Instructor Development Course (IDC) + Instructor Exam (IE)
Don't want to take the exam or want more experience first =

Assistant Instructor

Assistant Instructor Course

From $3,500

About the Course

If you like people, have a passion for scuba diving and want an extraordinary life - become a PADI Instructor. Teaching scuba diving allows you to share your love of the aquatic world with others while doing what you enjoy - being in, around and under water. PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors and PADI Assistant 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 for the better and enriching yours.

Are you ready to join the ranks of the dedicated professionals who teach the world's most progressive and popular scuba diver education programs? Then Go PRO with an Instructor Development Course.

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How to Become a PADI Instructor

Overview

The 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), which is the final step to earn a 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.

Prerequisites

  • PADI Divemaster for six months
  • At least 60 logged dives to start, and 100 dives to attend an IE.
  • Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training (or qualifying training) within 24 months
  • Medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

PADI eLearning

PADI's eLearning option lets you study independently at your own pace before class. There are nine interactive knowledge development sections. Pre-study online saves classroom time, which allows more time for practicing the skills that distinguish you as a PADI Instructor.

Also, sign up for Dive Theory online, if you haven't already completed it or it's been more than a year since you went through it. The program is a straightforward review of dive physics, physiology, skills, equipment, and environment, plus using the Recreational Dive Planner (RDP). By successfully completing Dive Theory Online, you can get credit for the dive theory exam requirement during your IDC.

Time commitment: 5-7 days

With Your Instructor

Over a minimum of five days, but usually more like seven, the IDC teaches you to conduct all PADI core courses. You'll be able to organise and present information, conduct skill development sessions and control open water dives. Basically, you become a better public speaker and get really good at demonstrating skills while 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
  • Risk Management and Diver Safety
  • The Business of Diving and your role as an instructor
  • Marketing Diving and Sales Counseling

Time commitment: 5-7 days

After This Course

After gaining more experience and getting comfortable with teaching, you will be ready to take on the Instructor Exam and become a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

See the Learning Pathway.

Costs

Course with IDC Geelong
eLearning $3,500 1
IDC eLearning
EFR Instructor eLearning
Training
IDC training program (classroom, pool, shore dives)
EFR Instructor training
Nitrox speciality instructor training
O2 provider instructor training
Aware Dive against debris instructor training
Guest speaker (when available)
Materials
IDC crewpack with slates
EFR Instructor crewpack
Post-Course Mentoring
Ongoing consultations
We want you to be a successful dive instructor. You can continue to consult us and ask questions after the IDC.
PADI professional network referrals
In-house instructor opportunity or job referral to interstate/overseas locations
Freelance instructor support (PADI materials, facility and equipment)
PADI Instructors can teach independently without being affiliated with a shop.
If you choose to operate as an independent instructor, we can offer you support.
Optional Add-Ons (special pricing for ADI IDC candidates)
IDC Prep Package
  • Buoyancy Workshop
  • Skill Circuit Workshop
  • Dive Theory Workshop
This is highly beneficial for candidates to build the foundational skills and knowledge needed for success in the Instructor Exam, where the three components mentioned above are assessed both theoretically and practically.
$500
(valued at $1,000)
Specialty Instructor Training $0 2
Fees Payable Directly to PADI
PADI IDC Application Fee $331
PADI EFR Instructor Fee $228
PADI Instructor Exam Fee $1,120
PADI Specialty Instructor Application Fee $131 each
PADI MSDT Application Fee $178
  • 1 Includes GST. Excludes fees payable directly to PADI.
  • 2 No course fee. You only pay for the boat/shore dive costs and PADI fees.
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