Monday, January 25, 2027 - Sunday, March 14, 2027
PADI Instructor Development Course
About the Course:
Turn your passion for scuba diving into a rewarding career as a PADI Instructor. If you love working with people, exploring the underwater world, and sharing unforgettable experiences, becoming a dive professional can open the door to an extraordinary lifestyle.
PADI Instructors are among the most respected and sought-after dive professionals worldwide. Through the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), you'll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to teach the world's leading scuba diver education programs.
Earning your PADI Instructor certification requires commitment and dedication, but the rewards are incredible. You'll have the opportunity to inspire new divers, introduce people to the wonders of the underwater world, and build a career centered around adventure and exploration.
Become a PADI Professional
The Instructor Development Course (IDC) consists of two components:
- Assistant Instructor (AI) Course
- Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Program
Most candidates complete both sections of the IDC before attending the Instructor Examination (IE), the final step toward earning the prestigious PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification.
Divers who successfully complete the AI course earn a PADI Assistant Instructor qualification. When ready to advance, Assistant Instructors can continue with the OWSI program and then attend an Instructor Examination to achieve full PADI Instructor status.
If you already hold an instructor certification from another recognized diver training organization, you may be eligible to enter directly into the OWSI program. This pathway recognizes your previous training and experience while providing a streamlined route to becoming a PADI Instructor.
Prerequisites
- Be a certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent qualifying certification)
- Have been a certified diver for at least 6 months
- Have logged at least 60 dives to begin the IDC
- Have logged at least 100 dives before attending the Instructor Examination (IE)
- Hold current Emergency First Response (EFR) Primary and Secondary Care certification (CPR and First Aid) completed within the last 24 months
- Submit a medical clearance signed by a physician within the previous 12 months
Registration Deadline: January 10
Student Requirements:
PADI Instructor candidates must also be certified as an Emergency First Response Instructor. If you do not yet hold this rating, it can be completed during your instructor training program.
Required eLearning:
Completion of the eLearning is required prior to the first day of class. Students who have not purchased and completed the eLearning before class begins may not be able to participate.