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INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE (IDC)

Welcome to Bigbubble Diving School, the premier diving school in Koh Tao, Thailand.

SCUBA DIVING​

INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE (IDC)

Tuition fees
  • The IDC Course fee is 41,900 THB (includes EFR Instructor)
  • PADI Instructor Crew Pack 21,000 THB 
  • EFR Instructor Crew Pack 5,000 THB 
Instructor Examination (IE) fees are paid directly to PADI offices.
  • Instructor Examination (IE) 1,190 AUD
  • PADI Instructor application fee 350 AUD
  • PADI EFR Instructor application fee 252 AUD
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PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)

PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is an essential step for people who would like to develop their diving passion into an enjoyable career as PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors. The course focuses on developing diving abilities, teaching techniques, and gaining the knowledge necessary to teach people about how to scuba dive.

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) combines AI, OWSI, and EFRI training. We spent a total of 14 days teaching, divided into E-Learning (self-study) and various workshops, with the PADI Course Director present all times.

Classroom Presentations cover with all of this topic:

  • Orientation
  • Dive Theory Workshop
  • PADI System Workshop
  • Learning and Teaching Workshop
  • Discover Scuba Diving Workshop
  • Open Water Dive Course Scheduling and Set Up Workshop
  • Risk Management and Licensing Workshop
  • Knowledge Development Presentation Workshop and Candidate Knowledge Development Presentations
  • Skill Development Workshop
  • Confined Water Training Workshop and Candidate Confined Water Teaching Presentations
  • Open Water Training Workshop and Candidate Open Water Teaching Presentations
  • Continuing Education Workshop
  • Advanced Open Water Diver Course Workshop
  • Rescue Diver Course Workshop
  • Sales Techniques Workshop
  • Course Close

After completing the IDC, you will be required to take a two-day Instructor Examination (IE) with PADI examiner from the PADI headquarters. The evaluation will consist of the following components:

  • Diving Theory and Standards Exam
  • Knowledge development presentation
  • Confined water 
  • Open water 
  • Rescue Exercise 7

 

Once you have completed the instructor examination, you will be able to teach the following courses.

  • PADI Scuba Diver/ Open Water Diver
  • Adventure Diver/ Advanced Open Water Diver
  • PADI Rescue Diver
  • Divemaster
  • Discover Snorkeling
  • Discover Scuba Diving
  • PADI Seal Team and Bubblemaker
  • Reactivate and Discover Local Diving
  • Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
  • Project Aware Specialty
  • Coral Reef Conservation

Course Prerequisites

  • PADI Divemaster, or leadership level with another diver training organization.
  • 18 years old
  • Certified diver for 6 months 
  • Medical clearance attesting to dive fitness signed by a physician within the previous 12 months
  • Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care course completion (or qualifying training) within the last 24 months 
  • Has at least 100 dives or more

Our Course Director

Because Becoming an Instructor Is More Than Just Passing an Exam

Puttipong Puttiwanit
PADI Course Director

“I believe that becoming a great scuba diving instructor is about more than just passing the Instructor Examination (IE). It’s about truly understanding what you teach, having confidence in your teaching abilities, and applying your knowledge in real-world situations.

My training approach focuses on hands-on practice, teaching in different scenarios, and constructive feedback. I encourage candidates to think critically, make sound decisions, and solve problems while following PADI standards and safety principles. My aim is to help each candidate recognize their strengths, improve their skills, and develop their own teaching style to meet the needs of different students.

Passing the IE may earn you an Instructor certification, but it’s your knowledge, skills, and experience that make you a great dive instructor.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Koh Tao is one of the world's most popular diving destinations, attracting divers from all over the globe throughout the year.

With excellent diving conditions, a wide variety of dive sites, and daily dive trips operating year-round, Koh Tao is the perfect place to develop your diving skills and take the next step towards becoming a professional dive instructor.

Ever worried that you might pass the IE but still lack the confidence to teach? That your training might focus only on passing the exam, with rushed schedules, tight deadlines, or large groups that leave you without enough individual attention?

Not at Big Bubble Diving!

With over 30 years of diving experience, Big Bubble Diving offers a comprehensive IDC training experience with

  • Small Group Training: Enjoy personalized attention and hands-on practice, building your confidence.
  • Experienced Course Director: Learn directly from an experienced Course Director who guides you throughout the entire IDC program.
  • Complete Training Facilities: Access to fully equipped classrooms, our own dive boat, quality diving equipment, and comprehensive teaching materials.
  • Comprehensive Training Programs: A wide range of scuba diving courses to support your professional development.
  • Experienced local Team: Learn from experienced local diving professionals with strong industry knowledge and practical expertise.
  • Beautiful Beachfront Location: You can enjoy stunning ocean views and the relaxed island atmosphere throughout your IDC journey.

We believe that being a great instructor goes beyond passing an examination. It's about having the knowledge and skills to teach independently, inspire others, create a safe and enjoyable learning experience, and foster respect for the ocean and marine environment.

After completing your IDC, you will need to pass the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), where your knowledge, teaching ability, and practical diving skills are evaluated directly by PADI Examiners.

The examination is generally conducted over two days:

DAY 1

  1. Dive Theory exams and Standards & Procedures exam
  2. Confined Water Teaching Presentations and Skills Circuit

DAY 2

  1. Knowledge Development Presentations
  2. Open Water Teaching Presentations
  3. Rescue Exercise – Unresponsive Diver at the Surface

Yes, 14 days is the typical duration of our IDC program. However, your progress and readiness for the Instructor Examination depend on your individual performance and preparation.

Your Course Director will provide a structured training schedule covering all the required knowledge, teaching presentations, and practical skills.

Throughout the course, you will receive continuous feedback and guidance to help strengthen your skills and build confidence before the IE.

Our priority is to make sure you are fully prepared, not simply to finish the course within 14 days.

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