How to become a diving PADI instructor.
31 Jan. 2023
We asked our Course Director the question “How do I become a diving Instructor?”, below is what he said.
So, you love diving and want to turn your hobby into a profession? But, in order to take part in an Instructor Development Course (IDC), you must first fulfil a few requirements first.
You must have completed the following courses:
If you have not completed all or any of the above courses, click on the above it will take you to the required course on The Waterhoppers website. Open water through to rescue you can easily complete as part of a summer holiday vacation Rhodes. For the PADI Divemaster Course, you would need a little long and we can arrange this for you.
Once that's done, the next decision is.
Where should I do my instructor training?
There are numerous diver training organisations. The largest include, SSI, NAUI, BSAC and probably the best known is PADI.
PADI is represented in most diving schools worldwide. Therefore, as a PADI instructor you have the best chances of finding a job. Furthermore, it is quite easy to crossover from PADI to another organisation at low cost.
The other way round, i.e., to change from another organisation to PADI, is comparatively much more cost intensive. For this reason, it is generally advisable to do the PADI instructor training. I am convinced that the PADI instructor courses offer the best structured training.
After you have fulfilled the requirements mentioned above, you can enrol on a PADI IDC
This consists of 2 courses:
The Assistant Instructor (AI) and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI).
Once you have successfully completed the IDC, you can take an Instructor Examination (IE). This is a 2-day program conducted by a PADI examiner. Another requirement is to be an Emergency First Response Instructor. This is offered in conjunction with the IDC. Upon successful completion of the IE, you will be rewarded for your hard work and dedication and become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI).
As a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and PADI Assistant Instructor
you'll be one of the most sought-after dive professionals in the world.
How long does the training take?
IDC 6-10 days
EFR Instructor 1-2 days
IE 2 days
So, expect at least 2 weeks, assuming the IE is immediately after your IDC.
How much does it cost to become a PADI Instructor?
When you look at the costs, it can seem expensive at first.
But these costs are easily recouped. You can earn money anywhere in the world afterwards. Keep in mind that your instructor training is a professional training, comparable to a vocational training.
If you start from scratch, as a complete beginner, your training to become an instructor will cost you 5500,00 - 6000,00 € including PADI fees, insurance and your own equipment.
You may see that the Southeast Asia and Central America are also very popular places to do your training and the prices look slightly cheaper. However, you should not ignore the cost and time involved in travelling on long-haul flights, visas, insurance, and medial extras.
As part of the The Waterhoppers IDC you have several option, which can include the use of our staff accommodation. which you can continue to rent once you have successfully completed the IDC and IE, as you have the opportunity to join the The Waterhoppers team.
Rhodes Island in Greece is serviced by many of the low cost carriers such as EasyJet and the longest flight time from the UK would be around 3.5 hours.
To see the The Waterhoppers IDC options click here.
A little bit about The Waterhoppers PADI Course Director Norbert Hoeger.
PADI Course Director
EFR Instructor Trainer
Specialty Instructor Trainer
Norbert have been a PADI professional since 1995. During his first year as a PADI Instructor he worked part-time for the local dive center in Stuttgart and in 1996 he moved to Greece, setting up is his own PADI 5 Star IDC centre.
Norbert has successfully trained PADI Instructors with The Waterhoppers from 2021.
If you have questions about becoming an instructor?
Do you have any further questions? We will be happy to help you, simple Email Jill using info@waterhoppers.com