PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)

What you need to know

PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the final step toward becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and launching a professional teaching career in scuba diving. This intensive program is designed to develop confident, capable, and professional instructors who are ready to teach anywhere in the world. Led by an experienced PADI Course Director, the IDC focuses on both PADI standards and real-world teaching skills. The course is structured to prepare candidates not only to pass the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), but to succeed as working instructors. What the IDC Covers The IDC consists of the Assistant Instructor (AI) and Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) programs. Throughout the course, you will develop: Classroom, confined water, and open water teaching presentations Instructor-level skill demonstrations Student control, safety awareness, and risk management Effective briefings, debriefings, and communication skills Knowledge development using PADI’s educational system Professionalism, ethics, and dive industry best practices Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on teaching practice, with continuous feedback and coaching to build confidence and consistency. Training Philosophy Our IDC goes beyond exam preparation. We focus on producing well-rounded instructors who are comfortable teaching in real conditions, managing students effectively, and maintaining high safety and professional standards. The goal is to create instructors who are employable, adaptable, and confident from day one. Prerequisites To enroll in the IDC, candidates must: Be a certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent) Be at least 18 years old Have 60 logged dives to start the IDC and 100 dives before the IE Hold a valid EFR Primary & Secondary Care certification Be medically fit for diving Instructor Examination (IE) The IDC fully prepares you for the PADI Instructor Examination, conducted by PADI examiners. Successful completion qualifies you as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, allowing you to teach and certify divers worldwide. Why Choose This IDC? Course Director–led training with personalized coaching Small groups for maximum individual feedback Realistic teaching scenarios, not just exam drills Support before, during, and after the IE This IDC provides a solid foundation for a long-term professional diving career.