Our ten-day IDC is the heart of the PADI Instructor Training Program. This program consists of two parts, the Assistant Instructor course (AI) and the Open Water Scuba Instructor program (OWSI). Combining the AI course and the OWSI program into a continuous program makes up the IDC. By completing both sections of the program, you are then qualified to attend the Instructor Evaluation and earn the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor qualification.

The major thrust of the course involves learning and polishing one’s instructional technique. However, the extensive curriculum is extremely varied, consisting of lectures, workshops and candidate teaching presentations in the classroom, pool and open water.

There are three main components to the course.

Instructional Technique:
Much of the program is spent developing a candidates teaching abilities in the classroom, pool and open water. This is a three step process that starts with staff presentations on how to teach, followed by staff teaching demonstrations and culminating in a number of candidate presentations. This experience not only polishes a candidate’s teaching ability but also gives them the confidence needed to run a course.

The PADI System:
A number of staff presentations focus on how to effectively use the PADI System of Diver Education. As a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you are qualified to teach not only the Open Water Course, but also a wide range of continuing education courses that include the Adventure Diver Program, the Rescue Diver Course and the Divemaster Course. These presentations will familiarise candidates with the structure, standards, conduct and scheduling of these courses.


Business of Diving:
This component of the IDC establishes basic business philosophies that apply to teaching diving and acquaints candidates with the size, direction and trends currently facing the recreational dive industry. It also provides a starting point for candidates in how to deal with the legal aspects of dive instruction.

Underwater Naturalist Instructor Specialty To enhance your opportunity in the dive industry, you will also earn the PADI Underwater Naturalist Instructor Specialty qualification. This is a most important and popular specialty program that will allow you to create a marine awareness within all of your students.In addition to the Underwater Naturalist Course, candidates will participate in the Great Barrier Reef Naturalist Course, which has been developed to provide instructors with the information and basic interpretive methods to inform visitors about the biology and management of the reef. The course has been designed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the lead agency responsible for the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the largest marine park in the world today. This is an accredited TAFE course and is recognised throughout the Great Barrier Reef by the tourism industry and the management agencies.