Sidemount

Your exploration journey to the depth starts here

Level 1 - PADI Open Water Course

From 2,000.00 AED

About the Course

Traditional scuba places your cylinder on your back, but sidemount diving positions tanks at your sides for improved flexibility, comfort, and control in the water. Our sidemount scuba diving course introduces divers to the principles of sidemount configuration diving, including harness adjustment, cylinder attachment, regulator routing, trim optimization, and in-water problem solving. This program is ideal for divers who want to experience recreational sidemount diving while building strong foundational skills in a supportive training environment. As a modern specialty program, the course helps divers become more efficient underwater and prepares them for a wide range of future dive goals.

Course Duration

3 day (3 session)

Max Depth

According to diving level

Min Age

15+

Schedule

9AM, 12PM, 3PM (daily)

3 hours

Your Sidemount Certification in 3 Easy Steps

No matter where you are on your dive journey, Nemo has an experience for you

1

E‑Learning

Enroll and complete the online modules at your own pace.

2

Train & Learn

Master knowledge and confined water skills with expert guidance.

3

Get Certified

Complete your open water dives and earn your PADI Sidemount certification, ready to dive with twin tanks anywhere.

Your Sidemount Certification in 3 Easy Steps

No matter where you are on your dive journey, Nemo has an experience for you

1

Discover the Magic

A professional instructor introduces your child to scuba in a safe, controlled environment.

2

Breathe Underwater

Experience real scuba diving in shallow water with full supervision and top-quality equipment.

3

Celebrate the Adventure

Receive an official PADI Bubblemaker recognition certificate and unforgettable memories.

Get PADI Certified in Just 3-4 Days

From e-learning to open water. A streamlined journey engineered for results with Nemo's master instructors

1

PADI e-Learning

Complete the PADI coursework instantly on your mobile device. Master then fundamentals at your own pace and Start Training within 1 year.

2

Confined Water

Walk into the water from our Palm Jumeirah facility and immediately apply for your skill with our private shore access for rapid water entry.

3

Open Water

Get your PADI Global License after completing your open water dives and proving your skills. This certification is recognized at all international dive centers. Valid worldwide.

Bonus: Free Fun Dive

Your reward is your choice! Head to Fujairah for a complimentary post-certification boat dive among coral reefs and sea turtles, or take AED 200 cashback instantly.

How to Earn your Scuba Diving Certification

Experience a new level of comfort and flexibility underwater with Sidemount diving. This course introduces an alternative equipment configuration that improves balance, streamlines your profile, and enhances gas management. Perfect for both recreational and technical divers, sidemount offers greater freedom and control in the water. You’ll learn proper setup, trim, and safety procedures from experienced instructors. Discover a more efficient and enjoyable way to dive while expanding your skillset. Whether you’re preparing for technical diving or simply want better comfort, sidemount is a game-changer. Try something new, enroll today and transform your diving experience.

What you need to know

  • Rental of Sidemount harness, bungee systems and appropriately rigged cylinders.
  • Equipment workshop to adjust harness fit, rig regulators and practise attaching/detaching tanks.
  • One confined‑water session in a pool or shallow bay to master buoyancy, trim and emergency drills.
  • Three open‑water dives exploring reefs in Fujairah or Musandam, practising gas switching and problem solving.
  • Certification processing and instructor guidance on progression to technical or cave diving.
  • Transportation to training locations and any border fees for Musandam trips.
  • Personal dive equipment (mask, fins, exposure suit, computer, SMB) and nitrox fills.
  • Meals beyond snacks, accommodation and personal expenses.
  • Dive insurance (recommended) and additional courses such as Sidemount Tec or Cave Diver.
  • Purchase of sidemount harness or cylinders for personal use (available separately).

In this sidemount diver course, you will learn how to:

  • set up and adjust sidemount harness systems
  • attach and remove cylinders efficiently
  • improve trim and balance underwater
  • manage gas from multiple cylinders
  • maintain a streamlined body position
  • respond to common equipment issues with confidence

This sidemount scuba course combines gear familiarity with real dive skills, making it an excellent choice for divers seeking practical development and a recognized sidemount diving certification pathway.

Upon successful completion of the required sessions and performance standards, divers receive a sidemount diver certification. This sidemount diving certification validates that you have learned the essential skills needed for safe and effective recreational sidemount diving.

For divers who want to continue growing, this sidemount specialty course can also serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced sidemount, technical, or overhead-environment training in the future.

  • Standard scuba kit (mask, fins, wetsuit) and dive computer.
  • SMB and reel, gloves and cutting tool.
  • Swimwear, towel, reef‑safe sunscreen and water bottle.
  • A positive attitude toward trying new configurations and fine‑tuning trim.
  • Optional: your own sidemount harness if you already own one.
  1. Enroll & gear list: Receive a list of recommended personal gear and arrange training dates.
  2. Equipment workshop: With your instructor, configure the harness, rig regulators and practise cylinder attachment on land.
  3. Confined‑water session: Practise buoyancy control, trim adjustments, gas switching and emergency drills in a pool or shallow bay.
  4. Open‑water dives (3): Conduct entries and exits, refine buoyancy and gas management, and simulate problem scenarios.
  5. Debrief & certification: Review your progress, log your dives and discuss progression to advanced sidemount or cave/tec courses.
  • Duration: Three days (3 sessions), depending on scheduling of confined‑ and open‑water sessions.Each session lasts for 2-3 hours
  • Timing: Weekend options and flexible weekdays; start times at 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM 
  • Group size: Limited to two or three divers per instructor for focused coaching.
  • Location: Pool and open water sessions in Dubai.
  • Sidemount diving offers greater flexibility and redundancy but requires meticulous gear setup and practice.
  • Gas switching, cylinder balancing and trim take time to master; expect to make gradual adjustments.
  • This specialty is ideal for divers considering cave or technical courses; it can also reduce back strain on long dives.
  • You must still dive within your existing depth and certification limits (18 m for Open Water, 30 m for Advanced).
  • After the course, consider the Tec Sidemount or Cave Diver specialties to expand your skills further.

Dubai Contact Details

Azure Residences, the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
info@nemodivingcenter.com
+971 56 7044 472

Fujairah Contact Details

Royal Beach, Dibba Fujairah, Al Fujairah
dive@nemodivingcenter.com
+971 58 5044 450

Don't Settle for Just "Good Enough"

Get Certified in the luxury of Palm Jumeirah, then Dive in the UAE's most pristine waters: Fujairah.

Service Details Other Centers Nemo Diving Center
Facility Location ✕ Public Beach / Vans ✓ The Palm Jumeirah (5-Star)
Ocean Upgrade ✕ Not Available / Extra ✓ Fujairah Boat Trip Option
Student Ratio ✕ Crowded (6-8 divers) ✓ VIP Attention (Max 4)
Amenities ✕ Public Restrooms ✓ Azure, Palm Jumeirah
Parking Access ✕ Paid / Off-site Walk ✓ Free On-Site Parking
Equipment Standard ✕ Standard Rental Gear ✓ Premium Sanitized Gear

What our customers are saying about us

Over 2,500 verified Google & TripAdvisor reviews from first-time divers who took the same first step you're taking today.

Why Thousands of Divers Trust Nemo

A decade of safe training, real diving, and global recognition. We don't just teach diving; we build a community of underwater explorers.

10,000+

Divers Certified

Trained safely since 2014 across all levels

7,000+

Diving Trips Conducted

Operating daily for over 10 years

40+

International Dive Trips

Overseas trips & liveaboard adventures

PADI 5-Star

Career Development Center

Trained safely since 2014 across all levels

2,500+

Verified Reviews

Google + TripAdvisor combined

Top-Rated

Diving Center in the UAE

consistent yearly performance

People Behind Your Diving

Hossam Tarek

IDC / tec Instructor

Khaled A Gaber

Dive Master

Muhammed Fasil

Dive Master

Ahmed Amer

Dive Master

Mohab Abdelmegeed

Tec Instructor Trainer

Viktoriia Kulichkova

Dive Master

Mostafa Gomaa

Padi Instructor

Faris Elsafi

Padi Instructor

Galal Hassan

IDC / tec Instructor

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Frequently Asked Questions?

Your underwater journey starts here

Yes. We provide matched cylinders; you’ll learn to manage independent gas supplies.
Absolutely. Many divers switch to sidemount for comfort and redundancy, even on recreational dives.
It requires good buoyancy and coordination; practice in confined water helps build confidence.
Yes. Safety is Nemo’s top priority. Courses are conducted in small groups, with experienced instructors, and follow strict PADI safety standards
Yes. All required scuba equipment is included during training. Personal gear (mask, computer, snorkel) is optional but recommended.
Yes. All Nemo courses follow PADI standards and certifications are issued digitally upon successful completion.

2,000.00 AED

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