PADI IDC
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the leading instructor training program in the recreational dive industry. Conducted over at least 7 days, our programs are generally scheduled over 10 days to allow ample time to become fully comfortable with all the material. Candidates undertaking the IDC
have the choice of completing the full program in one course, or taking the program in two parts - the PADI Assistant Instructor Course and the PADI OWSI Program. Upon successful completion of the IDC (or AI Course and OWSI Program), a candidate will be eligible to attend a PADI Instructor Exam. Once this step is successfully completed, you'll be certified as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
During the OWSI Program you'll be exposed to a wide range of topics and workshops that will prepare you to be a great dive instructor. You'll learn about the dive industry, risk management, the business of diving, and how to conduct a wide range of PADI Programs. You'll how to teach in a variety of contexts, including knowledge development and skill development in the classroom, confined water and open water.
Our 10 day schedule gives you more time for learning at a relaxed pace, and allows time to undertake our FREE bonus Specialty Instructor Training Course for the new PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider specialty. When you complete your IDC with United Divers, you'll not only be qualified to attend the PADI Instructor Exam, but you'll also be certified as a Specialty Instructor in this important area of diving.
Our IDC Programs are conducted in two formats - either full time (10 continuous days) or part time (over five weekends). For the full time option, we generally try to schedule a rest day between the AI Course and the OWSI Program. See our Instructor Development Course Calendar for more information on dates.
Our PADI Instructor Development Courses are conducted at United Divers Wollongong, a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center.
Course Topics
- Orientation
- Learning, Instruction and the PADI System
- Developing Knolwedge Development Presentations
- Teaching the Project AWARE and PPB Specialties
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Programs
- Teaching in Confined Water
- Conducting Open Water Training Dives
- Dive Industry Overview
- General Standards & Procedures
- Legal Responsibility & Risk Management
- The Role of Media & Prescriptive Teaching
- PADI Scuba Diver & Open Water Diver Courses
- How to Teach the RDP
- Adaptive Teaching
- PADI Continuing Education Philosophy
- Business Principles for the Dive Instructor
- Adventures in Diving Program
- Specialty Diver Courses & Master Scuba Diver Program
- Rescue Diver Course
- Divemaster Course
- Diver Retention Programs
Prerequisites
- Be certified as a PADI Divemaster or hold a leadership level certification with another recreational diver training organization.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be fit for diving and submit a Medical Statement for a diving medical examination conducted within the past 12 months.
- Have been a certified diver for at least six months and have completed and logged at least 60 open water scuba dives (as documented in the individual’s log book) and have documentation of experience in deep, night and navigation diving.
- Submit proof of CPR and first aid training within the last 24 months.
- Submit
documentation of any qualifying certification for entrylevel, advanced,
rescue and leadership-level issued by another recreational diver
training organization. (PADI Members who
have these records on file at PADI do not need to resubmit.) - If not a PADI Divemaster, successfully complete the PADI Divemaster course diver rescue skills assessment.


