This process begins with the PADI Assistant Instructor course and ranges through Specialty Instructor training, IDC Staff Instructor courses and business education programs.

The foundation of PADI instructor development is the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). The program consists of two parts — the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. Combining the three-day AI course and the four-day OWSI program into a continuous program makes up a seven day IDC.

Successfully completing an AI course allows instructor candidates to earn the PADI Assistant Instructor rating which authorizes them to function as instructional assistants and independently conduct certain PADI programs. AI course completion also qualifies candidates to participate in an OWSI program.

Successfully completing the OWSI program (or an entire IDC) makes candidates eligible to participate in a PADI Instructor Examination (IE). The IE is a completely evaluative program that tests the instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude and professionalism. Instructor candidates become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors only after successfully completing an IE. PADI IEs are standardized, objective evaluations conducted by Instructor Examiners representing one of PADI’s international offices.

OWSI programs and IDC'S are conducted at Pacific Scuba Divers. Programs are often scheduled to precede the two day IEs scheduled by PADI in the same general geographic area. However, candidates are free to choose when and where to take an IE for up to one year from the date of IDC completion. PADI reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate IEs as staffing, logistics and enrollment require.

Various instructor-level continuing education courses are offered by Pacific Scuba Divers. Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor, Specialty Instructor Training Courses, DSAT Tec Deep Instructor Training (TEC) Courses, and Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)

Preparatory Courses are designed to teach qualified PADI Instructors how to organize, promote and conduct these respective courses. IDC Staff Instructor Courses train qualified Master Scuba Diver Trainers to conduct AI Courses and IDC's.

Instructor preparatory courses allow candidates to receive remediation and preview the IDC. Status Updates are a means for PADI Instructors to regain Teaching status after a period of inactivity if authorized by PADI.

• Purchase the OWSI Course Material or take the PADI IDC Home Study Course
• Call for price & availability to complete the program

Course Sessions:

Classroom Session: Lecture, Knowledge Reviews, Quizzes and Exam

Pool Session: perform and demo skills, catch skill demostration problems 

Ocean Dives: class organizarion, logistics handling and problem solving