Becoming a PADI Instructor is an exciting step in your diving career, opening up a world of opportunities to share your passion for the underwater world. The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the primary path to achieving this goal. In this guide, we'll explore the prerequisites for attending an IDC and factors to consider when choosing the right course for you.
Prerequisites for attending a PADI IDC
Before you can enrol in a PADI Instructor Development Course, you need to meet several prerequisites:
1. Age : You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Diving certification: You need to be a certified PADI Divemaster or an equivalent certification from another organization.
3. Diving experience : You must have at least 100 logged dives to attend an Instructor Examination (IE).
4. Time as a certified diver: You must have been a certified diver for at least six months.
5. Medical Clearance: You need to have a signed medical statement from a physician stating that you're fit for diving. This should be obtained within the last 12 months.
7. First Aid: You must have completed the Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care courses (or qualifying training from another organization) within the last 24 months.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an IDC
Once you've met the prerequisites, consider these factors when selecting your IDC:
1. Location: keep in mind that is not a lot of fun dives during the IDC itself. So if you want to take the opportunity to visit a new dive destination, you should allow some extra time to dive itself. Of course, cold or tropical water will make a difference in the experience, as well as the type of environment.
2. Course Director(s): Research the experience and teaching style of the Course Director. If you can, have a chat with them over the phone before committing. A lot of the course experience comes down to the people teaching it.
3. Class size: Smaller classes often mean more personalized attention, while larger classes can offer more diverse perspectives from fellow candidates.
4. Facilities and Resources: Look for a dive center with modern facilities, a wide range of teaching materials, and access to suitable training sites.
5. Schedule: while PADI standards indicate that an Instructor Course can be completed with as little as 8 days (if completing the Elearning before), most courses last longer. While you might be on a schedule, a longer course usually means more practice time and overall shorter days. The number of pool practice sessions and open water sessions is a good indicator of how much training and practice you will get.
6. Cost: of course price is a factor! But keep in mind that the cheapest is not always the best value. Some of the PADI costs will be the same everywhere, for your Instructor examination and fees for example. Also take into account the cost of traveling to your course and spending a few weeks there.
7. Specialties offered: Some IDCs offer the opportunity to gain additional specialty instructor certifications. Consider if these align with your career goals.
8. Reviews and recommendations: Look for reviews from past candidates and ask for recommendations from other diving professionals.
Making Your Decision
After considering these factors, reach out to several PADI Dive Centers or Resorts offering IDCs. Discuss your background, goals, and any concerns with their Course Directors. Their insights can be invaluable in helping you make the right choice.
Remember, becoming a PADI Instructor is just the beginning of your professional diving journey. The IDC you choose will set the foundation for your instructing career, so take the time to find the one that best fits your needs and aspirations.
Take the plunge, choose the IDC that feels right for you, and get ready to embark on an exciting new chapter in your diving career!
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