The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the definitive professional program for divers seeking to transform their passion into a global career. Led by Platinum-rated Course Directors at our 5-Star IDC Center, we provide elite mentorship and 100% success-rate preparation, ensuring you graduate as a highly employable and confident scuba professional.
Imagine a career where your office is a coral reef filled with marine life, your colleagues are passionate ocean enthusiasts, and your daily tasks involve sharing the amazing the underwater world.
This dream can become your reality with our comprehensive PADI Instructor Development Course (PADI IDC) in Koh Tao, Thailand.
Why Choose PADI Instructor Development Course?
- Unparalleled Expertise: Our PADI IDC is led by a team of highly experienced PADI Platinum Course Directors who have shaped the careers of many successful diving instructors. Their passion for scuba diving and dedication to excellence create a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: We go beyond the basic requirements to provide you with an exemplary diving education. Our curriculum includes in-depth dive theory, advanced teaching methodologies, and specialized workshops on buoyancy control,
equipment maintenance, and marine conservation. - Focus on Practical Skills: We emphasize hands-on learning, giving you lots of opportunities to practice teaching in confined water and open water environment. You will refine your dive skills to demonstration quality and develop the confidence
to lead and inspire your future students. - Career Development: Our IDC does not just prepare you for the Instructor Examination (IE); it equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive scuba diving industry.
- Community and Support: You will become part of a vibrant community of divers from around the world. Our team provides ongoing support and mentorship even after you complete the course, helping you navigate your new career path.
Included in the Koh Tao PADI Diving Instructor Course
- 14-day program that includes AI, OWSI & EFRI courses
- All dives during the course
- Isla Tortuga Divers Fluid mechanics buoyancy clinic designed to turn you into a buoyancy expert
- Isla Tortuga Divers Reef Ecology for beginners program
- Pass Guarantee
- Rental of all Aqualung scuba equipment
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Log book
Enrol on a PADI Dive Instructor course
- Be a PADI Divemaster or equivalent
- Hold a recognized First Aid and CPR certificate valid within the last 24 months
- 18 years of age or older
- Be a certified diver for at least 6 months
- Have a minimum of 60 logged dives; documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation
- If not a PADI Divemaster, successfully complete the PADI Divemaster course dive rescue assessment
- Have recent diving experience – we recommend completing a scuba review if you have not dived for 12 months
- Be medically fit to dive and cleared for diving by a physician within the last 12 months
Transform Your Passion into a Profession
Our PADI IDC is not just a course; it is an investment in your future. You will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to embark on a fulfilling career as a PADI Scuba Instructor. Join us in Koh Tao and discover a world of opportunities beneath the surface.
Contact us today to learn more and reserve your spot in our next upcoming Instructor Development Course.
PADI Diving Instructor Additional Information
- You need to purchase the PADI IDC Crew Pack, which includes essential digital and physical materials.
- The IE is a separate 2-day evaluation conducted by PADI examiners.
- We offer flexible diving internship programs for those who want to gain more experience and make the most of their time in Koh Tao.
Embrace the adventure, embrace the challenge, and embrace a career that will change your life.
We conduct the PADI Dive Instructor course over 14 days, followed by an independently PADI evaluated 2-day PADI Instructor Examination (IE).
Koh Tao PADI Instructor Development Course Information
The Instructor Development Course (IDC) consists of two courses; the PADI Assistant Instructor course (AI) and the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course (OWSI).
We also include the Emergency First Responder Instructor (EFRI) course into our Instructor Development program.
The Instructor Development Course is broken down into a number of different sections:
Classroom & Land Section
- Knowledge Development; both a self-study e-learning curriculum and Course Director led presentations
- Dive Theory
- The PADI system General Standards & Procedures
- Sales techniques workshop
- Social Media & Online Marketing workshop
- Reef Ecology for beginners’ program workshop
- Knowledge Development Presentation Workshops & Candidate Knowledge Development teaching presentations
Confined Water (or Pool) Section
- Skill development workshops; the basic 25 skills & Rescue diver skill circuit to a demonstration quality standard
- Discover Scuba Diving confined water workshop
- Confined Water Training Workshop and Candidate Confined Water Teaching Presentations
- Our Fluid mechanics buoyancy clinic & neutral buoyancy skill circuit
Open Water Section
- Descent & Ascent workshops
- Roll model quality Divemaster course Rescue assessment
- Discover Scuba Diving conduct and control workshop
- Advanced Open Water workshop
- Rescue Exercise 7 workshop
- Open Water Training Workshop and Candidate Open Water Teaching Presentations Neutrally Buoyant
- Stamina tests; 400 metres freestyle & 10-minute float
PADI IDC – Knowledge Development
The knowledge development section of the IDC is divided between independent study (E-learning) and a series of in-class knowledge development presentations and workshops, led by one of our Platinum PADI Course Directors.
The e-learning section covers the following subjects:
- Getting Started
- Dive Theory for Dive Leaders
- PADI System Overview
- Learning, Instruction and the PADI System
- Discover Scuba Diving and Experience Programs
- The PADI Open Water Diver Course
- Risk Management and Legal Considerations
- Managing Risk
- PADI Quality Management and Licensing
- Introduction to Teaching Presentations
- Conducting and Evaluating Knowledge Development
- Confined Water Training
- Open Water Training
- Continuing Education and Leadership Courses
- The Business of Diving
- We recommend that you complete all independent eLearning before you begin the Instructor Development Course.
However, we will give you an additional homework schedule if you are signing up late for the IDC or have been unable to complete this section beforehand.
This ensures you complete the prerequisite study for subsequent presentations and workshops that we will be doing throughout the course.
PADI Course Director Presentations
Presentations and Workshop components of our Instructor Development course, will be presented to you by one of our Platinum PADI Course Directors.
Knowledge Development Presentations and Classroom Workshops
- Orientation
- Dive Theory Workshop
- PADI System Workshop
- Learning and Teaching Workshop
- Open Water Dive Course Scheduling and Set Up Workshop
- Risk Management and Licensing Workshop
- Knowledge Development Presentation Workshop and Candidate Knowledge Development Presentations
- Confined Water Training Workshop Part 1
- Open Water Training Workshop Part 1
- Continuing Education Workshop
- Sales Techniques Workshop
- Online P.I.C. Processing Workshop
- Course Close
- PADI IDC Water Skills Development
- Water skills exercises; 400metre swim & 10-minute float
- Role model Rescue assessments
- Dive skill circuit (24 skill circuit)
- Rescue skill circuit (Skills from Rescue course)
- In-water workshops
- Descents & Ascents workshop
- Discover Scuba Diving Workshop
- Advanced Open Water Diver Course Workshop
- Rescue Diver Course Workshop
- In-water teaching presentations
- Confined Water Training Workshop and Candidate Confined Water Teaching Presentations
- Open Water Training Workshops and Candidate Open Water Teaching Presentations
Successful Completion of PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
- Complete all E-learning modules
- Attend every Course Director led knowledge development presentation
- Participate in every Course Director led workshop
- Present at least three knowledge development teaching presentations, scoring a minimum of 3.4 on at least two of them
- Present at least four confined water teaching presentations, scoring a minimum of 3.4 on at least two of them
- Present at least two integrated (two skills) Open Water teaching presentations scoring a minimum of 3.4 on each skill for each presentation
- Score a minimum of 82 total points on the 24 basic skills circuit
- Pass the PADI Systems, Standards and Procedures Exam scoring a minimum of 75%
- Pass all sections of the Dive Theory Exam scoring a minimum of 75% on each section
- Perform a 400-metre continuous freestyle swim
- Perform a 800-metre continuous snorkel swim
- Perform a 10-minute water float
- In confined or Open Water, demonstrate with role-model quality the Rescue of a simulated panicked diver at the surface
- In Open Water, demonstrate with role-model quality the Rescue of a simulated unresponsive, non-breathing diver at the surface
- In Open Water, participate in a full simulated unresponsive non-breathing diver scenario including egressing the victim and administrating O2
IDC Candidates must also
- Have 100 logged dives including diving experience in deep diving, night diving and underwater navigation
- Have completed a recognized Primary & Secondary Care First Aid & CPR course within the past 24 months
Enrol on the PADI Instructor Examination (PADI IE)
- Successfully complete an IDC or OWSI program within 12 months of the PADI IE start date
- Have 100 logged dives
- Medical clearance attesting to dive fitness signed by a physician within the previous 12 months and have had no medical condition changes
- Exit Requirements – before certification
- Emergency First Response Instructor (or qualifying certification)
PADI Instructor Development Course Cost: 41,900 baht **
** Additional Costs
2026 Instructor Application Fee: $AUS 350
Instructor Examination fee: $AUS 1,190
EFR Instructor Application – $AUS 252
Total: $AUS 1,792
PADI IDC Crew Pack – 25,000 baht (Includes EFR)
EFR Instructor Digital Guides – 4,000 baht (Price on its own)
PADI Instructor Materials
All IDC candidates must have a set of required materials for use during the course and to retain afterwards.
You can purchase the PADI IDC Crew Pack from us directly. The pack itself is broken into two components; digital and physical.
PADI Digital IDC Crew Pack includes:
- IDC e-learning
- PADI Guide to Teaching
- Diving Knowledge Workbook
- PADI Quizzes & Exam Booklets (Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster)
- PADI AWARE Specialty Instructor Outline
- Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Instructor Outline
- PADI Open Water Course Prescriptive Lesson Guides
- The PADI Digital IDC Crew Pack are all online components that can be completed prior to arriving on Koh Tao.
Physical PADI IDC Crew Pack includes:
- PADI Backpack
- Dive Lesson Planning Slates [Confined and Open Water)
- PADI Dive Planning & Skill Practice Slate
- Open Water, Advanced, Rescue Diver, Divemaster Course Instructor Cue Cards
- We will provide you with the PADI IDC physical crew pack once you arrive on Koh Tao.
You will also need the following items from your Divemaster pack
- PADI Instructor Manual
- E-RDP ML and Instructions for use booklet
- Encyclopedia of recreational diving
As Koh Tao’s only Spanish PADI IDC, our Instructor Development Course draws on the industry experience of three Platinum PADI Course Directors.
Excellence in Dive Education
Our team boasts a wealth of experience in the dive industry, having personally trained and mentored thousands of PADI Instructors.
We have fine tuned our teaching methods to meet and exceed PADI standards, ensuring our graduates are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and sought-after professionals.
Your Transformation into a Confident Dive Instructor
Our goal is to empower you with the diverse skills and unwavering confidence needed to excel as a PADI Diving Instructor.
We will guide you through a personalised learning journey, focusing on your individual strengths and areas for growth. You will develop expertise in dive theory, master essential teaching techniques, and cultivate the leadership qualities that inspire confidence in your students.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Dive Skills
Our PADI IDC goes beyond the minimum requirements, offering specialised workshops to elevate your dive skills and broaden your knowledge. You will participate in:
- Buoyancy Mastery Clinics: Refine your buoyancy control to an expert level, becoming a role model for effortless underwater movement.
- Dive Marketing Workshops: Learn how to effectively promote yourself and your services in the digital age, gaining a competitive edge in the dive industry.
- Reef Ecology and Conservation Program: Deepen your understanding of coral reef ecosystems and the threats they face, empowering you to become an advocate for marine conservation.
Empowering Future Ocean Stewards
We believe in fostering a deep respect for the marine environment in every dive instructor we train.
By equipping you with knowledge about reef ecology and conservation, we empower you to educate and inspire your future students to become responsible divers and active ocean protectors. Together, we can make a positive impact on the health of our oceans.
Journey to Becoming a PADI Dive Instructor
Preparing for Success
To embark on this exciting journey, you need at least 60 logged dives. Upon registering, we grant you access to our comprehensive IDC Digital Crew Pack, filled with interactive learning materials.
We encourage you to dive into the e-learning modules before the course begins, allowing you to maximize your in-person training time.
Orientation and Knowledge Development
Your IDC adventure starts with a thorough orientation. We provide you with the physical IDC Crew Pack, guide you through the necessary paperwork (liability releases, medical statements, etc.), and introduce you to the 12 knowledge development modules that form the main diving course.
Each module blends online learning with engaging presentations led by our experienced Course Directors. This integrated approach ensures you grasp the theoretical foundations of diving while actively developing your teaching skills. We also provide personalised dive theory reviews for those who need extra support.
Mastering the Art of Diving Instruction
The IDC culminates in a Mock Instructor Examination (IE) on days 13 and 14. This simulation allows you to practice your teaching presentations and refine your skills under the guidance of our Course Directors before facing the official PADI IE.
You will also complete the General Standards and Procedures and Dive Theory exams, building your confidence for the final evaluation.
Refining Your Scuba Dive Skills
Our IDC features intensive water skill development workshops. You will revisit the 24 core scuba skills from your Divemaster training, fine-tuning your technique and achieving demonstration-quality performance.
We tailor these sessions to your individual needs, ensuring you are fully prepared to guide and inspire your future students.
Buoyancy Control: The Foundation of Expertise
We place a strong emphasis on buoyancy control throughout the IDC. You will participate in specialised buoyancy clinics designed to elevate your skills and transform you into a true underwater buoyancy expert.
We believe that mastering buoyancy is essential for both personal diving proficiency and effective diving instruction.
Emergency Skills and Rescue Scenarios
You will gain proficiency in essential emergency and rescue procedures through dedicated workshops and assessments. We cover various techniques for assisting panicked or unresponsive divers, ensuring you are fully equipped to handle challenging situations
with confidence and competence.
Open Water Workshops
Our Open Water sessions begin with a comprehensive descent workshop, where you will learn how to execute different descent techniques and address common student challenges.
You will also master the Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA) and practice essential skills like knot tying and search & recovery lift bag use.
Discover Scuba Diving and Advanced Open Water
We will guide you through the intricacies of conducting Discover Scuba Diving programs and leading Advanced Open Water dives. You will learn how to create engaging experiences for introductory divers and guide certified divers on exciting underwater adventures.
Confined Water and Open Water Teaching Presentations
You will gain valuable experience in delivering effective teaching presentations in both confined and open water environments. We provide you with constructive feedback and guidance, helping you refine your techniques and develop a confident teaching style.
Contact us today and ask about our course prices and accommodation options to learn more and reserve your spot in our next upcoming Instructor Development Course at Isla Tortuga Divers.
PADI Instructor Development Course Cost: 41,900 baht **
** Additional Costs
2026 Instructor Application Fee: $AUS 350
Instructor Examination fee: $AUS 1,190
EFR Instructor Application – $AUS 252
Total: $AUS 1,792
PADI IDC Crew Pack – 25,000 baht (Includes EFR)
EFR Instructor Digital Guides – 4,000 baht (Price on its own)
