As a Divemaster, you may have thought about becoming a PADI Instructor. For some, it’s just the next step, for others teaching people to scuba dive seems like a big step. Whether becoming a scuba instructor has been on top of your to-do list for a while and life just got in the way or it’s the new remote working plan after covid! There is no better time than now!

Here’s what you need to know:

The basics:
You need to enrol in a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), to do this you must hold a Divemaster certification and be a certified diver for at least six months. Other requirements include:

• Current training (within the past 24 months) in CPR and Emergency First Aid with the PADI Emergency First Response©, or another qualifying organisation.

• A medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

Before taking the instructor exam, you need:

• 100 logged dives

• A CPR and First Aid Instructor certification with PADI EFR® (or another qualifying organisation). You will find the EFR Instructor class runs in conjunction with the IDC.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the IDC take?
The minimum length of an IDC is five days, but most are a full week. If you were to choose to complete the IDC with The Waterhoppers we have various options:

• INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE (8 DAYS)

• DC + EFR INSTRUCTOR + PADI OXYGEN PROVIDER INSTRUCTOR + ENRICHES AIR INSTRUCTOR (10 DAYS)

• IDC + EFR INSTRUCTOR + MSDT PREP (12 DAYS)

How much does it cost?
You will find that there are various options, from basic through to the more inclusive. But generally speaking, the cost is similar to what you’d pay to become a yoga instructor, and cheaper than becoming a ski or snowboard instructor.

What if I don’t have teaching experience?
The PADI system of education was designed to help people with no teaching experience become instructors. On the Waterhoppers IDC you will be guided every step of the way, knowing by the end of your IDC and IE you will be a capable PADI Instructor, who can teach and more importantly you will be employable.

During the Waterhoppers IDC we will focuses on teaching you how to conduct in-water training sessions, present information to students, and provide feedback making you a confident communicator.

Is it worth it?
Helping people experience their first breath underwater is an indescribable feeling – ask any other PADI Instructor. In addition, PADI Instructors are the most sought-after dive professionals in the world.

As a Waterhoppers IDC candidate and Instructor, you have a great opportunity to gain more experience in one season than some instructors gain in a lifetime! We are very proud of our team, one of whom completed his own IDC with us in 2001 and now has over 1000 certs under his belt.

The Waterhoppers Diving School is not only a great place to learn diving from Scuba Diver through to Instructor, It’s a great place to experience every aspect / activity offered from one of the biggest dive schools in Europe.

Even with Covid last year (2021) we were able to share the experience of breathing underwater with 1500 try divers, 800 qualified divers and certified over 380 divers.

I’m not sure I’m ready…
Why not have a chat with Jill at info@waterhoppes.com if you think going from Divemaster to instructor seems like a big leap. It may seem that way, but with your experience and training as a Divemaster you are well-prepared.

What are you waiting for?

Take the first step towards becoming a PADI scuba instructor!

Step one is easy, check out our IDC options here https://www.waterhoppers.com/programmes/padi-courses/instructor-development-course,

Step two, join us by booking for our April IDC.

Step three, come join the team on work placement short term or long-term following the completion of your IDC.