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PADI Instructor
Development Course (IDC)

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the final step before becoming a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. This course develops the knowledge, teaching ability, and professional mindset needed to train new divers safely and confidently.

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If you enjoy working with people and want to turn your passion for diving into a professional qualification, the IDC prepares you to teach PADI programs anywhere in the world.

What can I learn in this course?

- Learn how to teach PADI core courses confidently and professionally

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- Develop clear, effective classroom and in-water presentations

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- Refine demonstration-quality scuba skills

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- Understand risk management, standards, and instructor responsibilities

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- Build confidence as a leader, educator, and dive professional

Course Details

Price:

¥292,000 (Excluding Tax)​​

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Includes:​

  • Classroom, pool, and ocean training fees

  • Facility usage fees

  • Instructor Development Course training

  • Insurance during the course

  • Transportation from Tokyo and back

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Not Included:

  • PADI IDC eLearning materials

  • Gear rentals

  • IDC application / registration fee (~¥45,000 - paid after successful completion)

  • Instructor Examination (IE) fees (~¥150,000)

  • Personal expenses (meals, accommodation if required)

  • Additional training fees only if performance standards are not met within the scheduled course days

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Please Note: A 40% non-refundable payment is required to confirm your booking and order your PADI eLearning, books, and/or course materials. Once ordered or issued, this payment cannot be refunded. The remaining balance is paid on the course day/s.

Duration: ​

  • eLearning: Typically 2 weeks (Ideally should be completed before IDC Training Days)

  • IDC Training Days: Typically 8–10 days depending on schedule and progress

  • IE exam: 2 days (Done after the IDC)

  • The course can be completed over non-consecutive days to suit your schedule

 

The IDC is performance-based, not time-based. Certification is earned by meeting teaching standards, not by completing a fixed number of days

Prerequisites:

To enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course, you must:

  • Be 18 years old or older

  • Be a PADI Divemaster (or qualifying leadership-level certification)

  • Have been a certified diver for at least 6 months

  • Have 60 logged dives to start the IDC

  • Have 100 logged dives to attend the Instructor Examination (IE)

  • Have documented experience in night diving, deep diving & underwater navigation

  • Hold EFR Primary & Secondary Care (CPR & First Aid) within the past 24 months

  • Have a medical statement signed within the last 12 months

Course Overview: 

The Instructor Development Course consists of two main parts:

 

Assistant Instructor (AI)

This section focuses on teaching fundamentals, assisting with courses, and developing instructional techniques. Completing this portion alone earns the PADI Assistant Instructor certification.

 

Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)

This section builds on AI training and prepares you for the Instructor Examination (IE). Completing the full IDC allows you to attend the IE and earn the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor rating.

 

Most candidates complete the full IDC in one continuous program.

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What the IDC Covers:

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Academic Training

  • PADI standards and procedures

  • Learning, instruction, and the PADI System

  • Risk management and diver safety

  • The business of diving and instructor responsibilities

  • Marketing, sales counseling, and professionalism

  • Theory, the science behind it all

 

Pool Training

  • Demonstration-quality skill circuits

  • Teaching control and problem-solving

  • Confined-water teaching techniques

 

Open Water Training

  • Open water teaching presentations

  • Student control and safety management

  • Rescue and problem-management scenarios

 

*Two written examinations are included as part of the IDC to confirm knowledge and instructional understanding. One is based on dive thoery and the other on PADI standards and procedures. The exams given in the IDC are designed to prepare you for the main exams given during the Instructor Exam (IE).

Lesson Materials: 

  • PADI Instructor Development Course eLearning (~¥150,000 - sold separately)

  • Instructor manuals and teaching guides

  • Instructor-led theory reviews

  • Practical workshops and teaching practice

 

You’ll be guided on exactly what to study and when throughout the course.

Daily Flow (How everything works):

 

Step 1 – Application

Apply online or in person. We’ll confirm prerequisites, discuss scheduling, and plan the course with the Instructor Examination (IE) in mind.

 

Step 2 – Home Study (Before & During the Course)

You’ll complete PADI IDC eLearning using your PC, tablet or smartphone. Pre-study is strongly recommended to get the most out of the course.

 

Step 3 – Classroom, Pool & Ocean Training

You’ll complete structured academic sessions, pool workshops, and open water teaching practice under the guidance of a Course Director.

 

Step 4 – IDC Completion & IE Preparation

After successfully completing the IDC, you’ll be ready to attend the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), conducted by PADI examiners over 2 days.

Open Water Scuba Instructor Certification

Congratulations - Your Path to Becoming a PADI Instructor!

 

Completing the IDC means you’re ready to demonstrate professional teaching standards and move on to the Instructor Examination.

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Once you pass the IE, you’ll earn the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification — allowing you to teach PADI programs worldwide and begin your career as a dive professional.

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Once you complete the IE exam, your examiner will submit your certification to PADI. You will receive your IE certificate in person and your official PADI eCard will be available in the PADI App within 24 hours.

A physical certification card usually arrives by mail within 1–3 weeks.

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If you still have questions, check out the PADI FAQ's here or message us.

Ready to go Pro?

If you’re passionate about diving, enjoy teaching, and want to inspire future divers, the Instructor Development Course is your next step.

 

Contact us to plan your IDC and begin your journey as a PADI Instructor.

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