If you like people, have a passion for scuba diving and want an extraordinary life, become a PADI Instructor. The PADI 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) conducted by an independent PADI Instructor Examiner, which is the final step to earn your 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.
PADI Open Water Scuba 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 and enriching yours.
During the IDC you’ll learn to use and adapt the PADI system of diver education to individual students’ needs. Comprehensive training, supported by a wide variety of PADI educational materials earns PADI Instructors respect from both students and peers.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors may teach a broad range of PADI programs from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster.
The Objective of the IDC is to prepare you for the PADI IE (Instructor Examination, 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 IE’s are standardised and conducted by specially trained PADI Instructor Examiners) and to prepare you for real world teaching after successful completion of the IDC/IE process.
Dive professionals who hold an instructor rating with another diver training organisation may be able to enrol directly onto the OWSI program. This recognises prior instructor training and provides a path to become a PADI Instructor.
What do you need to start?
A PADI Divemaster who has been a certified diver for six months may enrol in the PADI Instructor Development Course. You also need:
• At least 60 logged dives (with experience in night, deep and navigation diving)
• At least 100 logged dives to attend the Instructor Examination weekend
• Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months
• A medical statement signed by a doctor within the last 12 months.
• You also need to be an Emergency First Response Instructor, but you can earn this rating free of charge during your instructor training
• You need to be 18 years old or older
What’s Involved?
Over the course of 7 days, the IDC will teach you to conduct all PADI core courses. You’ll be able to organise and present information, conduct skill development sessions and control open water and confined water dives. You will become a better public speaker and get really good at demonstrating skills whilst watching out for student diver safety.
Key topics include:
• PADI Standards and Procedures for courses you can teach with in water workshops
• Learning, Instruction and the PADI System
• Discover Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Programs
• Confined Open Water and Open Water teaching presentations
• Teaching PADI Specialty courses
• Risk Management and Diver Safety
• Dive Rescue Skills assessment
• Independent/Online study
• Dive theory and Standards exam
• The Business of Diving and your role as an Instructor
• Marketing Diving and sales counselling
• A range of other presentations and workshops off syllabus to make you one of the most effective PADI Instructors in the world
The Learning and Teaching Materials you need are:
The PADI Instructor Development Course Crew Pack which contains all the materials you will need to prepare for and become a PADI Assistant Instructor.
It Includes:
• Instructor cue cards for PADI core courses
• OW Prescriptive Lesson Guides
• PADI Guide to Teaching
• PADI Speciality Instructor Manual
• Quiz and Exam Booklets for the core courses
• Lesson planning slates for confined and open water
• IDC candidate Workbook and related reference materials
• The Business of Diving
• PADI backpack!
What’s Included?
• Classroom presentations
• Candidate teaching presentations
• Confined water workshops
• Open water workshops
• Dive theory and Standards exam preparation
• Lots of serious fun and support from all the team!
Course Fees
PADI IDC £900.00
PADI IDC Application Fee payable directly to PADI (prices from PADI Member pricelist)
PADI IDC Crew Pack: £450.00 – plus cost of eLearning and Dive Theory Online
PADI IE (Instructor Examination) fee payable directly to PADI (prices from PADI Member pricelist)
Prices are subject to change, please see current PADI price list.
| Location/Country | Instructor Exam |
| 2020 | |
| UK | 2-3rd May Bristol |
| Bohol, Philippines | 5-6th June Philippines |
| UK | 25–26th July Leicestershire |
| UK | 12th – 13th Wraysbury |
| UK | 21st – 22nd Nov Bristol |
Interested in becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor? Please contact the Dive Centre to discuss and plan your course.