Professional Instructor Development Courses in Thailand
Delivered by Ed Bosworth – Professional Diver TrainingIn partnership with Go2Similan Diving, Khao Lak
Whether you’re progressing from Assistant Instructor or taking your first step toward becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, our IDC training is designed to build strong teaching ability, solid diving foundations, and real-world confidence.
Guided by Ed Bosworth, PADI Course Director and experienced technical diving instructor, you’ll receive hands-on coaching and personal feedback throughout your professional development.
Why Choose Our PADI IDC in Thailand?
Our Instructor Development Courses are built to help you become the best dive educator you can be — not just to pass an exam.
Ed Bosworth combines decades of instructor training experience with a personalised, standards-driven approach that focuses on confidence, teaching skill, and real-world readiness.
IDC Training Pathway
Our instructor training follows a clear professional progression:
- Assistant Instructor → Open Water Scuba Instructor
- Add Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor
- Progress to IDC Staff Instructor to help train future instructors
Becoming a dive professional isn’t just about certification — it’s a career built on growth, leadership, and opportunity underwater.
It is also a human-led profession: technology can support learning, while trust, reassurance and real-world judgement remain central when you are responsible for another person underwater.
Choose Your IDC Training Level
Assistant Instructor Upgrade
Transition from Assistant Instructor to full PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with targeted preparation, live teaching assessments, and standards-focused coaching.
Learn more about the Assistant Instructor course
Assistant Instructor UpgradeEmergency First Response (EFR) Instructor
Add first-aid teaching credentials to your instructor toolkit.
The EFR Instructor certification is required for PADI Instructors who teach Rescue-level training.
Source: PADI Store
Learn more about the EFR Instructor Course
EFR InstructorInstructor Development Course (IDC)
The complete training program to become a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
Build real-world confidence through hands-on teaching, structured workshops, and professional-level coaching.
View full details of the Open Water Scuba Instructor course
Instructor Development Course
What Is the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)?
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the professional training program that prepares experienced PADI Divemasters to become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors.
The IDC follows the PADI System of Diver Education and combines:
- Knowledge Development
- Confined water teaching
- Open water teaching
- Instructor-level diving theory
The IDC is completed with the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), conducted by an independent PADI Examiner, evaluating teaching ability, standards knowledge, and water skills.
IDC Training Includes Professional-Level Development In:
- PADI standards and procedures
- Instructor-level diving theory
- Knowledge Development teaching techniques
- Confined and Open Water skill evaluation
- Emergency First Response integration
- Customer service and diver safety
- Use of PADI materials and the IDC Digital Pak
PADI Instructor Examination (IE)
The PADI Instructor Examination (IE) is the final assessment following completion of the IDC.
During the IE, candidates are evaluated on:
- Diving theory
- PADI standards and procedures
- Knowledge Development teaching
- Confined water skills
- Open water teaching presentations
Professional Diver Training prepares candidates specifically for IE structure, examiner expectations, and common assessment criteria.
IDC Training in Action
- Knowledge development and teaching presentations.
- Individual feedback and candidate coaching.
- Briefing, positioning and student-control preparation.
- Demonstration-quality confined-water skills.
- Supervised underwater teaching and problem-solving practice.
MSDT Preparation (Master Scuba Diver Trainer)
Gain the experience and specialty certifications required to become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT).
MSDT Prep helps you:
- Teach popular specialty courses
- Build a strong instructional portfolio
- Increase global employability
- Gain real student teaching experience
IDC Staff Instructor
The IDC Staff Instructor course prepares experienced instructors to assist on Instructor Development Courses and mentor future professionals.
Develop advanced skills in:
- Evaluation and assessment
- Coaching and mentorship
- Professionalism and leadership
IDC Staff Development
The IDC Staff Development program is designed for experienced instructors who want to move beyond teaching and begin developing future dive professionals.
This course focuses on refining high-level instructional skills, including:
- Evaluation and assessment of instructor candidates
- Coaching and mentorship techniques
- Professional conduct and leadership standards
- Supporting Course Directors during Instructor Development Courses
IDC Staff Development is ideal for instructors preparing to step into IDC Staff Instructor roles or strengthen their professional influence within a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre.
IDC Staff DevelopmentInstructor Career Pathway
Whether you want to stay in paradise or work globally, we help you build a long-term diving career, not just a certification.
Get personal guidance on:
- Your first instructor job
- Continuing education pathways
- Long-term professional development
Upcoming IDC Courses You Can Join
View upcoming IDC programs and Instructor Examination preparation dates.
👉 See upcoming IDC courses
Training Location & Partner Dive Centre
IDC training is conducted in Khao Lak, Thailand, in partnership with Go2Similan Diving, providing access to varied dive sites, professional facilities, and real dive operations.