What are the prerequisites for the IDC?

PADI Divemaster certificationAt least 60 logged dives (100 required before certification)Certified diver for at least 6 monthsCurrent medical clearance signed by a physicianEFR Instructor certification (or take the EFR Instructor course with us)

What support do I get during my training?

Two resident Course Directors leading your trainingPersonal IDC Staff Instructor mentorUnlimited pool use for practiceShadowing opportunities on real courses before your IDC

What career opportunities are available after passing?

Guaranteed job placement at our dive schoolAccess to PADI’s global job networkAbility to work as a PADI Instructor anywhere in the world

PADI Instructor Development Course

If you love people, have a passion for scuba diving, and want a career that allows you to teach, inspire, and explore—then becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is the next step for you.

PADI Instructors are the most sought-after dive professionals worldwide, thanks to their high level of training, professionalism, and expertise. Teaching scuba diving allows you to share your love of the underwater world, help others achieve their diving dreams, and build an incredibly rewarding career in the diving industry.

We provide world-class instructor training that goes beyond just passing the Instructor Exam—we develop confident, capable, and highly employable instructors.

Why Train With Us?

The UK’s only PADI CDC-rated centre (Career Development Centre)
The only UK centre with TWO resident Course Directors
100% pass rate on the PADI Instructor Exam (IE)
Personal IDC Staff Instructor assigned as your mentor
Unlimited pool access for skill practice
Free kit hire for the IDC & IE
Unlimited shadowing of our courses before your IDC
Free make-up sessions if your IE is unsuccessful
Guaranteed job placement at our dive school upon passing your IE

What’s Involved?

Our 6-day Instructor Development Course (IDC) includes everything you need to become a successful PADI Instructor.

Online pre-study with interactive presentations and videos
Classroom workshops led by our expert IDC team
Candidate teaching presentations to develop your instructional skills
Confined water training workshops in our heated pool
Open water training workshops at a local dive lake
Dive Theory & Standards exams to reinforce your knowledge
Extensive hands-on training with real student scenarios

Instructor Examination (IE)

After completing the IDC, you will attend the PADI Instructor Examination (IE)—a two-day assessment conducted by PADI Instructor Examiners.

The IE evaluates:

Your ability to teach & demonstrate skills
Your dive theory knowledge
Your understanding of the PADI system
Your professionalism & attitude

Only those who meet the IE performance standards earn their PADI Instructor certification. There is a separate fee for the IE, which will be discussed during your booking process.

Prerequisites

To enrol in the PADI Instructor Development Course, you must:

Be a PADI Divemaster with at least 60 logged dives
Have been a certified diver for at least 6 months
Hold a current medical statement signed by a physician
Be a PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor (or take the EFR Instructor course with us)

Start Your Diving Career Today!

Take the next step in your professional diving journey. With our expert instructors, industry-leading facilities, and a 100% pass rate, we’ll ensure you become a skilled, confident, and employable PADI Instructor.

Book your Instructor Development Course today!

Full IDC Course
Dive theory online

PADI Instructor crewpack - includes PADI IDC eLearning & Digital Diving Knowledge Workbook (2020 edition) - £450
IDC Application for PADI membership payable directly to PADI - £211.20
EFRI Application for membership payable directly to PADI - £132
IE Application payable directly to PADI - £738

The IDC is the training program that prepares you to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. It teaches teaching techniques, dive theory, and practical skills.

The IDC lasts 6 days, followed by the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), which takes 2 days.

PADI Divemaster certification
At least 60 logged dives (100 required before certification)
Certified diver for at least 6 months
Current medical clearance signed by a physician
EFR Instructor certification (or take the EFR Instructor course with us)

The IE is a 2-day evaluation conducted by PADI Instructor Examiners, testing your teaching ability, dive skills, theory knowledge, and professionalism.

Yes, the IE fee is set by PADI and is paid separately.

Two resident Course Directors leading your training
Personal IDC Staff Instructor mentor
Unlimited pool use for practice
Shadowing opportunities on real courses before your IDC

We offer free make-up sessions to help you prepare for a reattempt.

Guaranteed job placement at our dive school
Access to PADI’s global job network
Ability to work as a PADI Instructor anywhere in the world

Welcome. We are is the capital’s premier PADI dive school and the only London dive centre to be equipped with a purpose built heated scuba pool. We are a PADI 5* Career Development Centre and conduct all scuba diving courses from Try Dives to Instructor level courses. Whether it is taking your first breaths underwater, refreshing and expanding your diving knowledge or moving up the ranks to becoming a dive professional, our highly qualified instructors are able to guide and help you every step of the way.

If you love people, have a passion for scuba diving, and want a career that allows you to teach, inspire, and explore—then becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is the next step for you.

We provide world-class instructor training that goes beyond just passing the Instructor Exam—we develop confident, capable, and highly employable instructors.