Digital Underwater Photographer Instructor Course
Course Price: 4,000 THB
BOOK ONLINETake your teaching and creativity underwater with the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor course at IDC Koh Tao. Underwater photography is one of the most popular and rewarding specialties in diving, allowing divers to capture and share their experiences with friends, family, and the wider world.
As a PADI Digital Underwater Photography Specialty Instructor, you will be qualified to teach divers how to take high-quality underwater images using modern digital equipment. You will train your students using the PADI SEA method (Shoot, Examine, Adjust), a simple and effective approach that helps divers quickly improve their photography skills—even on their first dive.
This course goes beyond simply taking photos. You will also learn how to guide your students in reviewing, editing, and optimising their images for storage, sharing, and printing. This makes the course highly appealing to divers who want to document their adventures and create lasting memories.

Underwater Photography Diving Around Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of the best locations in Thailand to teach underwater photography. The island offers exceptional marine biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, and varied underwater landscapes—providing the perfect environment for capturing stunning images.
With over 25 dive sites to choose from, including shallow reefs, pinnacles, and macro-rich environments, Koh Tao gives you the ideal setting to teach composition, lighting, and subject selection. As an instructor, you will learn how to help your students achieve great results quickly, while maintaining excellent buoyancy control and protecting the marine environment.
Teaching underwater photography in Koh Tao not only enhances your own skills but also allows you to offer one of the most in-demand specialty courses in the dive industry.
Who Can Enrol on the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor Course?
To enrol in this course, you must be:
- A renewed PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Note: IDC/OWSI candidates may complete the Digital Underwater Photography Instructor training during their IDC but can only apply for certification after successfully passing the PADI Instructor Examination (IE).
To qualify for certification, you must also have a minimum of 10 logged digital underwater photography dives. This requirement can be completed either before or after the course.

What Will You Learn?
This course is designed to give you the skills and confidence to teach underwater photography professionally.
During the program, you will:
- Deliver and be evaluated on a knowledge development presentation based on the Digital Underwater Photography Specialty
- Review PADI standards, procedures, and course structure
- Learn how to organise and conduct the full specialty course
- Complete open water training sessions where you will demonstrate, execute, and evaluate student-level photography skills
Your open water dives will take place at carefully selected dive sites around Koh Tao, giving you real-world teaching experience in ideal photographic conditions.
Upon completion, you will be certified to independently teach the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Specialty course, allowing you to expand your teaching portfolio and increase your employability.
PADI Materials
Please bring the following materials:
- PADI Specialty Instructor Manual (from your IDC Crew Pack)
- PADI Instructor Manual (available as a free download for renewed PADI Members via PADI Pro / MyPADI)
PADI Fees
- PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor Application Fee: AUD $145
Why Add the Digital Underwater Photography Instructor Specialty?
This specialty is one of the most popular continuing education courses in diving. It allows you to offer something highly engaging and creative, while also increasing your value as an instructor.
By adding this rating, you expand your teaching opportunities, improve your own underwater skills, and move closer to achieving your PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) certification.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Instructor course?
It is a specialty instructor course that qualifies you to teach divers how to take high-quality underwater photos using digital cameras, including composition, lighting, and editing techniques.
Why is underwater photography a popular specialty?
Underwater photography allows divers to capture and share their experiences. It is one of the most requested specialty courses, making it a valuable addition to your instructor portfolio.
Where is the best place to do the course in Thailand?
Koh Tao is an ideal location due to its marine diversity, clear water, and variety of dive sites, making it perfect for underwater photography training.
What are the prerequisites for the course?
You must be a renewed PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and have at least 10 logged digital underwater photography dives.
Can I take this course during my IDC?
Yes, IDC candidates can complete the training, but certification can only be applied for after passing the Instructor Examination.
How long does the course take?
The course is typically completed over 1–2 days, including classroom sessions and open water training dives.
What will I learn during the course?
You will learn how to teach underwater photography techniques, use the PADI SEA method, guide students in composition and lighting, and supervise photography dives safely.
Do I need my own camera?
It is recommended, but not always required. Having your own equipment will help you gain more experience and confidence.
Will this help me get a job as a dive instructor?
Yes. Adding specialty instructor ratings like underwater photography increases your employability and allows you to teach more courses.
Does this count toward MSDT?
Yes, this specialty counts toward the five specialty ratings required for the PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer certification.
Local Weather
HOW TO FIND US
IDC KOH TAO
9/94 Moo 2,
Mae Haad,
Koh Tao, Surat Thani
84360 Thailand
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +66987044736














