How do you become a PADI dive instructor?

If you already have a dive certification and are considering advancing within the PADI ecosystem, becoming a PADI dive instructor is a wonderful step. It allows you to share your passion for diving and train others. Below you will find the steps you need to follow to achieve this goal.

Required dive certifications and experience

To start the Instructor Development Course (IDC), you must have obtained the following PADI certifications:

• Open Water Diver

• Advanced Open Water Diver

• Rescue Diver

• Divemaster

In addition, you must have at least 60 logged dives to start the IDC and 100 dives to participate in the Instructor Examination (IE).

Instructor Development Course (IDC)

The IDC is designed to teach you how to give dive courses. During this course you will learn:

• Giving presentations in the classroom.

• Guiding students in both confined and open water.

• Risk management and marketing yourself as an instructor.

The IDC at IDC Utrecht lasts a minimum of 12 half-days, but in consultation with you we will determine how long the program needs to be to give you enough time to master all the skills.

Instructor Examination (IE)

After successfully completing the IDC, you participate in the IE. This exam lasts two days and assesses you on:

• Theoretical knowledge.

• Teaching skills.

• Dive skills.

• The ability to transfer dive skills to students.