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Turn Passion into Profession

Your Path to Success: Enroll in Our PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)

Elevate Your Diving Career with Expert-Led Instruction

10+
Pool Session
10+
Scuba Dive
12+
Theory Review
DM
Skill Level Required
R45 285
Low Season Price
Inc.
16 Nights & DBB
PADI Instructor

Coral Divers is your gateway to becoming a PADI Instructor in the stunning Sodwana Bay. Nestled within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana offers some of the best tropical reef diving in the world.

Our world-class marine sanctuary provides the ideal setting for your dive training. Becoming a PADI Instructor here can transform your life, opening doors to exhilarating careers on superyachts and opportunities to work in exotic locations worldwide, all while earning in Dollars.

Are you ready to take your love for diving to the next level? Keep reading to learn more about our PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and how it can kickstart your diving career.

Develop

Skills to Teach Scuba

What is the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)?

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is an intensive, 14-day instructor course designed to take your diving career to new heights. Throughout the IDC, you’ll build on your dive theory knowledge and role-model your watermanship and rescue skills while honing your leadership abilities.

You’ll learn how to effectively teach diving in confined water, the classroom, and open water settings. This comprehensive program includes the Assistant Instructor (AI), Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI), and Specialty Training programs. To make the most of your time, you can work on your theory online before arrival. Enrol in the PADI IDC and EFRI early to gain access to your ‘’Crewpaks’”.

Water skills development, swim tests, and water treading sessions occur both in our swimming pool and the ocean, providing a comprehensive experience. Dive skill workshops, led by our PADI Platinum Course Director and Staff Instructors, will help you refine your demonstration quality and teaching skills effectively.

Pro Tip

We suggest you complete the IDC eLearning in advance and thoroughly understand Divemaster theory, especially chapters on equipment, physics, physiology, and decompression physiology/RDP. You’ll need to pass the dive theory entry exam with at least 75% to be adequately prepared for the IDC. When enquiring/enrolling, our Course Director can advise on how best to prepare before your arrival.

Course Itinerary Example

Our PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is structured over two intensive weeks packed with theoretical and practical training aimed at achieving instructor certification and honing your skills to a professional level. We conduct the IDC 4 times per year, so feel free to contact us to find out when the next course is scheduled.

During week 1, we will focus on the PADI system, academic teaching presentations, and confined and open water skills presentations. This week is dedicated to developing a solid foundation through presentations and workshops, ensuring you grasp essential concepts and techniques.

Week 2 allows you to put into practice what you have learned in week 1. You will continue with presentations and workshops and also focus on Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) training and dives. Additionally, you’ll complete the Emergency First Response Instructor Course. Following two weeks of intense training, the process culminates with the Instructor Examination (IE) on days 15 and 16.

Steps

to Become a Pro

What Are The Requirements for the PADI Instructor Course?

To certify as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you need to meet specific requirements to ensure you are well-prepared and qualified for this rewarding career. Here’s what you need:

Basic Requirements

  • Dives: Proof of 100 logged dives.
  • Your Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Examination: Successfully pass the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) conducted by a PADI Instructor Examiner.
  • Course Completion: Successfully completed the Instructor Development Course (IDC) within the past 12 months.
  • Photocopies: Photocopies of any qualifying certifications from other diver training organisations must be provided.

Prerequisite Certifications

  • Entry Level certification
  • Rescue Diver Certification
  • Advanced Open Water Certification
  • PADI Assistant Instructor (Included in our IDC)
  • PADI Divemaster – must hold a current, renewed status
  • Emergency First Response (EFR) – Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid) certifications must be obtained within 24 months prior to the IE.

Scuba Gear You Should Own

  • Slate
  • Compass
  • Dive knife
  • RDP dive table
  • Dive computer (or dive watch)
  • 2 surface signalling devices (one audible and one visible, e.g., whistle and deploy buoy)

What’s Included and Excluded in the PADI IDC Program?

Our PADI IDC program includes comprehensive training modules, hands-on workshops, and personalised support from our experienced PADI in-house Course Director. However, there are a few things we don’t provide in the program. Here’s a breakdown:

What’s Included

Our PADI IDC program is designed to give you everything you need for a successful dive instructor career. Here’s what’s included:

  • Course Materials: PADI IDC Digital Crewpack and EFRI Crewpak.
  • AI (Assistant Instructor) Course: Gain foundational teaching skills.
  • PADI IDC: Comprehensive training leading to certification.
  • EFR (Emergency First Response) Instructor Course: Learn how to teach life saving techniques.
  • MSDT (Master Scuba Diver Trainer) Course: Advance your professional diving qualifications.
  • Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast daily for the duration of the stay.
  • Accommodation: Enjoy 16 nights in our Safari Tents, or upgrade to our Standard Cabins or Ensuite Cabins at a discounted rate.

What’s Excluded

While our PADI IDC program offers extensive training and support, certain costs and items are not covered. Please review the following expenses you’ll need to plan for:

  • MPA Permit: A permit is required for diving in marine protected areas.
  • iSimangaliso Park Gate Entry Fee: A daily entry fee is required for access to the park.
  • Daily KZN Wildlife Fee: Mandatory daily fee supporting conservation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Registration Fees with PADI: Costs for becoming a certified instructor are paid directly to PADI.
  • PADI Registration for the Instructor Examination (IE): Fees associated with the final certification exam.

Notes

For PADI registration and payment, credit card details are submitted. Please contact us if you do not have access to a credit card, so that we can make alternative arrangements. Additionally, note that gear hire (except for tanks and weights) is also not included in the course fee. Our reception can also assist you with processing the payments of permits and park related fees.

Specialise

Grow Further

What’s Next After Becoming a PADI Instructor

After becoming a PADI-certified instructor, your journey toward professional diving excellence has just begun. The next qualification to consider is the PADI Staff Instructor level.

This credential not only enhances your teaching ability but also allows you to mentor and assist in training new instructors, an essential step in advancing your career. At this stage, you’ll focus on developing leadership skills and gaining deeper insights into the PADI system, solidifying your expertise in becoming a scuba instructor.

With the Staff Instructor qualification, you’ll be well on your way to achieving diving mastery and opening new doors in the diving industry.

Instructors

Share Their Stories

What Our Instructors Say



Hear directly from our experienced instructors about their journey with Coral Divers. Their testimonials reveal the passion, dedication, and rewarding experiences that come with teaching others to dive.

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Michelle S.
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Jason L.
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Gateway

to Dive Leadership

Why Choose Coral Divers for Your PADI IDC?

Choosing Coral Divers for your PADI IDC ensures an unparalleled experience and a robust diving education:

Professional Growth

With a track record of producing highly skilled diving professionals, Coral Divers provides a solid foundation for your scuba diving career, offering extensive opportunities for professional growth and networking.

Global Recognition

Coral Divers is globally recognized and has received the prestigious Platinum PADI EMEA awards, affirming our status as the leading certifier of professional divers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Exclusive Training

We are the only dive resort in South Africa featuring an in-house PADI Platinum Course Director, guaranteeing top-notch instruction and mentorship.

Coral Reefs

Our location is home to the southernmost coral reefs in Africa, giving you access to some of the most unique and beautiful diving sites.

Unique Location

Our resort is uniquely situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, providing a stunning and biodiverse environment for diving.

Diverse Marine Life

From sharks and turtles to dolphins and whales, our diverse marine life offers a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience.

Comprehensive Program

Our IDC program includes extensive training modules, practical workshops, and personalised support aimed at enhancing your diving and teaching skills.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions You May Have

The PADI IDC is challenging but manageable with proper preparation. It covers a wide range of theory and practical skills.

Yes, you can fail the PADI IDC if you do not meet the required standards. However, with dedicated study, practice, and guidance from experienced instructors, most of our candidates successfully complete the course. Focus, preparation, and a positive attitude are key.

To prepare, thoroughly review the IDC eLearning materials, focus on dive theory, practise in-water skills regularly, and leverage the guidance from your instructors. Consistent study and physical preparation will boost your confidence and readiness for the course.

The PADI exam is rigorous, testing both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Success requires thorough preparation, consistent study, and practical experience. With dedication and support from your instructors, you can confidently meet the challenge and pass the exam.

The PADI Instructor course is demanding, as it builds on foundational diving knowledge and skills while introducing advanced teaching methods and leadership.

The PADI IDC typically takes around two weeks to complete, including the Instructor Examination (IE).

Yes, being a scuba diving instructor is a rewarding job that combines a passion for diving with the opportunity to teach and inspire others. It offers travel opportunities, a dynamic work environment, and personal fulfilment in sharing underwater adventures.

Scuba instructors’ salaries vary globally, but on average, they can earn between $20,000 to $45,000 a year. This range depends on factors like location, experience, certification level, and the type of diving school or resort. However, if you land a job at a superyacht or upscale resort, the salary can be significantly higher.

A scuba diving instructor teaches students how to dive safely, conducts diving courses, leads underwater excursions, performs equipment maintenance, and ensures compliance with diving regulations. They also provide emergency assistance and mentorship, helping divers enhance their skills and confidence underwater.

To become a PADI instructor, complete your Open Water Diver course, log sufficient dives, and advance through PADI’s courses up to Dive Master. Then, enrol in the IDC, pass the exam, and register with PADI as a certified instructor.

A PADI Staff Instructor is a highly experienced diving professional who assists Course Directors in teaching Instructor Development Courses (IDCs). They provide mentorship and evaluate aspiring instructors, playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of scuba instructors.

A Dive Master is responsible for guiding certified divers and assisting instructors with student divers, while an Instructor is qualified to teach and certify new divers through various PADI courses, assess their skills, and ensure they meet safety standards.

Yes, you can make a living as a dive instructor. Many instructors find work at resorts, dive shops, cruise ships, and superyachts, enjoying a fulfilling career that allows them to explore new destinations and share their passion for diving with others.