MSDT Prep – Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparation Program
The MSDT Prep (Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparation Program) is the next professional step after becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Earning the PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating confirms that you are qualified to teach multiple PADI Specialty courses and are ready for real-world professional teaching.
This PADI MSDT Prep Program is delivered by Ed Bosworth (Professional Diver Training) in partnership with Go2Similan Diving, a PADI IDC Center and PADI 5 Star Career Development Center, and is conducted in Khao Lak, Thailand, within the PADI Asia Pacific region.
Pricing
You can tweak this to match whatever you finally decide, but as a working model:
MSDT Prep Package (5 Specialty Instructor Ratings) – 15,000 THB
Course fees only – excludes PADI Specialty Instructor application fees.
Additional Specialty Instructor Rating – 3,000 THB each
MSDT Prep + Ready-to-Work IDC Combo
You can also combine MSDT Prep with your IDC packages for a discounted bundle price.
What Is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)?
A PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer is a PADI Instructor who has demonstrated experience, consistency, and commitment to professional teaching by earning multiple PADI Specialty Instructor ratings.
Within the PADI System of diver education, the MSDT rating shows that an instructor:
- Holds at least five PADI Specialty Instructor certifications
- Is in teaching status and actively teaching
- Applies PADI Standards correctly in real teaching environments
- Is capable of delivering a wide range of Open Water and continuing education courses
Many PADI Dive Centres prefer MSDT-level instructors because they can support Open Water training, guide Advanced Open Water Divers, and teach Rescue Divers and specialty programs.
What Is MSDT Prep?
MSDT Prep (Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparation) is a structured instructor development program designed to help a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor earn the PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer rating efficiently and correctly.
Rather than focusing only on paperwork, MSDT Prep concentrates on:
- Instructor Specialty training
- Correct application of PADI Standards
- Real-world course planning and delivery
- Confidence in teaching specialty-level divers
Training follows current PADI Materials, including the PADI Specialty Course Instructor Manual, approved specialty outlines, and the PADI System of professional instruction.
How MSDT Fits Into the PADI Instructor Pathway
Most professional instructors progress through the PADI System in the following order:
Divemaster → PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor → Master Scuba Diver Trainer → IDC Staff Instructor → PADI Master Instructor
MSDT Prep bridges the gap between completing the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and moving toward higher-level instructor development, internships, or long-term professional teaching roles.
What You Will Learn During MSDT Prep
During your PADI MSDT Preparation, you will gain instructor-level skills in:
Specialty Instructor Training
Hands-on training for PADI Specialty Instructor courses, selected to match your career goals and local diving conditions in Khao Lak.
Common PADI Specialty courses include:
- Deep Diver
- Enriched Air (Nitrox)
- Peak Performance Buoyancy
- Night Diver
- Wreck Diver
- Underwater Navigation
- Emergency O2 Provider
- Digital Underwater Photography
All specialties are taught using current PADI Materials and follow approved Instructor Specialty outlines.
Course Planning & Delivery
You will learn how to:
- Structure and schedule PADI Specialty Diver courses
- Conduct effective knowledge development sessions
- Brief and debrief specialty-level students
- Manage logistics, dive planning, and risk
- Use scuba equipment and dive computers appropriately during training
Real-World Teaching Experience
Where possible, MSDT candidates assist with — or teach under supervision on — real specialty courses running in Khao Lak and during the Similan Islands season.
This real-world exposure builds confidence and reinforces correct teaching habits for professional instructors.
MSDT Prep Course Structure
Instructor Orientation
- Review of PADI Standards
- Specialty teaching requirements
- Course logistics and scheduling
Specialty Instructor Development
Each specialty includes:
- Knowledge development
- Land-based workshops
- Confined or open water training
- Instructor-level teaching scenarios
- Standards review and required assessments
Open Water Specialty Instructor Dives
Specialty dives are conducted around Khao Lak or on day trips to the Similan Islands, depending on conditions and course requirements.
Program Duration & Course Fees
Typical MSDT Prep Program
- 3–5 days for five Specialty Instructor ratings
Example course fees:
- MSDT Prep Package (5 Specialty Instructor ratings): 15,000 THB
- Additional Specialty Instructor rating: 3,000 THB each
Training fees only. PADI Specialty Instructor application fees are paid separately to PADI.
Prerequisites for MSDT Prep
To enrol in PADI MSDT Prep, you must:
- Be a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (or completing your IDC / IE)
- Be in teaching status with current professional insurance
- Meet current PADI Standards
- Be fit for diving and at least 18 years old
Why Train MSDT With Ed Bosworth?
- Extensive experience in professional instructor development
- Strong background in recreational and technical scuba diving
- Training aligned with PADI Asia Pacific expectations
- Flexible specialty selection based on real employability
- Personal mentoring throughout your MSDT Preparation
- Training conducted in partnership with Go2Similan Diving
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the MSDT Prep course for?
The MSDT Prep course is designed for new or recently certified PADI Instructors who want to add multiple Instructor Specialties, strengthen their teaching portfolio and become more attractive to dive centres looking for multi-skilled staff.
How many specialties are included and what is the price?
The standard MSDT Prep package includes 5 PADI Instructor Specialty ratings for 15,000 THB. If you want to add more, each additional Instructor Specialty is 3,000 THB on top of the base package.
Which Instructor Specialties can I choose for MSDT Prep?
You can normally choose from a range of popular PADI specialties such as Deep Diver, Nitrox, Wreck, Night and others that are in demand with local dive centres. The exact list of specialties available during your MSDT Prep can be confirmed based on season, logistics and your personal teaching goals.
What is included in the MSDT Prep training?
MSDT Prep includes specialty teaching workshops, classroom sessions, in-water training and real-world teaching scenarios where possible. You will work closely with Course Director Ed Bosworth to build confidence in planning, briefing and conducting specialty dives to PADI standards.
Are PADI application fees and materials included in the price?
No. The 15,000 THB MSDT Prep package and any 3,000 THB add-on specialties cover the training and coaching, but PADI application fees, processing and any required materials are paid separately to PADI. We will help you understand the current PADI fee structure and how to apply for your MSDT rating.
Become a Multi-Specialty PADI Instructor
Whether you have just completed your PADI IDC or are an instructor looking to expand your teaching portfolio, MSDT Prep is the gateway to higher-level professional opportunities.
👉 Contact us to book your PADI MSDT Prep program in Khao Lak or ask any questions.