SSI Extended Range Sidemount (often called the "foundation" or technical sidemount course in SSI's XR lineup) is the advanced/intro-to-technical sidemount program, focusing on streamlined configuration for deeper, staged, or overhead environments—not the recreational version.
Benefits: Flawless trim, superior streamlining, efficient multi-cylinder (stage) management, better redundancy, ideal for tec/cave/wreck diving.
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 16 (typically)
- Prerequisite: Open Water Diver + usually Advanced/Deep or equivalent experience (check with instructor; often needs Recreational Sidemount or strong skills)
- Max depth: 40 m / 130 ft (with decompression procedures)
Structure:
- 4 academic sessions
- 1 confined water session
- 4 open water dives
- Duration: ~16–24 hours (typically 4–5 days)
Core skills: Precise sidemount rigging (harness, tanks, stages), don/doff underwater, advanced trim/buoyancy/propulsion, stage cylinder handling, gas switching, valve drills, out-of-gas & deco protocols, emergency procedures.
This is the proper foundation for SSI's technical/extended range path (leads into XR Foundations, Cave, Trimix, etc.). It's more demanding than Recreational Sidemount (which is entry-level, 30 m max, 3 OW dives).