Recreational Sidemount Diver Course

Experience a New Way to Dive with Greater Comfort, Balance and Freedom

Ready to transform the way you dive?

The SSI Recreational Sidemount Diver Specialty introduces you to one of the fastest-growing equipment configurations in recreational diving. Originally developed for cave and wreck divers, sidemount diving is now being embraced by recreational divers for its exceptional comfort, improved balance, enhanced safety, and streamlined performance.

Whether you're looking to protect your back, improve your trim, or prepare for future technical diving, this course will change the way you think about scuba.

Discover the Advantages of Sidemount Diving

Unlike traditional back-mounted scuba systems, sidemount places one or two cylinders comfortably at your sides, creating a more balanced, streamlined diving position.

The result?

• Greater comfort before, during and after every dive

• Improved trim and buoyancy control

• Reduced effort underwater

• Easier movement through the water

• Better access to your cylinder valves and equipment

• Increased redundancy when diving with two cylinders

• Longer, more enjoyable dives through improved efficiency

Many divers also find that sidemount reduces strain on their back when carrying equipment, making diving more enjoyable from start to finish.

What You'll Learn

During the SSI Recreational Sidemount Diver course you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to safely dive using either a single-cylinder or two-cylinder sidemount configuration.

You'll learn how to:

• Assemble and configure sidemount equipment correctly

• Fit and adjust your sidemount harness for maximum comfort

• Enter and exit the water efficiently

• Achieve excellent trim and buoyancy

• Perform gas management and cylinder switching procedures

• Conduct pre-dive equipment checks

• Manage emergency situations with confidence

• Dive safely to 30 metres or your current certification depth (whichever is deeper)

Why Choose Sidemount?

More and more recreational divers are choosing sidemount because it offers significant advantages over traditional back-mounted scuba systems.

Benefits Include:

✔ Outstanding comfort both above and below the water

✔ Improved body position and streamlining

✔ Better buoyancy control

✔ Reduced air consumption through greater efficiency

✔ Easier access to valves and regulators

✔ Added redundancy when diving with twin sidemount cylinders

✔ Less strain on your back and shoulders

✔ Ideal preparation for Extended Range and Technical Diving

Is This Course Right for You?

This course is perfect for divers who want to:

• Improve comfort while diving

• Reduce physical strain when carrying scuba equipment

• Improve buoyancy and trim

• Extend their diving skills

• Explore a different style of diving

• Prepare for future Extended Range or Technical Diving courses

Whether you're an experienced recreational diver or simply looking for a better way to dive, sidemount offers an exciting new perspective.

Why Train with Central Coast Divers?

At Central Coast Divers, you'll receive personalised instruction from experienced SSI professionals who are passionate about helping divers develop exceptional skills.

Our training focuses on:

• Small class sizes

• Individual coaching

• Professional equipment setup

• Practical, real-world diving skills

• Building confidence through experience

We'll ensure your sidemount system is correctly fitted and configured so you experience the comfort and performance that sidemount diving is famous for.

Course Benefits

✔ Learn to dive using single or twin sidemount cylinders

✔ Dive to 30 metres or your certification depth

✔ Improve buoyancy, trim and underwater efficiency

✔ Experience greater comfort on every dive

✔ Increase equipment redundancy and safety

✔ Reduce physical strain carrying your equipment

✔ Build a strong foundation for Extended Range diving

Discover Why So Many Divers Switch to Sidemount

Once divers experience the freedom, balance and comfort of sidemount diving, many never return to traditional back-mounted equipment.

Whether your goal is recreational diving, technical diving, or simply becoming a more capable diver, the SSI Recreational Sidemount Diver Specialty is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make.

Book Your Recreational Sidemount Diver Course Today

Experience greater comfort, better buoyancy and a whole new way to explore the underwater world.

Call Central Coast Divers on (02) 4389 3483 or enrol online today and discover why more divers are choosing sidemount.

Step Into the Past — And Your Next Level of Diving

Advanced Wreck Diving with Central Coast Divers

The first time you descend into a shipwreck, it can feel like stepping across a threshold into another world. When the ocean claims a vessel — by fate or by design — it seals it in time. Corridors, cabins, and machinery become a silent museum of mysteries and stories waiting to be uncovered.

At Central Coast Divers, we turn that sense of awe into confidence, skill, and safe exploration through our Advanced Wreck Diving Course.

Learn From Decades of Wreck-Diving Experience

Our instructor team brings over 55 years of combined wreck-diving and technical-training expertise, guiding thousands of divers through Australia’s most iconic sites.
You’ll train with seasoned professionals who have explored wrecks throughout the Indo-Pacific and know how to teach safe, controlled penetration techniques — not just theory.

We focus on:

• Proper wreck-diving procedures

• Equipment configuration and redundancy

• Finning techniques for confined spaces

• Guideline handling and exit strategies

• Navigation inside complex structures

Every step is hands-on, controlled, and designed to build real confidence.

Safety First — Always

Wreck diving is one of the most rewarding specialties in scuba, but it demands respect.
We use:

• Small student-to-instructor ratios

• Pre-dive safety briefings

• Redundant gear setups

• Controlled environments and progressive depth limits

• Continuous skill checks and comfort assessments

With Central Coast Divers, your safety is never compromised — and neither is your enjoyment.

More Than a Course — It’s an Adventure

Expect an unforgettable experience:

• Explore real wrecks

• Challenge yourself with new skills

• Build situational awareness

• Discover hidden spaces most divers never see

By the end, you’ll not only be a safer, more capable diver — you’ll have a deeper appreciation for wrecks as time capsules of maritime history.

Your Pathway to Extended Range & Beyond

The Advanced Wreck course is also a perfect gateway into more technical programs, such as:

• SSI Extended Range (XR)

• XR Nitrox & Technical Foundations

• Deep Diving Specialties

• Horizon SCR (Semi-Closed Rebreather)

• Advanced Wreck Penetration

If you’ve ever imagined longer bottom times, deeper dives, or more challenging environments, this course sets the foundation.

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re a curious adventurer or training toward full technical certification, your journey starts here.

Join Central Coast Divers and unlock a new world of exploration — safely, confidently, and with the most experienced wreck-diving instructors on the Central Coast.

Let’s go diving.

Extended Range Foundations Course

Build the Skills. Increase Your Confidence. Unlock the World of Technical Diving.

Take the next step beyond recreational diving with the SSI Extended Range Foundations Program—the perfect course for divers who want to refine their skills, improve their confidence, and prepare for the exciting world of Extended Range (XR) and Technical Diving.

Whether you're considering technical diving in the future or simply want to become a safer, more proficient recreational diver, this course provides the ideal foundation.

Why Choose Extended Range Foundations?

The Extended Range Foundations course bridges the gap between recreational and technical diving. Rather than jumping straight into technical training, you'll develop the essential skills, buoyancy, trim, propulsion techniques, and equipment handling required to dive with greater precision and confidence.

This is a practical, workshop-style program where experienced instructors provide personalised coaching to help you master advanced diving techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment.

What You'll Learn

During the two day course you will develop and refine:

• Perfect buoyancy control

• Advanced trim and body positioning

• Efficient propulsion techniques

• Precision finning methods

• Improved situational awareness

• Gas management techniques

• Team diving procedures

• Equipment configuration and streamlining

• Extended Range Total Diving System setup

• Emergency procedures and problem-solving skills

Who Is This Course For?

The Extended Range Foundations program is ideal for:

• Recreational divers wanting to improve their diving skills

• Divers preparing for Deep, Wreck or Decompression training

• Future Technical Divers

• Underwater photographers seeking greater stability

• Divers wanting better air consumption and efficiency

• Anyone who wants to dive with greater control, confidence and safety

Train Like a Technical Diver

You'll learn to use Extended Range Total Diving Systems and procedures that are standard throughout the technical diving community. The focus is on precision, consistency and developing muscle memory that makes every dive smoother, safer and more enjoyable.

There is no pressure to continue into technical diving after completing this course—but if you do, you'll already have the essential skills that many technical courses expect.

Why Train with Central Coast Divers?

When you train with Central Coast Divers you'll learn from some of Australia's most experienced SSI Extended Range professionals.

Our small class sizes ensure you receive individual coaching and constructive feedback throughout every session, allowing you to progress quickly and confidently.

We focus on developing real-world diving skills—not simply helping you pass a course.

Course Benefits

• ✔ Bridge the gap between recreational and technical diving

• ✔ Dramatically improve buoyancy and trim

• ✔ Reduce air consumption through efficient diving techniques

• ✔ Become a more confident and capable diver

• ✔ Learn professional Extended Range procedures

• ✔ Prepare for future Technical Diving courses

• ✔ Enjoy safer, more relaxed dives

Your Technical Diving Journey Starts Here

Every exceptional technical diver began by mastering the fundamentals.

The SSI Extended Range Foundations course provides the skills, confidence and discipline that will improve every dive you make—whether you remain a recreational diver or continue your journey into Extended Range and Technical Diving.

Book Your Extended Range Foundations Course Today

Challenge yourself, refine your skills, and discover just how enjoyable precision diving can be.

📞 Call Central Coast Divers on (02) 4389 3483 or book online today and take the first step towards becoming an exceptional diver.

Technical Extended Range

The intent of the XR Technical Extended Range program is to provide divers with the training necessary to independently plan and conductdives with a  two-gas switch, multiple-stop decompression dives, to depths of up to 60 metres, using specialized diving equipment and procedures with an equally-qualified dive buddy.

You will earn the Technical Extended Range (with or without Trimix) certification after completing this program. 

FACTS

Minimum Age: 18 

Certification Prerequisites:    

• Science of Diving,
• Diver Stress & Rescue,
• Extended Range Foundations
• Extended Range or Full Cave Diving or Technical Wreck Diving
• 70 logged Dives

Academic Sessions:    Online Program with three practical workshops

Pool/Confined Water Sessions:  One

Open Water Dives:     Six

Maximum Training Depth:     Varies

Suggested Duration:   18 hours

Extended Range Open-Circuit Program

Explore Deeper. Stay Longer. Become an Elite Diver.

Are you ready to push the boundaries of recreational diving?

The SSI Extended Range (XR) Program is designed for passionate divers who want to explore deeper wrecks, dramatic walls, technical environments, and experience underwater adventures beyond the limits of conventional scuba diving.

Whether your goal is extended bottom times, advanced decompression diving, rebreather technology, or becoming a technical diving professional, SSI Extended Range provides the world's most comprehensive pathway into technical diving.

Discover a Whole New World of Diving

Technical diving opens the door to incredible dive sites that few divers ever experience.

With Extended Range training, you'll learn the advanced skills, equipment configurations, and dive planning techniques needed to safely conduct dives beyond recreational limits.

As your confidence and experience grow, you'll progress through increasingly advanced programs designed to expand your capabilities while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The Ultimate Technical Diving Pathway

SSI offers one of the industry's most complete technical diver education systems, allowing you to progress at your own pace.

Choose from world-class programs including:

• Extended Range Foundations

• Extended Range Nitrox

• Extended Range

• Semi-Closed Rebreather (SCR) Diving
  

• Extended Range Sidemount
  

Whether you're interested in deep wrecks, caves, rebreathers, or becoming an XR Instructor, there's an SSI pathway to match your goals.

Why Choose Extended Range?

SSI XR courses are recognised worldwide for combining progressive learning with practical, real-world diving skills.

Throughout your training you'll develop:

• Advanced buoyancy and trim

• Precision propulsion techniques

• Technical gas planning

• Decompression procedures

• Team diving protocols

• Equipment configuration mastery

• Dive planning and risk management

• Emergency response skills

• Confidence in challenging underwater environments

Every course builds on the last, creating highly competent, confident technical divers.

Train Like the Professionals

Extended Range represents the pinnacle of diver education.

These are advanced programs designed for divers who are committed to developing exceptional underwater skills and achieving the highest standards of diving excellence.

Whether your ambition is exploring iconic deep wrecks, undertaking long decompression dives, mastering rebreather technology, or becoming an XR Professional, your journey begins here.

Why Train with Central Coast Divers?

Central Coast Divers is proud to deliver professional SSI Extended Range training using experienced XR instructors, small class sizes, and personalised coaching.

We are committed to helping every diver build confidence through precision, repetition, and practical experience—not simply completing course requirements.

Our focus is producing highly skilled divers who are comfortable, capable, and prepared for real-world technical diving.

Your Extended Range Journey

From your first technical course through to advanced trimix and rebreather diving, SSI provides a structured pathway that allows you to continually expand your knowledge, confidence, and diving opportunities.

Whether you dream of exploring deep shipwrecks, extending your underwater adventures, or becoming a technical diving professional, SSI Extended Range can take you there.

Ready to Go Beyond?

The underwater world doesn't end at recreational diving limits—it only gets more exciting.

Join the growing community of Extended Range divers and discover why SSI XR is recognised as one of the world's leading technical diving training systems.

Contact Central Coast Divers today on (02) 4389 3483 or enrol online to begin your Extended Range adventure. Dive farther. Dive deeper. Go beyond.

Extended Range Nitrox Course

Take Your Diving Beyond No-Decompression Limits

Ready to stay underwater longer and explore deeper dive sites with greater confidence?

The SSI Extended Range Nitrox (XR Nitrox) Course is your introduction to the exciting world of decompression diving. Designed for experienced recreational divers looking to expand their capabilities, this course teaches the knowledge, skills, and procedures required to safely plan and conduct limited decompression dives using nitrox.

Whether your goal is to explore deeper wrecks, maximise your bottom time, or begin your journey into technical diving, SSI Extended Range Nitrox is the ideal next step.

Discover a New Level of Diving

Unlike recreational diving, where you must remain within no-decompression limits, the Extended Range Nitrox program teaches you how to safely conduct planned decompression dives using enriched air nitrox and oxygen.

You'll learn to dive with professional-level equipment configurations while mastering the planning and execution of decompression dives to a maximum depth of 40 metres.

This course can be completed as a stand-alone certification or serves as the perfect foundation for progressing to the SSI Extended Range Trimix program.

What You'll Learn

Throughout the course you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to:

• Plan and safely conduct limited decompression dives

• Dive to a maximum depth of 40 metres

• Use Nitrox breathing gases for extended bottom times

• Safely use up to 100% oxygen for accelerated decompression

• Configure and dive using either a Twinset or Sidemount Total Diving System

• Execute controlled ascents and staged decompression stops

• Apply advanced gas planning and management techniques

• Respond confidently to common technical diving scenarios and emergencies

• Dive efficiently as part of a technical dive team

Train with Professional Technical Diving Equipment

During your training you'll become proficient using professional Extended Range equipment configurations, including either:

• Twinset (Backmount) Configuration, or

• Sidemount Configuration

Your instructor will help you develop streamlined equipment setup, efficient propulsion techniques, precision buoyancy, and excellent trim—essential skills for every successful technical diver.

Is This Course Right for You?

The SSI Extended Range Nitrox course is perfect for divers who want to:

• Extend their dive time beyond recreational limits

• Learn decompression diving techniques

• Explore deeper wrecks and offshore dive sites

• Build confidence using technical diving equipment

• Progress toward Extended Range Trimix and advanced technical certifications

• Improve overall diving precision and safety

Why Train with Central Coast Divers?

At Central Coast Divers, you'll learn from highly experienced SSI Extended Range instructors who are passionate about developing skilled, confident technical divers.

Our training focuses on:

• Small class sizes

• Personalised instruction

• Real-world diving techniques

• High safety standards

• Extensive in-water coaching

• Building confidence through repetition and precision

We don't simply teach you to pass a course—we prepare you to become a capable and competent Extended Range diver.

Course Benefits

✔ Dive beyond recreational no-decompression limits

✔ Conduct planned decompression dives to 40 metres

✔ Learn to use Nitrox and 100% oxygen safely

✔ Master Twinset or Sidemount diving systems

✔ Improve buoyancy, trim and gas management

✔ Build confidence with technical diving procedures

✔ Prepare for SSI Extended Range Trimix training

✔ Expand your underwater adventures safely and confidently

Start Your Technical Diving Journey

Extended Range Nitrox is where technical diving truly begins.

If you've ever dreamed of exploring deeper wrecks, extending your bottom time, or progressing into advanced technical diving, this course provides the knowledge, experience, and confidence to make it happen.

Book Your SSI Extended Range Nitrox Course Today

Take your diving beyond recreational limits and experience the freedom of Extended Range diving.

📞 Call Central Coast Divers on (02) 4389 3483 or enrol online today. Your next adventure starts here.

Introducing the New Word on the Block: “TEK-REATIONAL”

Take your diving to the next level with the XR Master Diver Bundle — the perfect fusion of technical and recreational scuba diving.

This is where adventure meets advanced training. “Tek-reational” diving opens up a whole new underwater world, beyond the limits of standard recreational diving.

With the Extended Range (XR) Master Diver pathway, you'll learn proper diving techniques and dive planning skills that allow you to explore deeper, stay longer, and safely manage staged decompression — training you  past the recreational depth limit to the 45-metre level-

Whether you’re chasing pristine wrecks, extended reef explorations, or just want to evolve your diving capabilities, the XR Master Diver bundle is your gateway to going beyond the ordinary.

Why Go Tek-Reational?

• Push your limits safely, with no need to exceed 40m

• Learn staged decompression and advanced dive planning

• Gain confidence with technical-style gear setups

• Access spectacular sites beyond recreational reach

• Stay down longer, explore further, and rise to the challenge

Technical diving is no longer just for the elite — it's now within reach for every experienced diver ready to step up.

Are you ready to dive smarter, go further, and explore what lies beyond?

Become a TEK-REATIONAL Diver today.

Try it for yourself, book in today!!!

Please Note: The ex HMAS Adelaide is closed till further notice.
Wreck specialty courses will recommence, when the site reopens.