Instructor Development Course (IDC)

The Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the heart of the PADI professional training network. This comprehensive program is designed to turn top-tier Divemasters into highly employable, inspiring PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors (OWSI). You will learn how to structure and deliver lectures, conduct confined water sessions, and safely manage open water training.

The IDC combines the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. Due to the intensive nature of professional instructor training, schedules are highly structured and typically run over 7 – 10 days (or spread across flexible weekends), followed by the official 2-day PADI Instructor Examination (IE).

【Core Modules Covered】

• The PADI System of Diver Education: Mastering the standards, procedures, and legal responsibilities of a scuba instructor.

• Teaching Techniques: Learning the psychology of learning and how to deliver world-class prescriptive teaching presentations.

• Confined & Open Water Teaching: Developing the skills to organize, manage, and conduct PADI courses safely from scratch.

• The Business of Diving: Understanding marketing, sales, and retention strategies within the modern dive industry.

As PADI's premier professional-level rating, IDC candidates must meet strict prerequisite criteria before the course start date:

• Minimum Age: 18 years old or older.

• Certification Prerequisites:

  • Must be certified as a PADI Divemaster (or hold a leadership-level certification with another recognized organization).

  • Must be a current Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor (or complete EFR Instructor training during your IDC).

• Logged Dives:

  • Must have at least 60 logged dives to start the IDC.

  • Must have at least 100 logged dives to attend the Instructor Examination (IE).

• Experience: Must have been a certified diver for at least 6 months.

• Medical Fitness: Must be medically cleared for diving by a physician within the past 12 months (A physician's signature on the Diver Medical Form is mandatory).

Transform your life and the lives of others. As a PADI Scuba Instructor, you hold a global passport to teach, travel, and share your love for the ocean anywhere in the world!

【What is INCLUDED】

• Elite Course Director Tuition & Mentorship

• All required Pool / Classroom / Facility Fees

• Air Tanks & Weights during the entire IDC program

• Insurance coverage during professional instructor training

• Exclusive career counseling and global job placement assistance through the MDC network

【What is NOT INCLUDED】

• PADI IDC Crew-Pak & Digital Materials: Must be purchased separately (Available at our Markham shop with an exclusive instructor-candidate discount).

• PADI Fees (Paid directly to PADI via Credit Card):

  • PADI IDC Application Fee (~$250-$300 CAD)

  • PADI Instructor Examination (IE) Fee (~$800-$900 CAD)

  • EFR Instructor Application Fee (~$150 CAD)

• All Personal & Heavy Scuba Gear: Instructor candidates are required to own a complete, professional set of scuba equipment (Massive pro-level industry discounts are available for gear purchased through our shop!).

• Dive site admissions and open water boat fees.

Because you will be legally responsible for the lives and safety of your future students, health and fitness standards are non-negotiable at the instructor level.

• Mandatory Physician Clearance: All IDC candidates MUST undergo a physical examination and obtain a signed, stamped Diver Medical Form from a licensed physician before any in-water training can begin.

• The medical clearance must be explicitly approved for diving and dated within 12 months of your Instructor Examination (IE) date.

• Please note: No exceptions can be made for this standard. If you or your physician have specific questions regarding fitness-to-teach criteria, please consult the experts at Divers Alert Network (DAN).

• 【Accepted Payment Methods】

  • Interac e-Transfer, Debit Card, Cash, or any major credit card (Please note: there is a 4% surcharge for credit card usage).

  • For e-Transfer payments, please send the full amount to our official business email: ventureteam@trtdiving.com

  【Payment & IDC Registration】

  • Full course tuition payment is required upon checkout to officially enroll and secure your candidate slot with our Course Director.

  • Once payment is processed, we will schedule your pre-assessment orientation and assist you with ordering your official PADI IDC Crew-Pak.

  【Changes & Cancellations】

  • Rescheduling: Because IDC programs are tied to fixed global PADI Instructor Examination (IE) dates, any scheduling changes must be requested at least 14 days prior to the course start day.

  • Cancellations: Due to the extensive logistical planning and limited seating for instructor candidates, all IDC course tuitions are strictly non-refundable once materials have been issued or training has commenced.