PADI Assistant Instructor
Your First Step Towards Becoming a PADI Instructor.
If you’ve completed your Divemaster and know that teaching diving is your future, the PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) course is the next step along the professional pathway.
You must hold a current PADI Divemaster certification (or a qualifying professional rating) to begin Assistant Instructor training — this isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a PADI requirement.
You’ll begin developing the instructional skills needed to teach scuba diving, learning how to present knowledge, coach students, conduct confined water teaching and support instructors throughout the training process.
Why Become a PADI Assistant Instructor?
Becoming an Assistant Instructor allows you to move beyond supervision and begin developing the teaching skills expected of a professional instructor. You’ll gain greater confidence teaching students, experience delivering academic presentations, improved coaching techniques and preparation for the Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Many candidates complete Assistant Instructor as part of the full IDC programme, but it can also be completed as a standalone professional qualification.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This course is ideal if you:
- Are a certified PADI Divemaster
- Enjoy helping students learn
- Want to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
- Would like to improve your teaching confidence
What You Will Learn
Throughout the course you’ll develop instructional knowledge and practical teaching skills including the PADI instructional system, student-centred teaching techniques, academic presentations, confined water teaching, evaluating student performance and coaching and feedback.
You’ll spend much of the programme actively teaching rather than simply observing.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Current PADI Divemaster certification (or qualifying professional rating accepted by PADI).
- Emergency First Response, or qualifying CPR and first aid certification, completed within the last 24 months.
- A diver medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.
- At least 60 logged dives, and to have been a certified diver for at least six months.
What Is Included?
- Professional instructor tuition
- Teaching workshops
- Skills development
- Instructor mentoring
- Assistant Instructor certification upon successful completion
Booking Divemaster and Assistant Instructor together? Your Assistant Instructor training is arranged once your Divemaster certification is confirmed — PADI requires it to be held, not just booked, before AI training can begin.
No upcoming dates are currently scheduled for this course.
Includes instructor-led tuition, practical course sessions and PADI certification upon successful completion. Any site entry, boat fees, equipment hire or other course-specific costs are listed separately where applicable.
Classroom & Practical Sessions
Private Training
We can offer 1:1 teaching and private pool sessions by enquiry for many of our PADI courses.
This is ideal if you would prefer a quieter learning environment, want extra support, or need training arranged around your availability.
Private training is subject to instructor and pool availability, so please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through the best option for you.
Contact UsWhy Train With Wiltshire Scuba?
Professional training is about far more than passing assessments. At Wiltshire Scuba we focus on producing instructors who communicate well, inspire confidence and genuinely enjoy teaching.
- Small professional development groups with direct mentoring by Mark Taylor (PADI Course Director)
- Individual mentoring
- Practical teaching opportunities
- Real course experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete Assistant Instructor before IDC?
Not necessarily. Many candidates complete Assistant Instructor as part of the full Instructor Development Course.
Will I be teaching real students?
You’ll develop practical teaching skills through workshops and, where appropriate and in accordance with PADI standards, gain experience supporting genuine training programmes.
How long does the course take?
Training duration depends on the programme you choose and your availability.
What happens after Assistant Instructor?
Most candidates continue directly into the Instructor Development Course before attending the PADI Instructor Examination (IE).
Is this a professional qualification?
Yes. Assistant Instructor is a professional-level PADI certification with responsibilities and privileges defined by current PADI standards.
Related Courses
Professional Training Tailored to Your Experience
Every diver's route through the PADI professional system is a little different. Talk to us about your professional pathway -- the stages below show how they typically connect.
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Divemaster
The first professional level -- lead certified divers and start assisting instructors during training.
View Divemaster -
Assistant Instructor — you are here Optional / can run standalone
Develop teaching skills and begin instructing under supervision. Requires a current Divemaster certification.
Included within the full IDC below -- or take it on its own first if you're not ready to commit to the whole programme yet.
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Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Includes Assistant Instructor training if you haven't already completed it separately.
View Instructor Development Course (IDC) -
Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)
Broaden your teaching range with specialty instructor ratings and build your value to dive centres.
View Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) -
IDC Staff Instructor
Assist Course Directors on future Instructor Development Courses and mentor the next generation of PADI Professionals.
View IDC Staff Instructor
Ready to Take the Next Professional Step?
Train with Wiltshire Scuba and benefit from the experience, mentoring and support available from a PADI 5★ Instructor Development Centre.