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This RAID Speciality is equipment specific regarding the use of Side Mount cylinders for open circuit diving for recreational and/or technical diving. The use of Side Mount cylinders is simply an alternative method of carrying gasses for the dive. It does not detract the operational procedures used for any level of diver certification.
This is great course may be taken as a stand alone course or in conjunction with any RAID open circuit recreational or technical programme. The side mount configuration provides the diver with a high level of independence and self reliance.
The RAID Side Mount Speciality is developed in conjunction with the RAID open circuit programmes from recreational to technical. The configuration and techniques for the relevant certification levels can be applied to the Side Mount system of equipment configuration with little consideration.
The RAID Side Mount Speciality is subject to the level of certification the diver obtains/has and is not limited to any depth or discipline (wreck, cave, Deco etc…). The techniques and skills in this course are the basic principles applied to open water diving.
Techniques and skills that apply to other more specific disciplines such as, but not limited to, cave or wreck apply equally to Side Mount equipment configuration as they would to any other open circuit equipment configuration and require, but not limited to, the application of risk management and dive planning considering the Side Mount configuration for the relevant discipline.
RAID Open Circuit Level 1 and the RAID Side Mount Speciality.
RAID Side Mount Speciality. This course may be combined with any open circuit RAID course.
Certified divers with prior training such as but not limited to Rebreather certifications (proof required) where there is a requirement to carry side sling cylinders (Side Mount) for open circuit bail out may, at the instructors’ discretion after completing the academic portion of this Speciality, complete a review of this course by way of the student demonstrating mastery of the skills in (confined optional) open water.
Easy to mount on a RIB at sea.
Improved gas supply redundancy over single tank diving.
Improved safety with two independent gas supplies.
Easier access and monitoring of tank valves and regulators.
Easier access to single cylinders while travelling.
Improved trim and streamlining, and better for DPV.
Easy to secure cylinders on hang lines under boats.
Lighter to carry one tank at a time to the boat or shore or underwater.
No possibility of the back mounted cylinder hitting the back of the head.
Greater range of motion of head and neck.
Best possible fit for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
More ability to travel and accommodate any type of recreational singles or doubles diving.
Easy to deal with cylinders one at a time.
Standards may change without notice.