6-Week PADI Divemaster through Instructor Development Course (IDC) Catalog
Welcome to our 6-Week Career Diving Program! This comprehensive course package is designed to take you from Divemaster all the way to Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), while also equipping you with essential technical skills and specialties that will set you apart in the diving industry. Throughout this program, you'll receive hands-on experience, career counseling, job placement assistance, and more to help you succeed.
Course Overview:
- Duration: 6 Weeks
- Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent), PADI Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent), and a minimum of 40 logged dives to start.
- Languages: English (Other languages may be available upon request)
Week 1: Divemaster (DM) Course + Career Development Counseling
Focus: Basic Scuba Leadership & Professional Diving Skills
Divemaster Theory:
- Introduction to the role of a Divemaster
- Dive site management, dive planning, and risk management
- Physiology and physics of diving
- Environment, marine life, and eco-conservation
Practical Skills:
- Conducting briefing & debriefing for dive groups
- Assisting instructors during courses (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue)
- Rescue Diver skills refreshment
- Supervised dives in various conditions
Career Development Counseling:
- Introduction to the diving industry.
- Personalized career counseling session to understand career goals, interests, and dive industry opportunities.
- Developing a professional resume and understanding dive shop operations.
Specialty Introduction:
- Peak Performance Buoyancy (PMB)
- Enriched Air Nitrox (optional during this week)
Specialty Course (Optional this week):
- Peak Performance Buoyancy (PMB)
Week 2: Divemaster Continued + Compressor Maintenance and Fill Station Operations
Focus: Supervisory Diving Skills & Technical Maintenance Training
Divemaster Continued:
- Leading and supervising dives
- Underwater navigation techniques
- Managing dive briefings and post-dive evaluations
- Diving in challenging conditions (night, deep, and limited visibility)
Compressor Maintenance & Fill Station Operations:
- Hands-on training in maintaining air compressors
- Troubleshooting common compressor issues
- Introduction to the proper operation of a fill station
- Safety protocols and air quality control
Specialty Course:
- Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) – Learn to safely plan and dive using Nitrox to extend bottom time
Week 3: Advanced Divemaster Training + Gear Maintenance Technician
Focus: Advanced Divemaster Skills & Equipment Maintenance
Advanced Divemaster Skills:
- Assisting with Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) and Scuba Review programs
- Leading Discover Scuba Diving programs in confined water
- Managing and assisting in PADI Specialties (including Peak Performance Buoyancy and Search & Recovery)
- Completing Divemaster swim tests and skill assessments
Gear Maintenance Technician Course:
- Introduction to dive gear maintenance
- Routine servicing of regulators, BCDs, and dive computers
- Understanding equipment repair procedures
- Safety standards and practices in maintaining dive gear
Specialty Course:
- Emergency Oxygen Provider – Learn how to administer oxygen in dive-related emergencies
Week 4: Instructor Development Course (IDC) - Part 1
Focus: IDC Theory & Classroom Teaching
IDC Theory:
- PADI Instructor philosophy and teaching principles
- Dive theory: Physics, physiology, equipment, and the environment
- Conducting and managing risk assessments
- Planning lessons: Confined and open water
- Business of diving: Dive shop management, marketing, and customer service
Classroom Teaching Practice:
- Develop and deliver short dive theory lessons
- Feedback from the Course Director on your presentation skills and teaching methods
- Developing lesson plans for future use in teaching Open Water courses
Specialty Course:
- Search and Recovery – Techniques for locating and recovering lost items underwater
Week 5: Instructor Development Course (IDC) - Part 2
Focus: Open Water Teaching & Scuba Instructor Skills
Open Water Teaching Practice:
- Learn to conduct confined water skill training
- Demonstrating skills to students with an emphasis on effective teaching methods
- Supervising students during open water training
- Giving constructive feedback and adapting teaching styles to different student needs
Instructor Skills Development:
- The art of motivating and managing students
- Handling difficult or challenging students
- Developing communication and leadership skills
- Practice with student presentations, debriefings, and reviews
Career Development Counseling (Continued):
- Review resume, cover letters, and online profiles
- Mock interview and career strategy session
- Advice on finding diving work worldwide, including popular dive destinations
Specialty Course:
- Deep Diver Specialty – Teach students to safely dive to deeper depths, including risk management and deep dive procedures
Week 6: Instructor Exam Preparation & Job Placement Support
Focus: Final Exam Preparation & Career Launch
Instructor Exam Preparation:
- Practice and review for the PADI Instructor Exam (IE) including skills assessment, teaching presentations, and dive theory knowledge
- Mock exams and feedback from Course Director
- Final review of teaching techniques and instructor standards
Job Placement Assistance:
- Dive shop partnerships offering immediate placement opportunities
- Personalized job search strategies: Networking, industry events, and online platforms
- Discuss potential dive job markets globally (resorts, liveaboards, private charter boats)
Instructor Exam:
- Preparation for PADI Instructor Exam (IE) scheduled at the end of the week, depending on availability
Specialty Course:
- Equipment Specialty Course – Focus on the function, maintenance, and troubleshooting of common dive gear such as regulators, dive computers, and wetsuits
Career Development + Interview Day
On the last day of the course, you’ll have an official interview with partner dive shops for potential job placements and further career development opportunities. You will also have one final career counseling session to discuss your future plans in the diving industry and how to continue progressing as a professional diver and instructor.
Inclusion in the 6-Week Package:
- Course Materials: IDC, Divemaster, Specialty manuals, dive tables, and course director support.
- Instructor Certification: Upon successful completion of the IDC and Instructor Exam, you’ll receive a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) certification.
- Specialty Certifications: Completion of all listed specialty courses.
- Job Placement Support: Ongoing job search assistance and connections to dive shops worldwide.
We’re excited to help you begin your diving career. By the end of these 6 weeks, you'll be ready to start your journey as a professional dive instructor with the knowledge, skills, and certifications that make you stand out in the industry.
Let’s dive in!
