Question on sidemount training from CCR diver.

[Dsix36]

I have never trained with any OC gear for techinical or cave.

I have done both on a rebreather and skipped the OC stuff.

Now I am thinking about doing some sidemount cave diving. What is required to be certified for this. Is it going to be starting from scratch or some kind of crossover course?

My rebreather will still be my primary diving tool. I just want to be able to dive some other places too.

[atedeschi]

There is no requirement to have SM training, and Im pretty sure since you already have a cave card you are good to go.

[Dsix36]

The Open Circuit part is also a concern to me. I don't have any OC cave cards, just the CCR Cave one.

It is my understanding that in the Bahamas an OC sidemount cert is required for some of the caves.

[Slüdge]

in the Bahamas an OC sidemount cert is required for some of the caves.

First: I don't know, because I've never cave dived in the Bahamas, but I find this hard to believe. Most of the sidemount divers I know never took a sidemount course and don't have the card.

[Benthic]

If you know how to plan bailout, then you know how to plan for your gas needs. From your CCR Cave class you learned all about line protocol, lost buddy drills, lost line drills, propulsion techniques, reel work, etc. You should be all set. Don't get me wrong, you would do well to start slowly with some easy, simple dives and progress as your comfort allows. But based on the training you already have, you should be good to go as far as the knowledge you need. Seeking out a bit of sidemount mentoring probably wouldn't be a bad idea. But I don't think a full blown, formal course is required.

Brian

[Dsix36]

If you know how to plan bailout, then you know how to plan for your gas needs. From your CCR Cave class you learned all about line protocol, lost buddy drills, lost line drills, propulsion techniques, reel work, etc. You should be all set. Don't get me wrong, you would do well to start slowly with some easy, simple dives and progress as your comfort allows. But based on the training you already have, you should be good to go as far as the knowledge you need. Seeking out a bit of sidemount mentoring probably wouldn't be a bad idea. But I don't think a full blown, formal course is required.

Brian

That was the answer I was hoping to hear.

[bridiver]

Check out smrebreathers.com

[Diverlee]

Maybe contact the Bahamas and ask them their requirements.

[Danseur]

http://bahamasunderground.com/
mailto:bahamacave@aol.com
http://www.bahamascaves.com/

Phone: Bahamas (242) 359-6128

Just give Brian a call. He (with Jill Heinerth) wrote "the book"on sidemount, and he's also a VERY experienced rebreather guy and THE authority when it comes to Bahamian caves and protocols.

[scubagrunt]

don to answer your question, technically you are not certified to dive OC cave backmount or sidemount. now i dont know if the cave police will be out carding you.
mel
ps good question. there is a oc to ccr cave crossover but i am not aware of a ccr to oc crossover!!!