What will you learn in the Instructor course?
If you like people, have a passion for scuba diving and want an extraordinary life – why not become an PADI Open Water Scuab Instructor (OWSI) at our PADI 5* center! Teaching SCUBA diving allows you to share your love of the aquatic world with others while doing what you enjoy – being in, around and under water. PADI OWSI's and PADI Assistant Instructors (AI's) are the most sought-after dive professionals around the world because they’ve completed the program that sets the standard for training dive professionals.
You earn an PADI OWSI rating through hard work and commitment, but you’re rewarded with a job that lets you share incredible underwater adventures with others – transforming their lives for the better and enriching yours. The Instructor Development Course (IDC) is made up of two parts – the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. Most dive professionals complete the entire IDC and go on to attend an Instructor Examination (IE), which is the final step to earn an PADI OWSI certification. Successfully completing just the AI course results in a PADI AI qualification.
When an AI is ready to progress, attending an OWSI program allows entry into an IE to earn a full PADI OWSI rating. Dive professionals who hold an instructor rating with another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll directly in the OWSI program. This recognizes prior instructor training and provides a path to become an PADI Instructor. A PADI Divemaster who has been a certified diver for six months may enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course.
You also need:
- At least 60 logged dives to attend an IE (with documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation)
- Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months.
- PADI Divemaster
- Certified as a diver for at least 6 months
- A medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months
- You also need to be an Emergency First Response Instructor, but you can earn this rating during your instructor training.
What will you learn?
Over a minimum of five days, but usually more like seven, the IDC teaches you to conduct all PADI core courses. You’ll be able to organize and present information, conduct skill development sessions and control open water dives. Basically, you become a better public speaker and get really good at demonstrating skills while watching out for student diver safety.
Key topics include:
- PADI Standards and Procedures for courses you can teach with in water workshops
- Learning and Instructing the PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Divemaster Courses
- System Risk Management and Diver Safety
- The Business of Diving and your role as an instructor
- You may be able to get college credit or the Assistant Instructor course and Instructor Development Course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to bring any gear myself (for example mask, snorkel, fins and dive boots)?
All gear will be provided by Adelaide Scuba (excluding mask and snorkel). However, we will still teach you about the different types of gear available and to maximize your enjoyment of the experience, we do recommend coming in-store to have a look at our mask range - your dive mask is the most important piece of equipment you will invest in. Feel free to come in and try some on!
What If I fail my dive medical?
It is always best to read through the medical questionnaire first to determine if you need doctor clearance. If you have a known medical condition we encourage you to seek out the medical and gain clearance before you commence your eLearning. A medical clearance by a diving doctor will last for 12 months. The eLearning portion of the course is not refundable and once commenced the course is not refundable by Adelaide Scuba. Please ask our friendly staff if you have any questions about how this process works.
Can I reschedule the course if I cannot complete the online training in time or get my medical in time?
Rescheduling is available for any reason, however there is rescheduling fee of $100 if this is within 14 days of the course start. As soon as your course space is booked with us there is a lot of preparation in place to ensure your gear and Instructor is available. We ask that you please give us as much notice as you can - our courses are scheduled 12 months in advance and can be booked out up to 3 months in advance at some times of the year.
I have a voucher, can I use this for the course cost?
Yes, of course! You can put your voucher towards your Learn To Dive Course, all vouchers redeemed MUST be within the expiry date & will not be extended.
What happens when there is a turn in the weather?
Adelaide Scuba staff monitor the weather forecasts closely all year round and will provide you with as much notice as possible if the conditions look unsafe for scuba diving. Water conditions are not always determined by sunshine but primarily by wind, rain, current and swell. South Australia has a variety of dive sites, which are suitable in varying weather conditions. If the prediction is for unsafe conditions we may have to reschedule the course dives to another time & will discuss this based on student and Instructor availability.
