The PADI Instructor Development Course

PADI's Instructor Development Course (IDC) comprises of two distinct components – the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. The AI course is a minimum of three days. It introduces you to the teaching techniques for skill and knowledge development. The course concentrates on duties and programs AIs may conduct independently. Successfully completing this course earns you an AI certification and qualifies you to continue with the OWSI portion of the program. The OWSI program is a minimum of four days. It introduces you to the entire PADI System and focuses on further developing your abilities as a professional dive educator. PADI Assistant Instructors (or those who have completed the AI portion of the IDC) as well as instructors from other dive training organizations who want to become PADI Instructors must complete this portion of the program. Successfully completing this program qualifies you to attend a PADI Instructor Examination. The AI course and OWSI program both emphasize learning and development – not evaluation. This allows you to gain confidence and improve performance in a low-stress environment.

Instructor Examination (IE) – To become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you must successfully complete an IE. The IE serves as an objective evaluation of your skills and knowledge. Although passing an IE is necessary to become an OWSI – it is not the primary focus of the IDC. The ability to pass the IE is a natural result of preparing to be an instructor. Don’t dwell on the IE, but concentrate on the larger task of becoming a professional educator and competent dive leader. All IEs are conducted by PADI Office staff.