PADI IDC Staff Instructor course in Koh Tao
Course Price: 30,000
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PADI Staff Instructor Course Includes
- PADI Course Director Manual
- IDC Evaluation Training Video
- Confined/Open Water Evaluation Slate
- Skill Evaluation Slate
- Skill Development Preparation Slate
- Lunches throughout IDC
- Free 2 Day Prep
The PADI IDC Staff Instructor course at IDC Koh Tao is designed to provide a complete, immersive experience within the Instructor Development process. This is not simply a certification course—it is a structured program focused on developing you into a confident mentor, evaluator, and leader within the dive industry.
A key component of the program is your full integration into a live Instructor Development Course (IDC). By auditing an entire IDC, you gain real-world exposure to how professional-level training is delivered from start to finish. This allows you to observe, participate in, and understand the full structure of instructor development, from initial candidate assessments through to final preparation for the Instructor Examination (IE).
Throughout the course, you will complete the IDC Staff Instructor dive theory and standards exams, ensuring your knowledge is aligned with the highest levels of the PADI system. This reinforces your understanding of standards, risk management, and course structure, all of which are essential when working with instructor-level candidates.
You will also be actively involved in evaluating IDC candidates across all core areas, including Knowledge Development presentations, Confined Water teaching sessions, and Open Water presentations. This hands-on involvement allows you to apply evaluation techniques in real time, building confidence in your ability to assess performance and provide meaningful feedback.
A major part of what is included in the course is direct mentorship from a PADI Platinum Course Director. You will work closely with one of the most experienced educators in the region, receiving continuous guidance, feedback, and support throughout your development. This level of access ensures that your progress is closely monitored and that your skills are refined to a professional standard.
The course also includes training in candidate counselling and mentoring techniques. You will learn how to conduct structured feedback sessions, guide candidates through challenges, and support their progression in a professional and constructive way. This is where you begin to transition from instructor to educator of instructors.
In addition, you will gain practical experience assisting with the organisation and delivery of IDC programs. This includes understanding scheduling, logistics, and the day-to-day responsibilities involved in running a professional training program. These operational skills are highly valuable for those looking to move into senior or management roles within the dive industry.
Ultimately, what is included in the IDC Staff Instructor course is far more than a qualification. It is a comprehensive development program that combines real-world experience, personalised mentorship, and professional training. By the end of the course, you will not only meet the requirements of the rating but also have the confidence, knowledge, and leadership ability to operate effectively at a higher level within the PADI system.
Who can enrol on the IDC Staff Instructor course?
A renewed PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)
What will you learn?
The IDC Staff Instructor course is designed to elevate your role within the dive industry, focusing on advanced teaching techniques, evaluation skills, and professional mentorship. At IDC Koh Tao, the emphasis is placed on individual development, ensuring that you grow not only as an instructor but as a leader capable of shaping future dive professionals.
One of the primary areas of learning is how to evaluate instructor candidates effectively. You will develop the ability to assess teaching presentations across Knowledge Development, Confined Water, and Open Water environments. This includes identifying strengths, recognising areas for improvement, and delivering structured, constructive feedback that helps candidates progress. Learning how to evaluate at this level is a significant step forward in your professional development.
You will also learn how to mentor and guide candidates throughout their training. This involves conducting professional counselling sessions, supporting individuals through challenges, and helping them build confidence in their own abilities. These mentoring skills are essential for anyone looking to play an active role in instructor development and are a key component of progressing within the PADI system.
Another important area of focus is developing a deeper understanding of the Instructor Development process itself. By being fully immersed in a live IDC, you will learn how courses are structured, how training is delivered, and how standards are applied in real-world situations. This knowledge allows you to operate with confidence and professionalism when assisting on IDC programs.
Throughout the course, you will also refine your own teaching style. Observing different approaches, receiving feedback from a PADI Platinum Course Director, and applying new techniques will help you evolve as an educator. This process encourages you to realign your teaching methods, improve your communication, and develop a style that is both effective and authentic.
Leadership development is another key aspect of the training. As an IDC Staff Instructor, you are expected to lead by example, maintain high professional standards, and communicate clearly with both candidates and Course Directors. You will develop the ability to manage groups, organise training sessions, and contribute to the smooth running of an IDC program. These leadership skills are highly transferable and valuable for long-term career progression.
Importantly, the course emphasises personal growth. You will be challenged to think critically, adapt your approach, and take on greater responsibility within the training environment. With direct guidance from an experienced PADI Platinum Course Director, you will receive continuous feedback that helps you refine your skills and build confidence in your abilities.
By the end of the IDC Staff Instructor course, you will have developed a higher level of professionalism, a deeper understanding of instructor training, and the ability to mentor and evaluate future dive professionals. This is what sets you apart—not just as an instructor, but as a leader within the global diving industry.
PADI Materials Required
Please bring the following materials with you. You received these as part of the IDC Crew Pack
- PADI Specialty Course Instructor Manual
- PADI Guide to Teaching
- PADI Instructor Manual
- Diving Knowledge Workbook
- PADI Quizzes & Exam Booklets [Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster]
- Open Water, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Divemaster course Instructor Cue Cards
- Laptop
2026 PADI Fees
IDC Staff Instructor Application fee: AUD$ 236
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to take PADI Staff Instructor course?
There is no time requirement from the time you finish your MSDT training and enroll on your PADI Staff Instructor (SI) Course.
As long as you maintain your MSDT and Emergency First Response Instructor ratings you are eligible to become a PADI Staff Instructor.
The PADI Staff Instructor course is the obvious choice when it comes to taking the next step as a seasoned dive professional.
Having experience in the industry is always seen as beneficial when it comes to training future dive professionals.
That being said, there is nothing wrong with using the Staff Course as a way to gain more teaching experience and allow yourself to come back to your roots.
Every instructor can benefit from a Standards review and a better understanding of the PADI system.
How long does it take to become a PADI Staff Instructor?
There are two ways you can become a PADI Staff Instructor. The first way is auditing a complete IDC.
This means that you will participate in all the required IDC curriculum sections. By PADI standards, you can complete an IDC within 8 days.
We operate a 2-week program and we encourage you to join us for the entire two weeks if possible.
You will need to attend Staff Instructor Course Knowledge Development Sessions. This will take a day and will usually be done prior to starting the IDC.
Another way you can complete your PADI Staff Instructor training is by presenting all the components from the Assistant Instructor Course.
The AI course can be done in 3-5 days, depending on whether or not the candidates have completed E-learning or not.
We recommend to Audit the entire IDC, as this method is the most beneficial to your education, understanding and training.
How can I prepare for my PADI Staff Instructor Course?
A few of the performance requirements that you need to meet in order to successfully complete the Staff Course are:
- Score 80 percent on each of the Dive Theory Exams
- Score 80 percent on the PADI Systems, Standards and Procedures Exam
- Perform all 24 dive skills in the Skill Evaluation, scoring 96 total points, with no score below 3.
We recommend that you start by refreshing yourself on your dive theory knowledge. Not only to meet your course objectives, but to feel confident in assisting candidates on their theory exams.
We can also send you practice exams when it comes to both Dive Theory and PADI Systems, Standards and Procedures.
This will ensure that you come to us feeling prepared and self-assured in your Knowledge Development.
If you can arrive before the course starts, we also recommend that you join us for our Divemaster Skill Circuit Workshops.
This will allow you to refresh your skill demonstrations and have the opportunity to work with and evaluate professionals.
What will I learn during the PADI Staff Instructor Course?
The PADI Staff Instructor course is targeted towards teaching the PADI Assistant Instructor Course and preparing you to Staff the Instructor Development training (IDC’s), working alongside a PADI Course Director.
During your course we will go through the Standards for both the AI and OWSI course given to us in the PADI Course Director Manual.
We will also review and evaluate how to organize and conduct both courses and the Psychology of evaluation and counseling.
You then have the opportunity to participate in an entire IDC. This allows you to see the course from an entirely new perspective. It is a great refresher on standards and teaching techniques.
During the IDC we focus on your evaluation training to teach you how to effectively evaluate and critique teaching presentations given by IDC candidates.
What can I do once I become a PADI Staff Instructor?
During every IDC, we ask our candidates why they chose to become an Instructor. Listening to their answers, allows us to understand exactly what they are looking for during their training and how to help them achieve their personal goals.
We hope to do the same with you and work out exactly what you are looking to gain during your Staff Instructor Training.
This will determine what we recommend for you, once you complete your course.
Some of the duties that you can perform as a PADI Staff Instructor are:
- Independently conduct a PADI Assistant Instructor course
- Conduct IDC training segments with a PADI Course Director
- Evaluate and critique instructor candidate teaching presentations plus provide remedial training
- Assist with instructor-level continuing education programs
You may want to also consider looking into our Master Instructor Internship as a follow up to completing your course.
This will allow you to gain more experience as a PADI Staff Instructor and become a well rounded PADI professional.
HOW TO FIND US
IDC KOH TAO
9/94 Moo 2,
Mae Haad,
Koh Tao, Surat Thani
84360 Thailand
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +66987044736
