PADI IDC Staff Instructor candidates evaluating skills in a confined water session.
PADI IDC Staff Instructor mentoring a candidate during confined water training.

LEVEL UP YOUR DIVE CAREER!

THE PADI IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR COURSE

Take your dive career to the next level. As a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, you’ll step beyond teaching divers—you’ll help mentor and shape the next generation of PADI Instructors.

This prestigious certification positions you as a key player in dive education, giving you the skills to assist in training, evaluating, and inspiring future instructors. Not only will you refine your teaching, evaluation, and leadership skills, but you’ll also support PADI Course Directors in delivering Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) or conduct Assistant Instructor courses. If you’re looking to stand out in the dive industry this is the next big step.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Becoming a PADI IDC Staff Instructor is more than just a certification—it’s a step into leadership and professional mentorship. You’ll take on a critical role in instructor training, assisting Course Directors while also leading your own courses. With this certification, you gain more responsibility, greater influence, and new career opportunities.

As a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, you will:

  • – Conduct Assistant Instructor Courses Teach and certify Assistant Instructors independently.
  • – Assist in Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) Support PADI Course Directors by evaluating and mentoring instructor candidates.
  • – Assess Teaching Presentations – Score confined and open water skills and help candidates refine their techniques.
  • – Provide Coaching and Feedback – Guide future instructors through training, ensuring they meet PADI’s standards.
  • – Observe Instructor Examinations – Observe the orientation and closing sessions of PADI Instructor Examinations.
  • – Assist with Instructor-Level Continuing Education – Support programs like PADI Specialty Instructor Training courses.

Taking on this role means more responsibility, more leadership, and more opportunities in the dive industry.

PADI IDC Staff Instructor evaluating instructor candidates underwater.

TRAINING, EVALUATION AND MENTORSHIP

The PADI IDC Staff Instructor Course is designed to refine your evaluation skills, deepen your understanding of instructor development, and prepare you to take on a leadership role in dive education. Before starting, candidates complete a preassessment that includes dive theory and PADI standards exams, knowledge development presentations, and practical evaluations in both confined and open water. This ensures a strong foundation before moving into the main course.

Throughout the training, you’ll participate in instructor development workshops, learning how to assess and mentor instructor candidates effectively. You’ll refine your ability to evaluate teaching presentations, provide structured feedback, and develop strong counseling techniques. A key part of the course is the opportunity to either audit a full IDC or deliver the complete Assistant Instructor course, giving you hands-on experience in instructor-level training.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and experience needed to mentor future instructors, assist in IDCs, and conduct Assistant Instructor courses independently.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE :

To enrol, you must be at least 18 years old, a certified PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), a current Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor, and medically fit for diving with a physician-signed statement within the last 12 months.

Yes! Flexibility is at the core of Scuba Dive Online—you can start your PADI IDC Staff Instructor Course anytime, from anywhere, and build your training schedule in a way that suits you. Our live online sessions allow you to complete the theory portion remotely before heading to a location of your choice for in-water training.

The IDC Live sessions run over 8 days, 3 hours per day, with time slots designed for all regions. As a Staff Instructor candidate, you’ll join additional sessions before the IDC begins. Your Course Director will guide you through key presentations.
The classes are interactive, encouraging you to engage, share insights, and refine your mentorship skills. Throughout the course, you’ll complete daily assignments, including online practice exams and teaching presentations. By the time you start practical training, you’ll already have a solid foundation. This makes your transition to the in-water section smooth and efficient.
This hybrid training approach ensures flexibility, structure, and engagement. You can become a PADI IDC Staff Instructor on your own terms.

The course typically spans 7-8 days, including pre-assessment, classroom sessions, and practical evaluations. The exact duration may vary based on individual progress and scheduling.

Upon enrollment, you’ll receive all necessary training materials, including digital resources to support your learning. The PADI Course Director Manual, confined and open water evaluation slates, and other essential materials are provided to help you assess and mentor instructor candidates effectively. These tools ensure that you can confidently conduct evaluations, deliver presentations, and guide candidates through their training.

As a certified PADI IDC Staff Instructor, you can independently teach Assistant Instructor courses, assist Course Directors in IDCs, and contribute to instructor-level continuing education programs, enhancing your professional standing in the dive industry. This certification is also a key step toward becoming a PADI Master Instructor and eventually a Course Director. It’s a major milestone for those pursuing a lifelong career in diving, positioning you as a leader in instructor development and opening doors to higher-level opportunities.

PADI IDC Staff Instructor diving with a candidate near a vibrant coral reef.

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