Choose Your IDC Program
The PADI Instructor Development Course can be completed in different formats depending on your experience level, confidence with dive theory and long-term career goals. At Dive Culture in Amed, three IDC training pathways are available to match different levels of preparation.
IDC PACKAGES
IDC Only – 14 Day Instructor Development Course
The standard 14-day IDC is designed for Divemasters who are already confident with dive theory, skill demonstrations and the structure of dive training. This option is best suited for candidates who are actively working in dive operations or who have recently completed their Divemaster training. During the IDC, candidates develop the teaching and evaluation skills required to become professional PADI instructors. The program focuses on building clear communication, structured teaching methods and the ability to manage students in real diving environments. Training includes: • Classroom presentations and knowledge development • Instructor level dive theory workshops • Confined water teaching presentations • Open water teaching presentations • Skill demonstration development • Rescue assessment and standards application • Mock instructor exams and feedback sessions The program prepares candidates for the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) conducted by PADI examiners.
IDC + PREPERATION
The IDC + Preparation program includes three additional training days before the 14-day Instructor Development Course begins. This preparation phase focuses on refreshing dive theory, improving skill demonstrations and developing teaching confidence before entering the formal IDC program. Many Divemasters complete their training months or years before deciding to become instructors. These additional preparation days help candidates rebuild confidence and refine key instructor-level skills before the pace of the IDC begins. Preparation training focuses on: • Dive theory review sessions • Skill demonstration refinement • Buoyancy and positioning for teaching • Confined water teaching practice • Understanding PADI teaching structure • Instructor-level problem solving By the time the IDC begins, candidates enter the program with stronger confidence and a clearer understanding of teaching standards. Total program duration: 17 days (14-day IDC + 3 preparation days).
IDC + MSDT
The IDC + MSDT program is designed for candidates who want to leave Bali as a fully employable dive professional. After completing the Instructor Development Course and passing the PADI Instructor Examination, candidates continue with specialty instructor training to achieve the Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating. This program allows new instructors to gain experience teaching specialty courses and significantly increases employability within dive centers. MSDT preparation includes training and certification in multiple specialty instructor ratings, such as: • Deep Diver • Enriched Air Nitrox • Peak Performance Buoyancy • Navigation • Additional specialty instructor programs depending on candidate goals Completing the IDC + MSDT pathway allows new instructors to begin their careers with a broader teaching portfolio and greater professional confidence.
Not Sure Which IDC Program Is Right For You?
Every instructor candidate arrives with a different background. Some Divemasters are actively guiding and teaching regularly, while others may have completed their Divemaster certification months or even years ago.
For candidates who want additional preparation before entering the Instructor Development Course, the IDC + Preparation program provides three extra days to refresh dive theory, refine demonstrations and develop confidence before the IDC begins.
Candidates who are planning to work professionally in the dive industry often choose the IDC + MSDT pathway, allowing them to graduate with multiple specialty instructor ratings and stronger employability in dive centers worldwide.
Whichever pathway you choose, the focus of the training remains the same: developing confident instructors who can teach responsibly and manage real students in real diving environments.
“Sometimes the greatest teachers don’t walk on land…they swim beneath the waves.”
My Octopus Teacher