What Do I Need Before Starting My PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)?

So, you're considering taking the big step and becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. What are the prerequisites?

1. Be a PADI Divemaster (or equivalent)

Before you can begin your IDC, you must be a PADI Divemaster or hold an equivalent professional-level certification from another recognised recreational diving agency.

Not a Divemaster yet? No problem—you can complete your Divemaster training with us before progressing to the IDC.

2. Be at Least 18 Years Old

You must be at least 18 years of age before starting your Instructor Development Course.

3. Have Been a Certified Diver for at Least Six Months

You must have been certified as an Open Water Diver (or equivalent) for a minimum of six months before attending the PADI Instructor Examination (IE).

4. Hold a Current First Aid Qualification

You must have completed Emergency First Response (EFR) or an equivalent first aid and CPR course within the previous 24 months.

If your certification has expired, don't worry—we can arrange an EFR course before your IDC.

5. Obtain Medical Clearance

You will need medical clearance from a physician before attending the Instructor Examination.

If you are in good health and can honestly answer "No" to all the questions on the WRSTC Medical Questionnaire, obtaining a diving medical in Thailand is usually straightforward and inexpensive.

However, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, I strongly recommend obtaining medical clearance from your own doctor before travelling and before booking your course. This gives you plenty of time to deal with any additional tests or paperwork that may be required.

6. Have Sufficient Diving Experience

PADI requires you to have at least 100 logged dives before attending the Instructor Examination.

Although we complete a small number of open water dives during the IDC, it is not enough to significantly increase your dive count. Ideally, you should already have 100 logged dives before your IDC begins.

7. Complete the PADI eLearning

The IDC eLearning must be purchased and completed before the course starts.

The online learning is quite time-consuming, so I recommend beginning it at least two weeks before your IDC. If possible, give yourself even longer. Starting early allows you to work through the material properly without unnecessary stress.

8. Arrive with Professional-Level Dive Theory

This is where many candidates come unstuck.

The IDC is not a dive theory course. While the eLearning includes refresher material, you are expected to arrive already comfortable with professional-level diving knowledge.

Before your IDC, you should be able to:

• Use the PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) confidently.
• Plan dives and calculate minimum surface intervals.
• Understand all RDP special rules.
• Explain pressure, depth and volume relationships.
• Calculate the amount of gas required to inflate a lifting bag for various objects in both fresh and salt water.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of diving physics, physiology, equipment and skills.

On the very first day of the IDC, you'll most likely complete a five-section theory assessment.

Every year, I see candidates arrive without the level of dive theory expected of a Divemaster. This creates unnecessary stress during what is already a demanding course.

If you're a little rusty, I strongly recommend reviewing your training materials before your IDC, starting with the Open Water course and working your way through to Divemaster.

If you'd like additional help, ask about our optional pre-IDC preparation package. We can review dive theory in depth before your course begins, allowing you to start the IDC with confidence instead of trying to catch up once the course is underway.

9. Diving Equipment

Most IDC candidates already own their own equipment, and we would normally expect you to bring:

• BCD
• Regulator
• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Exposure suit

If you don't own equipment, or simply don't want to travel with it, quality rental equipment is available here.

Tanks and weights used during your IDC are included.

Are You Ready?

If you're thinking about becoming a PADI Instructor and would like to discuss whether you're ready to start your IDC, get in touch.

I'd be happy to answer your questions, review your experience, and help you choose the right course package for your goals.