Why should I take the Instructor Development course?

If you like people, have a passion for scuba diving and want an extraordinary life – become a PADI Instructor. Teaching scuba diving allows you to share your love of the aquatic world with others while doing what you enjoy – being in, around and under water. PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors and PADI Assistant Instructors are the most sought-after dive professionals around the world because they’ve completed the program that sets the standard for training dive professionals. You earn a PADI Instructor rating through hard work and commitment, but you’re rewarded with a job that lets you share incredible underwater adventures with others – transforming their lives for the better and enriching yours.

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) focuses on preparing candidates to function as PADI Assistant Instructors and/or Open Water Scuba Instructors. The PADI IDC provides individuals who already possess instructor-level dive theory knowledge, role-model watermanship and rescue skills, and leadership abilities with additional training that allows them to implement the PADI System in confined water, classroom and open water environments. The IDC also helps instructor candidates gain a complete understanding of PADI’s educational goals and philosophies.

The Instructor Development Course (IDC) is made up of two parts – the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. Most dive professionals complete the entire IDC and go on to attend an Instructor Examination (IE), which is the final step to earn a PADI Instructor certification.

Successfully completing just the AI course results in a PADI Assistant Instructor qualification. When an AI is ready to progress, attending an OWSI program allows entry into an IE to earn a full PADI Instructor rating.

What is an IE?

An Instructor Examination (IE) is a two-day evaluative program that tests an instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI System, and attitude and professionalism. PADI IEs are standardized and conducted by specially trained PADI Instructor Examiners. The IE location, testing environment and examination sessions are organized to be as objective as possible to fairly and consistently evaluate a candidate’s abilities. Only those who meet the IE performance requirements earn the respected PADI Instructor certification. There is a fee for attending an IE.

What do I need to start?

A PADI Divemaster who has been a certified diver for six months may enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course. You also need:

• At least 60 logged dives and 100 dives to attend an IE
• Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 month
• A medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months
• EFR Instructor to attend IE

Dive professionals who hold an instructor rating with another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll directly in the OWSI program. This recognizes prior instructor training and provides a path to become a PADI Instructor.

Additional Expenses

• Hotel Room During IE
• Cover Staff accommodations (split between all students)
• EFR Certification
• EFR Instructor class
• EFR Crew Pack
• EFR Instructor Application Fee