Talk:Sidemount diving

Image
I know that the image isn't a perfect fit for the article, but it will do until we can source a better one. --Legis (talk - contribs) 23:27, 20 February 2009 (UTC)


 * On the contrary, your picture is worth thousand words and I spent ages looking through Commons for just such an image. The article really needed it! --RexxS (talk) 02:04, 21 February 2009 (UTC)

The primary image showed stage-mounted cylinders, on a diver wearing backmount. This is quite misleading, given that sidemount configuration differs substantially from stage-mounting of cylinders. Sidemount instructors are very keen to dispel the false understanding that sidemount diving consists of nothing more than 'slinging some stages for backgas'. The new definition of terms explains what is, and is not, sidemount diving. I have illustrating photos of sidemount configuration, that I will add shortly (new member restrictions on photos for the next few days). Devondiver (talk) 08:17, 19 August 2012 (UTC)

Original Research / Conflict of Interest
I am content to declare a Conflict of Interest, in that I have quoted (and referenced)some of my original work in the Sidemount article. At present there is a lack of published media concerning sidemount diving (beyond that already referenced) - but I have had a sidemount article published via my blog for some time. It was suggested to me that I contribute some of that information to Wikipedia.

The information I've added to Wikipedia is agency/configuration/philosophy neutral and has, to date, been accepted/supported by leading proponents of the sidemount diving community, including several leading scuba agency course designers/authors.

My only aim in adding my work to the article was to address some discrepancies, errors and/or absences of information - as were being complained about by divers on several internet discussion forums. I have no other vested interest in publishing this information, beyond public education.

For the record, I am a PADI/TecRec/ANDI Sidemount instructor, a SSI/BSAC instructor (non-sidemount) and have also received training from TDI. In addition to various instructional manuals, the original work I have quoted is sourced from direct discussions, lectures and training sessions run by sidemount divers/instructors who represent a further range of agencies, including IANTD, UTD and PSAI.

Please feel free to contact me, if you want to discuss.

Devondiver (talk) 08:24, 19 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Been there, done that, and it looks like it is sorted out quite well, with sufficient additional references to cover questions of OR. &bull; &bull; &bull; Peter (Southwood) (talk): 10:43, 19 August 2012 (UTC)

Push for B-Class
I think with a little more work this article could be B-class.

B-Class criteria:
 * 1) The article is suitably referenced, with inline citations where necessary. It has reliable sources, and any important or controversial material which is likely to be challenged is cited.
 * 2) The article reasonably covers the topic, and does not contain obvious omissions or inaccuracies.
 * 3) The article has a defined structure. Content should be organized into groups of related material, including a lead section and all the sections that can reasonably be included in an article of its kind.
 * 4) The article is reasonably well-written.


 * 1) The article contains supporting materials where appropriate. Illustrations are encouraged, though not required. Diagrams and an infobox etc. should be included where they are relevant and useful to the content.
 * 2) The article presents its content in an appropriately understandable way. It is written with as broad an audience in mind as possible. Although Wikipedia is more than just a general encyclopedia, the article should not assume unnecessary technical background and technical terms should be explained or avoided where possible.

&bull; &bull; &bull; Peter (Southwood) (talk): 11:05, 19 August 2012 (UTC)

White Arrow S-Wing entry
Have removed comments pertaining to entry about White Arrow S-Wing under 'Hybrid'. The OMS Tesseract is a hybrid that works via backplate - so the comment attributed to the S-Wing was unsustainable. It also rung of an advertisement. Have also added citation/weblink for the White Arrow S-Wing. Devondiver (talk) 10:38, 6 February 2013 (UTC)


 * I tried the link but just got advertising for general sidemount gear from a retailer. Couldnt identify the S-wing. &bull; &bull; &bull; Peter (Southwood) (talk): 10:26, 6 February 2013 (UTC)


 * I can't find any website or reference for the manufacturer. Is a small and generally unheard of sidemount BCD system. That may change in the future? Devondiver (talk) 10:41, 6 February 2013 (UTC)


 * It is highly likely that the equipment exists as similar kit from the manufacturer is being advertised, so I have no problem leaving the current mention. In time I expect someone will track down the home site and add a better link.&bull; &bull; &bull; Peter (Southwood) (talk): 12:10, 6 February 2013 (UTC)
 * I've used Google to search the hlbdive.com site for "arrow", but I can only find this page: http://www.hlbdive.com/en/288-arrow-cave-diving which shows White Arrow equipment, but not an "S-Wing". I'm afraid that the only ghit for the phrase "White Arrow S-Wing" is this article. It's just possible that it's a new product, so we could wait a week or so, but really we shouldn't have information in an article that's not verifiable. Sadly, the citation added doesn't do that job. --RexxS (talk) 18:55, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Rebreather Sidemount
Quote: "Level 3: " Rebreather Sidemount"[citation needed] single rebreather[clarification needed] multiple rebreather use[clarification needed] no mount penetration[clarification needed]"

I'm not aware of any agency that offers certification specifically with rebreather sidemount, certainly not as a stand-alone qualification. I do believe that some rebreather divers undertake basic (level 1) or tec/advanced sidemount (level 2) in order to develop skill/knowledge to sidemount bail-out tanks. A new generation of rebreather development does deal with specific sidemount rebreathers (mounting dilutent etc on the sides), but again, no evidence of agency sanctioned courses for that specific qualification.

For instance, the IANTD CCR qualification states that students may train sidemount rebreather if already qualified in sidemount. The training is thus not 'sidemount' based...as sidemount is a prerequisite, not a component. I can find no references online, or in scuba agency materials to support the existence of a specific 'sidemount rebreather' training course.

That section of the wiki entry specifically deals with sidemount training levels, as sanctioned by the major scuba agencies. In order to be a training level, it has to correspond with a linear pattern of training progression. CCR/Rebreather would not a linear follow-on (level 3) from technical diving (level 2). This makes the entry very confusing and it is unlikely that any citation to support the entry could be produced.

I recommend deleting this entry, for the confusion it may cause, plus lack of obvious citation. At the least, it should be moved into its own section 'Sidemount Rebreather' as a stand-alone section, rather than claiming to be a 'training level'.

Devondiver (talk) 10:40, 6 February 2013 (UTC)


 * That ties in with what I have been able to find. Will you make the changes? &bull; &bull; &bull; Peter (Southwood) (talk): 12:14, 6 February 2013 (UTC)
 * Agreed and done. --RexxS (talk) 19:00, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Images only for advertising a dive center ?
I am shocked to see that a lot of images which are also in extremely bad quality are here just to advertise a dive center in the Philippines, why wikipedia accept those watermarked images ?
 * Underwater photography is notoriously difficult to produce high-quality images, so we have to judge whether an image is useful to illustrate a particular point, even if its quality is not the best. Wikipedia does accept watermarked images, but we prefer non-watermarked. Having said that, I think you have a point about the sheer number of images that are watermarked for the same dive centre - it does seem to amount to advertising. I'll look through the images and remove those that I think are not useful and I'll crop off the watermarks on those that remain. --RexxS (talk) 12:21, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

External links modified
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 * Added archive http://web.archive.org/web/20150822153703/http://www.sidemountscubadiving.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fdb3ldKs51k=&tabid=55/ to http://www.sidemountscubadiving.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fdb3ldKs51k=&tabid=55/

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 * Changed link to https://web.archive.org/web/20130507155139/http://www.sidemountscubadiving.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fdb3ldKs51k=&tabid=55 -- Green  C  20:20, 1 March 2016 (UTC)

B-Class review
Just needs a bit of referencing. Nothing contentious, but may not be easy to find yet. &bull; &bull; &bull; Peter (Southwood) (talk): 15:02, 17 December 2016 (UTC)

External links modified
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 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20130217041735/http://www.alertdiver.com/Sidemount__Not_Just_For_Cave_Divers_Anymore to http://www.alertdiver.com/Sidemount__Not_Just_For_Cave_Divers_Anymore/
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A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the. —Community Tech bot (talk) 15:44, 22 November 2018 (UTC)
 * Front view of sidemount diver holding reel and DSMB DSC 0049 Photo by Pete Nawrocky.JPG