Become a PADI Instructor in Thailand
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the professional PADI Dive Instructor Course that prepares experienced divers to become certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors.
PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) Khao Lak
At Professional Diver Training, we deliver the PADI IDC Scuba Diving Instructor Course in Thailand, with instructor training conducted in partnership with Go2Similan, a PADI IDC Center and PADI 5 Star Career Development Center in Khao Lak, within the PADI Asia Pacific region. All training follows the PADI system, current PADI Standards, and official PADI Instructor Development requirements.
This course is designed for divers progressing from PADI Divemaster to PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, and for those planning a long-term diving career teaching Open Water courses worldwide.
Who Is the PADI IDC For?
The PADI IDC is suitable for:
- Certified PADI Divemasters
- Divers completing a Divemaster course
- Professionals working toward PADI Dive Instructor certification
- Candidates planning to teach Open Water Diver courses and continuing education
All candidates must meet current PADI Standards, including PADI Rescue Diver training, medical clearance, and prerequisite certifications.
What Is the PADI Instructor Development Course?
The PADI IDC teaches you how to apply the PADI system in real teaching environments, using performance-based training rather than theory alone.
The course prepares you for:
- The PADI Instructor Examination (PADI IE)
- Teaching recreational scuba diving safely and effectively
- Correct application of PADI Standards
- Risk management and student control in real scenarios
Training uses official PADI materials, including:
- PADI Instructor Manual
- PADI Guide to Teaching
- PADI Quizzes & Exam Booklets
- Integrated use of PADI eLearning and dive computers
IDC Course Structure
The PADI IDC Scuba Diving Instructor Course focuses on instructor performance, judgment, and consistency.
You will develop skills in:
- Knowledge Development presentations
- Confined water teaching and control
- Open water teaching performance
- Dive theory, physics, and physiology
- Use of dive computers in training
- Professional judgment and standards application
Training combines classroom workshops with realistic in-water teaching scenarios conducted within an active PADI IDC Center environment.
Source: PADI – Training Philosophy
PADI Instructor Examination (IE)
After completing the IDC, candidates attend the PADI Instructor Examination (PADI IE).
The PADI IE is conducted by PADI Examiners and evaluates:
- Teaching presentations
- Dive theory knowledge
- Confined water skills
- Open water teaching performance
Successful candidates qualify as PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors, enabling them to work globally, subject to local requirements.
Source: PADI – Instructor Examination
Instructor Development Leadership
Your IDC training is delivered by Ed Bosworth, an experienced instructor trainer with a strong background in professional dive education, technical diving, and instructor development.
IDC programmes are delivered by Professional Diver Training, with training conducted in partnership with Go2Similan, a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center and PADI IDC Center in Khao Lak.
Ed is completing the PADI Course Director Training Course (CDTC) and will be qualified to teach as a PADI Course Director from January. This ensures training reflects:
- Current PADI Standards and teaching methodology
- Structured preparation for the PADI Instructor Examination
- Real-world mentoring and feedback
- Instructor development beyond minimum pass requirements
MSDT Preparation & PADI Specialty Instructor Training
After certification, instructors can continue with PADI MSDT preparation and PADI Specialty Instructor training.
Popular PADI Specialty courses include:
- PADI Enriched Air Nitrox
- PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy
- Additional PADI Specialty Instructor ratings
MSDT preparation increases employability and allows instructors to teach a broader range of Open Water courses worldwide.
Training Location – Khao Lak, Thailand
All IDC training is based in Khao Lak, Thailand, within the PADI Asia Pacific region.
Khao Lak offers:
- Calm and consistent sea conditions
- Access to offshore dive sites
- Strong professional dive infrastructure
- A training environment suitable for PADI IDC and MSDT preparation
While Thailand includes multiple IDC locations (such as Phuket, Koh Tao, and Koh Lanta), all training delivered by Professional Diver Training takes place locally in Khao Lak, within an approved PADI IDC Center.
Marine Conservation & Environmental Responsibility
Modern PADI Dive Instructors play an important role in protecting marine environments.
The IDC includes awareness of:
- Marine ecosystems
- Marine biology fundamentals
- Responsible diving practices
- Conservation-focused teaching principles
Environmental responsibility is a core component of professional dive education.
Source: PADI AWARE Foundation
Why Choose Professional Diver Training?
- PADI IDC delivered by Professional Diver Training
- Training conducted at a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center
- Based entirely in Khao Lak, Thailand
- Small groups and focused instruction
- Clear progression from Divemaster to PADI MSDT
- Long-term guidance within the dive industry
We train confident, capable, and employable PADI Dive Instructors.
PADI IDC Packages – Thailand
Basic IDC
From 39,700 THB
Excludes PADI fees & materials
- Full Instructor Development Course
- EFR Instructor Course
- Confined & open water teaching practice
- Lunches during the IDC
- Shared accommodation available
“Extra Practice” IDC
From 49,700 THB
Excludes PADI fees & materials
- Everything in the Basic IDC
- Extra time for skills, theory & skill circuits
- Nitrox (EANx) & O2 Provider Instructor
- Ideal for candidates wanting extra water time
“Ready to Work” IDC
From 59,700 THB
Excludes PADI fees & materials
- Full 28-day instructor pathway
- Orientation on Similan dive boats
- Extra rescue & confined water practice
- Nitrox & O2 Provider Instructor ratings
- Perfect for job readiness
Technical Diver Training – From Tec 40 to Trimix 90
Alongside our Instructor Development Courses, we also offer a complete Tec Diver Pathway from Tec 40 through to Trimix 90, including sidemount options and multi-gas training.
Your Instructor Career Pathway
After completing the PADI Instructor Examination, you can continue your professional development with:
- MSDT – Master Scuba Diver Trainer
- Divemaster internship support (for pre-IDC candidates)
- IDC Staff Instructor
- Technical diving – Tec 40, Tec 45, Tec 50, Trimix 65 & Trimix 90
- Marine conservation & AWARE programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the PADI IDC in Thailand for?
The PADI IDC in Thailand is designed for Rescue Divers and Divemasters, or equivalent from another agency, who want to become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors and start teaching scuba diving professionally.
How long does the IDC take and when are the dates?
The IDC normally runs over several days in Khao Lak, followed by the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) on official PADI dates. You can check the latest IDC and IE schedule for Khao Lak or contact us to find the best dates for you.
What is included in the IDC packages?
All IDC packages include the core Instructor Development Course with classroom, confined water and open water teaching practice with Course Director Ed Bosworth. Higher-level packages add extra skills practice, instructor specialties such as Nitrox and O2 Provider, and extended time to build confidence and job-readiness. Full details of what is included in each package are shown on this IDC overview page.
What is not included in the IDC price?
PADI fees and materials are not included in the IDC package prices. You will also need to budget for travel to Khao Lak, personal spending money and any additional accommodation or diving you choose before or after the IDC.
Which IDC package should I choose?
If you are a confident Divemaster with strong skills, the Basic IDC may be sufficient. If you prefer more time to refine your skills and theory, the “Extra Practice” IDC is a great choice. If you want a full 28-day pathway with extra water-time, boat orientation and maximum job-readiness, the “Ready to Work” IDC offers the most comprehensive support. You can always contact us for personalised advice.
Ready to Become a PADI Instructor?
If you are a PADI Divemaster or completing your Divemaster course, the PADI Instructor Development Course is your next professional step. Our PADI IDC in Thailand prepares you for success at the PADI Instructor Exam and real work in the dive industry.
Contact us for IDC dates, examination schedules and package details.
Contact us to discuss upcoming PADI IDC courses in Khao Lak, Thailand.