PADI Instructor Courses

The Instructor Development Course is comprised of 2 components which take 2 weeks together, including exams.  The Assistant Instructor portion is the 1st component of the PADI Instructor Development Course and builds upon Divemaster training. The Assistant Instructor course is a 5-day program that introduces you to the role of an instructional assistant, both in academic teaching and in confined & open water training.

The 2nd portion of the IDC is the OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor) program. The OWSI develops candidate’s abilities to prepare academic, confined water and open water teaching presentations. As an Instructor candidate you’ll also learn about business principles, teaching children, risk management and other important topics relevant for the dive professional. Our IDC is 4 days longer than the industry standard of 7 days - that’s 11 days of quality instructor training.

The last 2 days of our PADI Instructor courses are conducted as a ‘mock’ Instructor Examination to give you better preparation and insight into the real IE. However, from our experience as a dive centre that trains over 1500 divers a year at all levels, we know how much more important it is to prepare a candidate for the real world of dive instruction rather than just to pass the Instructor Examinations.

We’ve extended our IDC program to cover more effective teaching techniques, discuss instructing in different worldwide environments, and look at greater career opportunities in diving including ‘diver safety’ and ‘technical diving’ and resume preparation. At Utila Dive Centre, we receive a lot of job applications everyday so we’ll show you exactly what it takes to become a successful Instructor and what gives you the best chance of success as a professional in today’s dive industry.

As the only facility on Utila with rebreathers, we’ll spend extra time looking at future trends in diving. All this is done in a low stress, relaxed and, most importantly, fun environment. Although the actual number of hours per day on the IDC are about 8 we have our IDC facility open at least 12 per day so anytime our candidates need quiet study time, assignment preparation time, private discussion or career counseling, they get it! Our staff are available outside of regular hours for any remedial tuition or 1 to 1 coaching. Remember, we want you to succeed as a first rate dive instructor, not just pass the IE!

The Emergency First Response Instructor course takes 1 day and trains you to become a competent 1st Aid/CPR Instructor with specific skills that focus on ‘Care for Children’. The EFR Instructor rating is essential in order for you to certify PADI Rescue Divers, as prior to Module 2 of the Rescue course all candidates have to have completed a sanctioned program in 1st Aid/CPR within the last 24 months. This training will also benefit you outside of the dive industry and you can offer formal 1st Aid/CPR training to family, friends. In the UK, USA and Australia the EFR program can even be used to meet 1st Aid in the Workplace requirements. The Emergency First Response Instructor course will be held on the last day of the IDC program, just before the IE. If you dream of working in exotic environments, having beautiful dive experiences, and meeting people from all walks of life, then our ‘Scuba Instructor’ internship course will give you the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.

PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer preparation course (with optional internship)

After the Instructor Examinations, we offer all different kinds of Instructor level continuing education programs such as PADI, DAN and DSAT Tec courses. These are scheduled to begin after the exams. The class normally takes 1 week with an additional 4-5 weeks for the optional internship. We can arrange package deals as part of a career-training program at our resort. The dive industry is like any other in terms of competitiveness for employment, and newly qualified Instructors often find the challenge after passing their Instructor Examination is in securing suitable employment. At Utila Dive Centre our staff, with their extensive network of contacts in the region and worldwide, will do their best to assist you find employment with their placement service. But to facilitate your chances of gaining employment as a PADI Instructor, you can give yourself the best possible head start by enrolling in our ‘Premium