PADI Instructor Development Course

The instructor development process is a combination of programs designed to enhance instructor candidate’s abilities as dive professionals, as well as offer specialized training programs, all of which are intended to increase their success. This process begins with the PADI Assistant Instructor course and ranges through Specialty Instructor training, IDC Staff Instructor courses and business education programs.

The foundation of PADI instructor development is the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). The program consists of two parts — the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. Combining the AI course and the OWSI program into a continuous program makes up an eight day IDC.

Successfully completing an AI course allows instructor candidates to earn the PADI Assistant Instructor rating which authorizes them to function as instructional assistants and independently conduct certain PADI programs. AI course completion also qualifies candidates to participate in an OWSI program.

Successfully completing the OWSI program (or an entire IDC) makes candidates eligible to participate in a PADI Instructor Examination (IE). The IE is a completely evaluative program that tests the instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude and professionalism. Instructor candidates become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors only after successfully completing an IE. PADI IEs are standardized, objective evaluations conducted by Instructor Examiners representing one of PADI’s international offices.

What does the course cost? (Cost does not include course materials or IE fees)

• Standard 8-Day IDC - course starts Friday evening and meets for the next 7 consecutive days - $1100*

*Above costs do not include course materials or PADI application fees

IDC 2005 Dates

• March 11 – March 18 (PADI IE on March 19 - 20)
• September 16 – September 23 (PADI IE on September 24 - 25)

Instructor-level continuing education courses available following every IDC!