Becoming a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor is a rewarding career path that allows you to teach scuba diving around the world. Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI):
1. Learn to Scuba Dive and Build Experience
Open Water Diver Certification: Start with the entry-level Open Water Diver certification, which teaches the fundamentals of scuba diving.
Advance Your Diving Skills: After completing the Open Water course, progress to the Advanced Open Water Diver course to gain more experience in different dive environments (deep diving, night diving, etc.).
2. Complete Rescue Diver and First Aid Certification
Rescue Diver Certification: This course is essential for becoming a diving professional. It teaches advanced rescue techniques, managing stress, and handling dive emergencies.
Emergency First Response (EFR): You must also complete a CPR and First Aid course, like PADI's EFR course. This certification is required for the Rescue Diver course and Instructor-level training.
3. Become a PADI Divemaster
PADI Divemaster Certification: The Divemaster certification is the first professional level in the PADI system. This course teaches you to lead dive activities, assist instructors, and supervise certified divers.
Requirements for Divemaster:
Minimum 18 years of age.
Be a certified Rescue Diver.
Hold a current EFR certification.
Log at least 40 dives to start the course and 60 dives to complete it.
Training: As a Divemaster, you’ll learn dive theory, leadership skills, and hands-on training by assisting instructors during dive courses.
4. Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Enroll in the IDC: The IDC is the next step after Divemaster and is divided into two parts:
Assistant Instructor (AI): This teaches basic instructor-level skills and theory.
Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI): This focuses on teaching PADI’s core courses and preparing you for the Instructor Examination (IE).
IDC Content:
Dive theory (physics, physiology, equipment, etc.).
How to teach PADI courses like Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and Divemaster.
Conducting confined water (pool) and open water sessions.
Safety management and problem-solving techniques.
5. Instructor Examination (IE)
After completing the IDC, you must pass the PADI Instructor Examination (IE). This is a standardized test conducted by PADI Examiners over two days, covering:
Written exams on dive theory and PADI standards.
Teaching demonstrations in confined water, open water, and classroom settings.
Rescue scenario and skill demonstration.
IE Requirements:
At least 18 years old.
Be a certified PADI Divemaster.
Complete the IDC.
Have at least 100 logged dives by the time of the IE.
6. Become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
After successfully completing the IE, you’ll be certified as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI). You’ll be able to teach a variety of PADI courses, from Open Water Diver to Divemaster.
7. Teach and Gain Experience
Start Teaching: Begin teaching entry-level courses such as Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. As you gain experience, you can also assist with more advanced courses and training.
Teach PADI Specialty Courses: After gaining some experience as an OWSI, you can pursue further certifications to teach PADI specialty courses such as Night Diving, Wreck Diving, or Deep Diving.
8. Optional: Advance to Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)
Once you’ve certified at least 25 divers and have taught five or more PADI Specialty courses, you can become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT). This qualification allows you to teach a broader range of courses and mentor Divemaster candidates.
9. Maintain Your Certification
Annual Membership Renewal: You must renew your PADI membership annually and keep your certifications current.
Continue Education: Participate in PADI seminars, specialty courses, and continuing education to stay updated with the latest teaching methods and safety protocols.
Key Steps Recap:
Open Water Diver Certification.
Advanced Open Water Diver Certification.
Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response (EFR) Certification.
Become a PADI Divemaster.
Complete the Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Pass the PADI Instructor Examination (IE).
Start teaching as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI).
Advance to Master Scuba Diver Trainer (optional).
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor, opening up opportunities to work at dive centers and resorts worldwide.
