our Marine Life Guide and see what awaits below the surface.

What other divers discovered

Real reviews and experiences from our guests – see what others found on their diving adventures with us!

Ready to Go Technical with Sidemount?

The TDI Sidemount course is for divers who want more than a gear setup — it's a gateway to independent cylinder management, wreck penetration, and full technical diving capability.

✅ True technical sidemount with dual independent regulators
✅ Recognised TDI certification for worldwide tech diving progression
✅ Maximum 4 students per instructor — focused, hands-on coaching
✅ Combines with Advanced Nitrox & Deco Procedures

TDI Sidemount Diver

💸 14,990 THB

2 days, 4 open water dives → 1 TDI certification. Incl. eLearning & full sidemount equipment. Max 4 students per instructor.

⭐ TDI Sidemount + TDI Advanced Nitrox

💸 23,990 THB

Same 4 dives, same 2 days as the solo course — but you leave with 2 TDI certifications: Sidemount Diver + Advanced Nitrox Diver. Use high-oxygen mixes above 40% O₂ from day one.

Book your TDI Sidemount course — contact us below!

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