SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
The SSI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Dive Subculture Technical is your gateway to becoming a certified dive educator. This comprehensive program builds on your existing experience, equipping you with the teaching skills, leadership abilities, and dive knowledge needed to train and certify new divers confidently. As a certified Instructor, you’ll be prepared to mentor students through their learning journey and play a pivotal role in shaping their underwater adventures.
At Dive Subculture Technical, we deliver high-quality, well-rounded training that combines theory with practical application. The IDC goes beyond traditional teaching, focusing on instructional methods, safety management, and student psychology to ensure you can conduct effective classroom, confined water, and open water sessions. Whether you aim to teach entry-level courses, develop specialty certifications, or advance your career in the dive industry, this program provides the tools to thrive in any teaching environment.
What makes Dive Subculture Technical unique is the diverse expertise of our instructor team, with backgrounds in both recreational and technical diving. This dual perspective ensures you’ll not only master teaching techniques but also gain insights into advanced dive concepts, such as gas management, dive planning, and logistics—broadening your skills and career opportunities.
Throughout the course, you’ll participate in hands-on activities, including delivering classroom presentations, leading dive briefings, and managing students during confined and open water sessions. Additionally, you’ll deepen your dive knowledge with topics like dive physiology, physics, equipment maintenance, and marine conservation. Our instructors provide personalized mentorship, ensuring you grow as both an instructor and a leader.
Upon completing the SSI Instructor Development Course, you’ll earn a globally recognized professional certification, opening doors to teaching opportunities worldwide. Whether you plan to lead beginner courses, develop advanced specialties, or explore technical diving instruction, the IDC lays a solid foundation for your career. With Dive Subculture Technical’s mentorship and support, you’ll step into your new role with confidence—ready to teach, inspire, and leadthe next generation of divers in their underwater adventures.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Instructors
Learn from seasoned technical divers who are passionate about teaching.
Stunning Dive Locations
Train in the spectacular waters of Khao Lak, Malapascua and Yangon.
Personalized Learning
Enjoy small class sizes for tailored instruction and maximum attention.
Top-Quality Gear
Dive with state-of-the-art equipment that is meticulously maintained
SDI Instructor Development Course
The SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is ideal for:
- Certified Assistant Instructors or Divemasters looking to advance their careers by becoming professional dive instructors.
- Divers passionate about teaching and mentoring new students, ready to lead both recreational and specialty dive courses independently.
- Individuals aiming to take on leadership roles in dive centers, liveaboards, or resorts.
- Experienced divers who want to share their love for the ocean and inspire the next generation of divers by providing high-quality education and training.
To enroll in the SDI Instructor Development Course, candidates must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Hold a current SDI Divemaster certification or equivalent from another recognized agency.
- Have completed a minimum of 100 logged dives, including night, deep, and navigation dives.
- Hold valid first aid, CPR, and oxygen administration certifications (e.g., FRTI, DAN, or equivalent).
- Be medically fit for diving and able to complete a medical form signed by a physician (if required).
- Possess strong communication skills and the ability to mentor students effectively.
The SDI IDC equips you with the skills needed to become a professional dive instructor, capable of teaching Open Water courses and beyond. During the course, you will:
- Master teaching techniques for classroom, confined water, and open water environments.
- Learn to structure lessons and evaluate student performance, ensuring safe and effective learning.
- Deepen your understanding of dive theory, including physics, physiology, decompression models, and dive planning.
- Gain practical experience in conducting briefings, managing dive logistics, and leading students.
- Develop problem-solving and risk management skills, essential for ensuring student safety.
- Learn to teach specialty courses such as Deep Diver, Nitrox, and Navigation, expanding your instructional offerings.
- Practice student psychology and coaching techniques, tailoring your teaching style to suit different learners.
Completing the SDI IDC offers:
- A globally recognized instructor certification, opening doors to teaching opportunities worldwide.
- The ability to teach Open Water courses and specialty programs independently.
- Advanced leadership skills that will prepare you to manage dive operations, courses, and student safety.
- Mentorship from experienced instructors to help you develop confidence and refine your teaching style.
- The ability to inspire and mentor new divers, making a meaningful impact on the diving community.
- A direct path to professional growth, including the opportunity to pursue advanced instructor levels or technical dive instruction.
- Networking opportunities with dive centers, liveaboards, and industry professionals through Dive Subculture Technical and Diver Gems.
To successfully complete the SDI IDC, candidates must:
- Assist with at least two complete dive courses, gaining experience in confined water and open water sessions.
- Deliver presentations in classroom, confined water, and open water environments.
- Demonstrate competence in skill demonstration and student evaluation.
- Complete all academic and practical assessments to the satisfaction of the course director.
- Successfully pass the Instructor Evaluation (IE), which assesses your ability to lead, teach, and manage students independently.
SDI Instructor Development Course Structure
📚 Course Structure
The SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is designed to prepare experienced Divemasters, Assistant Instructors, and dive leaders to become certified scuba instructors. This comprehensive program equips you with leadership skills, advanced instructional techniques, and in-depth dive knowledge, preparing you to independently teach and certify new divers. The course combines theoretical learning, practical application, and hands-on teaching experience to ensure you’re ready to plan, manage, and deliver both recreational and specialty dive courses.
The SDI IDC lays the foundation for becoming a confident, fully certified instructor by focusing on student mentoring, course delivery, and instructional strategies. You’ll develop the skills needed to guide students through academic sessions, confined water exercises, and open water dives safely and effectively. The course is divided into three essential components:
Academic Training: This section builds your theoretical foundation through online modules, case studies, and instructor-led discussions, covering dive theory, teaching methodologies, student psychology, and risk management.
Confined Water Sessions: In a pool environment, you’ll refine your ability to demonstrate skills, supervise students, and manage confined water activities. These sessions provide a safe space to practice instructional techniques and develop confidence in leading students.
Open Water Sessions: Gain real-world teaching experience at open water dive sites, such as those in Malapascua. You’ll conduct student exercises, lead briefings and debriefings, and practice managing student safety during open water dives.
The SDI Instructor Development Course at Dive Subculture Technical ensures you develop the skills, confidence, and expertise needed to become a successful instructor and thrive in the dive industry.
The academic portion of the SDI Instructor Development Course provides a strong theoretical foundation, focusing on the essential knowledge and teaching techniques required to lead courses confidently. This component is delivered through SDI’s interactive online learning platform, with assessments, case studies, and instructor-led discussions to reinforce your understanding. Key topics include:
- Teaching Methodology: Learn how to structure classroom sessions, present dive theory, and engage students effectively.
- Dive Theory and Science: Deepen your knowledge of physics, physiology, decompression theory, and gas management to support effective instruction.
- Student Psychology and Learning Styles: Understand how different students learn and develop personalized approaches to meet their needs.
- Risk Management and Safety Protocols: Study how to assess and mitigate risks in various dive scenarios to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Environmental Awareness and Conservation: Gain insights into sustainable diving practices and how to promote marine conservation in your courses.
By the end of the academic portion, you’ll be prepared to integrate theory into practical teaching and confidently manage academic sessions.
The confined water sessions take place in a pool or confined water environment, providing the ideal space to develop your teaching techniques and build confidence before working with students in open water. During these sessions, you’ll:
- Practice Skill Demonstrations: Master precise demonstrations for essential diving skills, ensuring you can guide students clearly and effectively.
- Manage Student Performance: Learn to monitor student progress and provide real-time feedback to help them improve.
- Refine Equipment Handling and Buoyancy Management: Assist students with gear adjustments and buoyancy control to ensure they master essential techniques.
- Simulate Emergency Drills: Prepare for emergency situations by practicing rescue exercises and managing student safety during confined water scenarios.
- Conduct Transition Drills: Learn how to transition students smoothly between classroom theory and practical exercises.
These sessions will help you hone your instructional abilities, preparing you to manage confined water activities efficiently and confidently.
The open water portion allows you to apply your teaching skills in real-world environments. Conducted at dive sites like those in Malapascua, these sessions offer the opportunity to teach students and manage dive courses under real conditions. During the open water sessions, you’ll:
- Lead Training Exercises: Conduct open water dives with students, guiding them through skills such as buoyancy, navigation, and emergency procedures.
- Deliver Briefings and Debriefings: Ensure students are prepared for each dive by providing clear instructions and post-dive evaluations.
- Manage Group Safety: Practice maintaining safety throughout dives by monitoring students and responding to potential issues.
- Evaluate Student Performance: Assess students against course standards, ensuring they meet the requirements for certification.
- Handle Emergency Situations: Demonstrate your ability to respond to in-water incidents and manage student safety effectively.
The open water sessions provide valuable teaching experience in real-world settings, ensuring you are ready to lead courses and guide students confidently in a variety of environments.
Course Duration - 10 - 12 Days
Academics 12 Day
Pool Session 7-10 Sessions
Open Water 7 - 10 Dives
Highest Safety and Standards
Dive Subculture Technical is fully committed to your safety. We conduct our courses following the highest SDI Certifications
Certification, Unlimited Adventures
You’ll unlock access to dive sites worldwide, preparing you for exciting underwater journeys and lifelong exploration.
Personal Learning Experience
We tailor our instruction to match your learning pace and comfort level, ensuring every student builds confidence and skills.
Protect Your Dive Adventure with DAN Insurance
At Dive Subculture Technical, we emphasize professionalism, safety, and preparedness as you take the next step in your career through our SDI Open Water Instructor Course. As an Assistant Instructor, you’ll mentor students and assist instructors, making it essential to have the right protection. We highly recommend DAN Professional Liability Insurance to safeguard yourself while working with students and assisting in courses.
DAN offers comprehensive insurance plans starting from $575 per year, covering liability, dive accidents, and medical emergencies. With this coverage, you can focus on developing your teaching and leadership skills with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected no matter the circumstances.
Why Choose DAN Professional Insurance?
- Liability Coverage for Dive Professionals: Protects you financially while assisting with student training and supervising dives.
- Worldwide Coverage: Enjoy protection whether you’re assisting locally or abroad.
- Comprehensive Plans: Get peace of mind with insurance policies designed specifically for dive professionals.
As an SDI Open Water Instructor candidate, click the button below to purchase your DAN insurance today and step into your new role with confidence and security.
What's Included :-
At Dive Subculture Technical, our SDI Assistant Instructor Course provides a complete package designed to ensure you are fully prepared for the responsibilities of becoming a dive leader. Here’s what’s included:
1. Professional Instruction and Mentorship
– Guidance from certified instructors and dive professionals with experience in both recreational and technical diving.
– Mentorship throughout the course, including personalized feedback to build your leadership skills.
2. Course Materials and Study Resources
– Access to eLearning modules and printed materials covering advanced dive theory, physics, physiology, equipment management, and leadership principles.
– Exams and knowledge reviews to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the course content.
3. Practical Training and Supervised Sessions
– Confined water sessions to master skill demonstrations and develop problem-solving techniques.
– Supervised open water dives, leading groups and assisting with student courses to gain real-world leadership experience.
– Rescue scenarios and emergency drills, building on your SDI Rescue Diver skills to prepare for managing dive emergencies.
DAN Insurance Options
– Guidance on purchasing DAN Professional Liability Insurance, offering protection while supervising or leading dives.
– Access to promotional discounts and plans tailored for divemasters-in-training.
Certification Fees and SDI Instructor Certification
– All certification fees excluded – Paid directly by the candidate to the regional office, with an SDI Open Water Instructor card issued upon successful completion and approval.
– Enrollment in the global SDI database, recognizing your qualifications worldwide.
Logbook and Networking Opportunities
– Logbookto track your dives and document your journey as a dive professional.
– Opportunities to network with instructors and dive professionals locally and internationally, building connections for future employment.
Downloads
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What’s Next?
Elevate Your Skills: Unlock New Depths in Your Dive Pro Journey.
