The instructor development process is a combination of programs designed to enhance instructor candidate’s abilities as dive professionals, 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 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 AI course and the OWSI program into a continuous program makes up an eight 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.

What does the course cost? (Cost does not include course materials or IE fees)

• Standard 8-Day IDC - course starts Friday morning and ends the following Friday - $1200*
• Weekend 8-Day IDC - course consists of two Friday afternoon through Sunday weekends and one Thursday and Friday- $1500*
• Semi-Private IDC - plan your IDC around your schedule - $2000*

*Above costs do not include course materials or PADI application fees

IDC 2008 DATES

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

Standard 8-Day IDC

January 18 - 25, 2008
February 22 - 29
March 28 - April 4 
May 2 - 9
June 6 - 13
July 11 - 18
August 15 - 22
September 19 - 26 
October 24 - 31
November 28 - December 5

ORLAND PARK, IL

Weekend 8-Day IDC 

February 29, March 1, 2; April 4,5, 6; May 1, 2, 2008  
June 20, 21, 22; July 18,19, 20; August 21, 22 
Aug 15, 16, 17; September 12, 13, 14; October 2, 3

Standard 8-Day IDC

April 25 - May 2, 2008 
June 20 - 27 
August 15 - 22
September 26-October 3


MESA, AZ

Weekend 8-Day IDC

dates coming soon

Standard 8-Day IDC

March 21 - 28, 2008 
November 14 - 21, 2008    

JAMAICA

Standard 8-Day IDC

May 5 - 12, 2008 
September 9-16

ST. LUCIA

Standard 8-Day IDC

August 18 -25, 2008

GRAND CAYMAN

Standard 8-Day IDC 

May 19-26, 2008
August 18-25 

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO

Standard 8-Day IDC

March 3-10, 2008
June 13-20

TURKS & CAICOS

Standard 8-Day IDC

October 6-13, 2008

**Private IDCs available in Orland Park & Florida**

Instructor-level continuing education courses available following every IDC!