Open-Circuit Programs

Extended Range Sidemount

Intent

This program provides divers with the training necessary to:

Independently plan and conduct dives,

In an Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System,

To a maximum depth of 40 meters,

With an equally- or more-qualified dive buddy.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status SSI Extended Range Sidemount Instructor may conduct the Extended Range Sidemount program.

Student Prerequisites

Have the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:

Open Water Diver

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 16-24.

Minimum Equipment

A complete Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System.

In-Water Ratios

The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

Depth Limitations

Maximum pool/confined water depth limit: 12 meters.

Maximum open water depth limit: 40 meters or the maximum certification depth of the student, whichever is shallower.

Requirements For Completion

Complete all academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Sidemount Diving.

Complete a Sidemount Diving final exam.

Complete the XR Water Fitness Evaluation as outlined in the SSI General Training Standards.

Complete a pool/confined water skill development session of at least one (1) hour.

Complete at least four (4) open water training dives, with a cumulative time of at least 120 minutes, as outlined in the instructor manual for Sidemount Diving.

Training Conditions

Breathing Gas and Decompression

All in-water training must be planned and conducted within the no-decompression limits.

Sequence

Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2 may only be conducted after the student successfully completes the equipment configuration session, the XR Water Fitness Evaluation, and all pool/confined water skill development sessions.

Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4 may only be conducted after the student successfully completes all academic sessions and Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2.

Credit

A diver with the SSI Recreational Sidemount Diving certification may earn the Extended Range Sidemount certification by completing the additional skill requirements for the Pool/Confined Water Session in an Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System, and the requirements for Open Water Training Dive 4, as outlined in the instructor manual for Sidemount Diving.

Certification

Upon completion of all academic and in-water requirements, the SSI Professional may issue the program’s digital certification card.

The SSI Extended Range Sidemount certification entitles the holder to dive autonomously:

In environments similar to those of the diver’s training and experience,

In an Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System,

To a maximum depth of 40 meters or their maximum certification level if it is shallower,

With an equally- or more-qualified dive buddy.