Launch your diving career with an all-inlcusive PADI IDC on Koh Tao
Join Scuba Dive Online and our PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre partner, Assava Diving Resort, for a 6-week all-inclusive PADI IDC and Marine Conservation Internship on the tropical island of Koh Tao, Thailand.
This internship combines professional PADI Instructor training plus a conservation programme including PADI instructor specialties, guided by a team of award winning Course Directors and marine biologists.
Why choose this PADI IDC on Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of the world’s leading destinations for professional diver training. Warm waters, gentle conditions and vibrant reefs make it the perfect location to complete your PADI IDC on Koh Tao.
At our PADI 5 Star CDC partner centre, Assava Diving Resort, you will receive personal mentorship, professional guidance and practical experience from the highest qualifed and most experienced PADI Course Director team in the world! Preparing you for a successful career in the diving industry.
How this conservation IDC internship works
The 6-week internship is split into two structured phases, giving you the time to build confidence, refine your skills and gain hands-on conservation and teaching experience.
- Weeks 1–3: IDC Preparation, PADI IDC and IE
• Skills refresh and in-water workshops
• Dive theory revision with daily support
• Rescue training and IDC preparation
• Academic development and study time
• Access to digital resources, recorded theory sessions and monitored practice exams - The PADI IDC itself (14 days) plus the IE (2 days)
Weeks 4–6: Conservation and Practical Experience
• Participation in coral restoration and marine conservation projects
• Turtle and shark protection work
• Dive Against Debris surveys and PADI AWARE activities
• Team teaching alongside experienced instructors for extra hands-on experience
• Compressor and equipment maintenance training
• Mentorship from marine biologists and Platinum PADI Course Director
Gain 5 PADI and AWARE instructor specialties
Your PADI Course Directors, Tim and Natalie Hunt
Tim and Natalie Hunt
PADI Course Directors – Assava Dive Resort
Tim and Natalie Hunt bring decades of experience to Instructor Development on Koh Tao. Tim, originally from Canada, has spent 15 years as a PADI Course Director in Thailand, Grand Cayman and North America. A former PADI Territory Director, and PADI examiner, he is known for his clear communication, supportive teaching style and industry insight.
Natalie, originally from Australia, has more than 24 years of teaching experience across six countries. She leads IDCs at Assava Dive Resort with an inclusive approach, working with a wide range of divers from beginners to adaptive and technical students.
Together, they create a professional and motivating learning environment for the next generation of PADI Instructors. Both are passionate about the environment.
What is included in the 6-week programme?
PADI Instructor Qualifications
• Full PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and EFR Instructor course
• All PADI materials included
• All PADI application fees included
Accommodation
• Six weeks in clean, modern dorm rooms at Assava Diving Resort
Marine Conservation Experience and instructor specialties
• Coral reef conservation and restoration projects
• Turtle and shark protection work
• Mangrove and land restoration activities
• Dive Against Debris surveys and PADI AWARE projects
• Daily mentorship from a professional marine biologist
Professional Development Support
• Training with award winning Platinum PADI Course Directors
• Continuous academic and in-water coaching
• Digital Instructor’s eBundle with recorded dive theory sessions and monitored practice exams
Upcoming 2026 internship dates
Intake | Dates |
1 | 23 February – 6 April |
2 | 27 April – 8 June |
3 | 27 July – 7 September |
4 | 23 November – 4 January 2027 |
Each intake offers limited spaces to ensure small group learning and individual attention.
Programme cost
USD 4,850 – all inclusive
Your investment covers the complete PADI IDC on Koh Tao, PADI materials and fees, six weeks of accommodation and full participation in all conservation activities.
Who can apply
This internship is open to certified PADI Divemasters ready to advance to Instructor level.
If you have not yet completed your Divemaster qualification, Scuba Dive Online can assist you with a tailored training pathway so that you can join a future PADI IDC on Koh Tao.
Take the next step
Start your career as a PADI Instructor and gain real world conservation experience on Koh Tao.
To download the full internship brochure or enquire about availability, contact us.
