Transform your passion for scuba diving into a rewarding career with our PADI Instructor Development Course (PADI IDC). This comprehensive program is designed to refine your skills, enhance your public speaking abilities, and prepare you to teach the world’s most respected and recognized scuba courses. 

The IDC is a two-part course, starting with the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and progressing to the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. These components are crafted to help you master skill demonstrations, gain confidence as an educator, and prepare you for the two-day PADI Instructor Examination (IE) conducted by a PADI Examiner.  

If you love working with people, have a deep passion for the underwater world, and seek an extraordinary life, becoming a PADI Instructor is your gateway. As a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or Assistant Instructor, you’ll be among the most sought-after dive professionals globally. You’ll have the opportunity to share your love of the aquatic environment with others, turning their dive experiences into life-changing adventures. 

Course Structure  

Assistant Instructor (AI) Course: Begin your journey by learning how to assist certified PADI Instructors and develop your own teaching style.

Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Program:  Further your education and qualify to attend the Instructor Examination (IE), the final step to earning your PADI Instructor certification.  

Prerequisites 

To enroll in the IDC, you must be a PADI Divemaster with at least six months of dive experience. Additional requirements include:

  • A minimum of 60 logged dives (100 dives required to attend the IE). 
  • Current certification in Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid).
  • A medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months. 
  • Emergency First Response Instructor certification (can be earned during your IDC). 

Academics & Training 

Over a minimum of five days (typically extending to seven), you’ll learn to conduct all PADI core courses, from organizing information to mastering in-water skill demonstrations. The IDC covers essential topics such as:

  • PADI Standards and Procedures for courses you can teach 
  • Learning, Instruction, and the PADI System
  • Risk Management and Diver Safety
  • The Business of Diving and your role as an instructor 
  • Marketing Diving and Sales Counseling

PADI IDC eLearning 

To maximize your hands-on training time, our IDC includes PADI’s IDC eLearning program, allowing you to complete nine interactive knowledge development sections before the first day of class. Additionally, Dive Theory Online helps you master critical topics like dive physics, physiology, and equipment, which are crucial for the IDC and the Instructor Examination.