PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)

(8-10 training days – may vary depending on location and organization of classes)

🟦 Day 1 – Introduction and the PADI system

• Welcome of participants and introduction of training staff.
• Discussion of the course structure and training objectives.
• Presentation of the PADI system and teaching philosophy.
• The role of the PADI instructor in the training system.
• Discussion of standards, procedures and instructor responsibilities.
• Review of training materials and course documentation.
• Preparation of an individual development plan for each candidate.

🟦 Day 2 – Diving theory and PADI standards

• Revision of the most important issues in diving theory.
• Physics of diving.
• Diving physiology.
• Diving equipment.
• Diving skills and environment.
• Decompression theory and the use of RDP tables.
• Working with the PADI Instructor Manual.
• Analysis of standards and procedures for conducting courses.
• Diving Theory and PADI Standards Exams.

🟦 Day 3 – Theory teaching and classroom presentations

• Principles of preparing professional theoretical presentations.
• Structure of an instructor’s presentation.
• Determining training goals.
• Explaining difficult issues in an accessible way.
• Use of PADI educational materials and tools.
• Theoretical presentations of candidates – part one.
• Analysis and evaluation of presentations.
• Individual feedback from instructors.
• Communication and public speaking exercises.

🟦 Day 4 – Theoretical presentations and preparation for practical classes

• Theoretical presentations of candidates – part two.
• Improving the method of transferring knowledge.
• Building motivation and commitment of trainees.
• Recognizing educational problems.
• Conducting professional briefings and debriefings.
• Planning activities in pool-like waters.
• Group organization and division of tasks in the instructor team.
• Discussion of safety rules during practical classes.

🟦 Day 5 – Pool activities: skill demonstrations

• Discussion of the principles of conducting classes in pool-like waters.
• Demonstration of 24 basic diving skills.
• Improving the quality of demonstrations at instructor level.
• Control of the position, pace and order of presentation of exercises.
• Organization of students under water.
• Techniques for observing and assessing participants.
• Recognizing and correcting the most common errors.
• Group security management exercises.

🟦 Day 6 – Pool activities: giving a presentation

• Presentations of swimming pool exercises conducted by candidates.
• Preparing and conducting a briefing.
• Demonstration of assigned skills.
• Controlling the group during exercise.
• Recognizing simulated student problems.
• Taking appropriate corrective actions.
• Conducting a debriefing after the exercise.
• Presentation evaluation and individual feedback.
• Workshops on running the Discover Scuba Diving program.

🟦 Day 7 – Preparation for open water activities

• Planning an open water training session.
• Organization of the diving site.
• Assessment of environmental conditions and potential threats.
• Preparation of an emergency plan.
• Division of responsibilities among members of the instructor team.
• Preparation of briefings for open water exercises.
• Group control techniques during immersion, diving and ascent.
• Discussion of procedures for responding to student problems.
• Navigation and group management exercises.

🟦 Day 8 – Open waters: training presentations

• Organization and preparation of a training station.
• Open water exercise presentations – part one.
• Conducting a pre-dive briefing.
• Inspection of trainees on the surface and under water.
• Assessment of performed skills.
• Recognition of simulated problems.
• Taking actions consistent with PADI standards.
• Maintaining a post-dive debrief.
• Analysis and evaluation of candidates’ presentations.

🟦 Day 9 – Open waters and rescue workshops

• Open water exercise presentations – part two.
• Improving group control and security management.
• Exercises in responding to problems under water.
• Rescue skills workshop.
• Rescue drill with an unconscious diver on the surface.
• Towing, performing rescue breathing and removing equipment.
• Arranging assistance on the shore or by boat.
• Discussion of emergency procedures.
• Individual feedback and indication of elements requiring improvement.

🟦 Day 10 – Summary and preparation for the IE exam

• Latest theoretical or practical presentations.
• Make-up examinations, if required.
• Individual consultations with instructors.
• Revision of PADI standards and procedures.
• Overview of the structure of the Instructor Examination – IE.
• Sample tasks and preparation for individual parts of the exam.
• Analysis of strengths and areas requiring further work.
• Discussion of the formalities related to obtaining the OWSI degree.
• Preparation of an individual path for further professional development.
• Overview of EFR Instructor, Specialty Instructor, MSDT, and IDC Staff Instructor.

🟥 Day 11 – PADI Instructor Examination, part one

• Registration of participants and organizational meeting.
• Discussion of the rules and course of the exam.
• PADI Standards and Procedures Examination.
• Diving theory examinations.
• Theoretical presentation.
• Assessment of skills in pool-like waters
• Assessment of teaching skills in pool-like waters

🟥 Day 12 – PADI Instructor Examination, part two

• Assessment of open water teaching skills
• Demonstration of rescue skills.
• Summary of exam results.

After successfully completing all parts of the exam and meeting the formal requirements, the candidate obtains qualifications PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

Flexible course organization

The schedule can be adapted to the needs and level of preparation of the participants. The course can be completed:

• in intensive mode – for 10 consecutive days,
• in weekend mode,
• in several training blocks,
• partly in Poland and partly during a trip abroad,
• as part of an individual preparation program.

The order of swimming pool classes and open water classes may change due to the availability of facilities, weather conditions and the organization of a specific edition of the course.

The schedule can be individually adapted to the group – we also run weekend or extended courses (e.g. 2 weekends).