PADI Instructor Course

There are several package options available when taking your PADI IDC and the process of choosing where to go and what to take can be very confusing. We simplify this as much as possible for you and help you make the best choice. Rather than wading through all the various options, you can email us.

We will advise you on various packages based on your previous experience and your goals for the future.

Our PADI IDC course includes several parts:

PADI IDC Preparation Course

This is optional but highly recommended for anyone who has not recently completed their PADI Divemaster with Thresher Shark Divers. It is a 2-6 day course that will make sure your skills and theory are at instructor level so that you will be able to pass the IE Instructor Exam. Duration depends of level of tuition required.

PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) Course

This is the first part of the PADI IDC. Duration: 4 days minimum.

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Course

This is the second part of the PADI IDC. Duration: 5 days minimum. The AI and OWSI are normally run together as part of a full IDC and we have regularly scheduled courses.

PADI Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) Course

This is a pre-requisite for all new diving instructors. We will try and schedule this in advance of the IDC if you have time. If you need to renew your EFR rating that can also be done.

PADI Instructor Exam (IE)

The IE takes 2 days and is a comprehensive exam run by Instructor Examiners sent from PADI headquarters. After successful completion of the IE you will be a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

IE PARTY!!! After all your hard work, it's time to celebrate!

Bonus IDC FREE Inclusions

Descent Workshop

  • manage group descents safely.

CESA Workshop

  • learn how to teach that most dreaded of all skills!

eRDPml workshop

  • how to use and teach the new replacement for the Wheel including the cool demonstration software

Practice days

  • plenty of extra time to practice your weak points. Additional practice presentations

Rescue Workshop

  • to ensure a perfect demo on your IE and when teaching

Employment workshop  (read more...)

  • scheduled after the IE

Business workshop

  • learn how to open your own dive business (on request)

Mock IE

  • After you have finished the IDC, we will give you a trial exam and so the real thing will be plain sailing!

Other workshops

  • Various other options available - email us for current offerings!

Other PADI IDC Considerations

There are several other things that you need to think about in advance, all of which we can include in your package for your convenience:
PADI IDC Course Materials

The IDC course materials are required by PADI and are the same anywhere in the world. We will give you excellent prices on the materials, up to 35% off RRP.

  There are several required fees that are payable directly to PADI.

Please check all PADI IDC course pre-requisites and equipment requirements for the PADI IDC. We can help you with anything you are lacking.

Unlike our other PADI courses, the PADI IDC schedule is fixed and based around available IE dates which are scheduled by PADI headquarters. So it is important to ensure that you will be on Malapascua in plenty of time to start. This is particularly true if you need to do the EFRI course or will need a longer Prep Course. If you cannot attend any of our fixed dates, please enquire about one-on-one IDCs at other times.

 You can complete some of the IDC theory and lectures online in advance if you are short on time.

We have a wide range of long-term intern packages and options available, even if you have never been diving before in your life. Please see our diving internship website for more details.

What does the PADI IDC involve?

During the PADI IDC you will participate in three main areas:
  • Review of and mastery of Divemaster Exams and Skill Circuit
  • Learn how to make Knowledge Development, Confined Water and Open Water teaching presentations
  • Attend curriculum presentations by the IDC staff.

College Credit

You may be able to earn college credit for the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor course.

After certification as a Dive Instructor...

After becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you will be able to conduct the entire range of PADI programs from Discover Scuba Diving up to Divemaster. You will want to continue your professional training by completing courses that allow you to teach beyond the core courses. For example, the popular Digital Underwater Photographer or Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox). Specialty instructor ratings complement your Open Water Scuba Instructor rating and add to your professional portfolio.

Finding Diving Jobs

After the IE we offer a one day Employment Workshop on request. This will cover the nature of the dive industry, various locations, what employers are looking for and how to get a diving job. We will teach you how to write a resume, find a job and work in the diving industry. This will focus on your needs and wishes, and your plans for your future in diving. With the wealth of experience of our instructors we can let you know all the tricks and pitfalls we have learned over the years. We have a lot of experience in hiring instructors and you will have the chance to listen to our valuable insights. We will also help you write your first diving resume/CV, show you how to look for diving work online, and advise on how to get a job in any location you want. We can even apply for jobs with you online if you are ready.

In the last year our interns have easily found jobs in such exotic locations as the Red Sea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico and the Med.

After you leave Malapascua we will always be only an email away from any more questions you may have or advice you may need on finding a job, or in fact on anything else.