The PADI IDC begins with independent learning and
encompasses both the Assistant Instructor (AI) and the
Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program.
The IDC pffers potential instructor candidates several options and flexibility for reaching
their professional goals. Options include:
PADI Divemaster may choose to attend just the AI
course.
PADI Divemasters may attend all
components that make up the IDC and, upon successful completion, go on to an
Instructor Examination (IE)
PADI Assistant Instructors may attend the
OWSI program and, upon successful completion, go on to an
IE.
Scuba Instructors affiliated with other certification organizations may attend an
OWSI program and, upon suceessful completion, go on to an
IE.
Scuba instructors or dive supervisors affiliated with other certification organizations may
choose to attend an entire IDC and, upon successful completion, go on to an
IE.
These options allow candidates to plan appropriate breaks in training to further hone their
knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities or they can attend a continuous program.
The instructor development process is a combination of programs designed to enhance the
instructor candidate's abilities as a dive professional, as well as offer specialized training
programs, all of which are intended to increase their success. This process begins with the
PADI Assistant Instructor course and
ranges through Medic First Aid Instructor training,
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 these
two courses into one course creates an Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Successfully completing an AI course allows instructor candidates to earn the PADI Assistant
Instructor rating which authorizes them to function as an instructional assistant and
independently conduct certain PADI programs. AI course completion
also qualifies candidates to participate in the PADI 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 IE's are standardized objective evaluations
conducted by Instructor Examiners representing one of PADI's International offices.
The goals of the IDC are not limited to teaching candidates how to pass an
IE. The IDC emphasizes development, not testing. This produces a low-stress
environment that makes learning easier. Candidates can relax and concentrate on skill
development, knowing that making mistakes is part of the learning process. During these courses,
our staff plays the important role of supporting, guiding, and
advising the candidates.
The three phase program (AI, OWSI, and
IE), makes the PADI Instructor Development process the most comprehensive
and demanding of any in the dive industry. New
PADI Instructors must meet the
highest standards for learning and performance of any recreational diver organization.