What to Know Before Enrolling in a PADI IDC?

There are a few things you should know before enrolling in a PADI IDC course.

What is an IDC?

An IDC is a PADI Instructor Development Course, meaning it is a course to train aspiring dive instructors. Since this is a standard SCUBA diving certification course, the materials and course flow are more or less the same everywhere around the world. Since this is a standard SCUBA diving course, the instructor materials and course flow are more or less the same everywhere around the world. By undertaking your IDC at Abyss Scuba Diving, you will become trained at one of Sydney's most active dive centres and will be mentored by some of Australia's most experienced Course Directors.

Who Can Enrol in a PADI IDC?

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is designed for individuals who want to work in the scuba diving and dive industry as professional instructors. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have been a certified diver for at least 6 months. and have completed their Divemaster course to enrol. 

What Will I Learn on My IDC?

On your IDC, you will be introduced to the PADI System of Diver education and training standards. You will learn the essential knowledge and skills of scuba diving, how to give professional instruction and how to use PADI resources available only to Instructor candidates. You will also develop your skills as a teacher, both in and out of the classroom. Classroom topics will cover subjects such as lesson planning, conducting skill development sessions and open water dives, and managing student divers. You will also learn about dive equipment and maintenance, risk management and dive destination-specific training. Outside the classroom, you will put your knowledge into practice by teaching confined water sessions and facilitating open-water dives.

How Long Will My PADI IDC Take?

Some PADI Course Directors spend two or more weeks on their IDCs to prepare you for your PADI Instructor exam. For many candidates, this amount of time off work is difficult, with the use of the latest technology, Abyss Scuba Diving now offers an IDC that requires you to take only a week off work. This means that your IDC, Emergency First Aid Instructors course and PADI Instructor's Exam can be completed within five weekdays plus two weekends.

What are Some Common Career Paths for PADI Dive Instructors?

PADI Dive Instructors often find careers in dive resorts, liveaboards, yacht charters, local dive centre operations, or even start their own businesses leading scuba tours and teaching courses. Many dive instructors also use their training and experience to pursue careers outside of the dive industry in fields such as education, medicine, environmental science, etc.

How Easy Is It to Get a Job After the IDC?

The job market for PADI Dive Instructors is quite strong, both on a full-time and Part time-basis. The COVID pandemic means there is a big shortage of dive instructors, especially in resort areas and locations with a high concentration of scuba diving tourists. Many dive instructors find employment immediately after completing their IDC, while others use their certifications to pursue careers outside of the dive industry. 

If you have an interest in scuba diving, are eager to be able to work once and live every diver's dream, then you should consider taking your PADI IDC.

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