IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR COURSE

What it is

The PADI IDC Staff Instructor course is your next step in professional dive education—an advanced training program that equips you to assist Course Directors in conducting Instructor Development Courses (IDCs). You’ll gain deeper insight into the PADI teaching system, sharpen evaluation skills, and build the confidence to mentor instructor candidates during their journey to becoming Open Water Scuba Instructors. Completing this course also qualifies you to independently teach Assistant Instructor programs.

Who it’s for

This course is designed for experienced PADI Instructors ready to expand their role in dive education and take on a mentorship position within the pro training environment. If you’re passionate about teaching and looking to contribute to the development of future instructors—while working toward the PADI Master Instructor or Course Director levels—the IDC Staff Instructor course is your ideal next move.

Options

This course is available on its own, but if you're not yet a Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), you can combine both into one streamlined upgrade—perfect for expanding your teaching credentials efficiently.

What You Learn

• How to organize and conduct Assistant Instructor courses on your own

• How to evaluate IDC candidate knowledge development, confined and open water teaching presentations

• Techniques for delivering impactful academic presentations

• Effective feedback and mentoring strategies

• In-depth understanding of the PADI Instructor Development system

• Role and responsibilities of an IDC Staff Instructor

• How to assist Course Directors in running IDCs

Course Structure and Schedule

The IDC Staff Instructor course includes a 4-5 days preparation, which includes:

• eLearning: Flexible and self-paced learning to complement your in-person training.

• Knowledge Development: Live or online video sessions with the Course Director.

• Skill Demonstration Workshop: Enhance your ability to teach dive skills effectively.

• Workshops (Confined & Open Water, Academic): Elevate your teaching techniques up to a trainer level and build your evaluation abilities

Afterward, you’ll assist a full IDC to gain valuable real-world experience.

The IDC Staff Instructor course typically starts just before an IDC, ensuring you're fully prepared to assist. However, the preparation phase, including eLearning and workshops, can be taken at any time within 6 months prior to assisting an IDC. This flexibility allows you to fit the training into your schedule and be ready when the next opportunity arises.

Why Take This Course

• Elevate your status as a dive professional and mentor

• Gain in-depth insight into PADI’s instructor development process

• Assist Course Directors during IDCs and mentor instructor candidates

• Develop evaluation and feedback skills used at the highest teaching level

• Take a key step toward becoming a PADI Course Director

• Increase your value and employability within the dive industry

Train where others come to dive

Playa del Carmen offers a dynamic mix of reef and cavern environments ideal for developing real-world teaching skills. Your pro-level dives will take place in coral gardens and reef walls alive with parrotfish, angelfish, sea turtles, and the occasional nurse shark. From November to April, you might even witness the impressive Bull Sharks in their seasonal habitat. Want to level up your experience? You can upgrade your training to include Cozumel’s legendary drift dives or the sacred freshwater cenotes—both signature highlights of the Riviera Maya. Just ask how to add them to your journey.

Pricing

The IDC Staff Instructor course costs $1200 USD and includes:

• IDC Staff eLearning

• Aquatic slates

• PADI Pro backpack

• Assisting a Course Director during a full IDC

Please note: The PADI application fee is not included. See section below for details.

Take the Next Step

Ready to elevate your dive career? Become a PADI IDC Staff Instructor and start shaping the next generation of dive professionals. With expert mentorship and hands-on experience, this course is your key to success. Don’t wait—join us in Playa del Carmen and take the next step toward becoming an exceptional dive educator!