Technical Sidemount Diving on Malapascua Island
The PADI Sidemount TEC Specialty bridges the gap between recreational sidemount diving and full technical diving. You’ll learn to manage twin cylinders in sidemount configuration, handle gas switches, and practise the buoyancy and trim control required for decompression diving. It’s the natural step up from the recreational sidemount course.
Learn to dive in paradise
Course Overview
A focused technical specialty combining classroom sessions with pool and open water training dives in full TEC sidemount configuration.
- Duration: 2–3 days
- Pool skills + open water TEC dives
- PADI TEC Sidemount Specialty certification
- Sidemount TEC equipment provided for training
Course Overview
The course covers two main phases:
Knowledge Development
TEC sidemount equipment configuration, gas planning for two cylinders, decompression theory, failure drills, and the differences between recreational and technical sidemount operations. Covers contingency gas management and valve shutdown procedures.
Pool / Confined Water
Practice assembling and securing twin cylinders in sidemount, valve isolation drills, regulator switching, buoyancy and trim in horizontal position, and managing failures in a controlled, shallow environment.
Open Water Dives
TEC dives at Malapascua’s local deep sites in full sidemount configuration. You’ll apply gas management, maintain precise depth control, and practise decompression procedures under instructor supervision.
Study Materials
The course uses the PADI TEC Sidemount manual along with relevant gas planning worksheets. All materials are included in the course price.
A solid understanding of recreational sidemount and basic decompression theory before the course will significantly reduce your learning curve.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
PADI Sidemount Diver (recreational) certification required. PADI TEC 40 or equivalent technical diving certification is strongly recommended. Minimum age is 18. A minimum of 30 logged dives is required.
Download medical exam formYour Instructors
Our technical instructors have extensive experience in both technical and recreational sidemount diving and can advise on the best progression path for your goals.
Full Technical Diving Programme
The TEC Sidemount Specialty integrates with the TEC 40, TEC 45, and TEC 50 courses. If you’re building toward deep technical diving, combining sidemount with the TEC progression is the most efficient path.
Ask about TEC course packages that combine sidemount training with depth progression.
Combine Courses
The TEC Sidemount Specialty pairs directly with TEC 40 through TEC 50. Complete them together during an extended stay on Malapascua and build a comprehensive technical diving capability.
Inquire about this course
Inquire about this course
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