PADI IDC Staff Instructor
Help Shape the Next Generation of PADI Professionals.
Becoming an IDC Staff Instructor is a significant milestone in your professional diving career. It recognises your experience as an instructor and prepares you to assist Course Directors during Instructor Development Courses while mentoring future PADI Professionals.
For many instructors, IDC Staff Instructor is the natural next step after gaining experience as a Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Why Become an IDC Staff Instructor?
Outstanding instructors don’t just teach students. They help develop future instructors. The IDC Staff Instructor course expands your understanding of instructor development and allows you to become more involved in professional-level training.
It also demonstrates your commitment to continuing professional development within the PADI system.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This programme is ideal if you:
- Hold a current PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer rating
- Enjoy mentoring other instructors
- Want to assist on Instructor Development Courses
- Are considering becoming a Course Director in the future
What You Will Learn
During the programme you’ll develop your ability to assist during Instructor Development Courses, evaluate teaching presentations, coach instructor candidates, provide constructive feedback and mentor Divemasters and instructor candidates.
The emphasis is on developing mentoring and evaluation skills rather than simply expanding your own teaching ability.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Current PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer rating.
- Teaching status meeting current PADI requirements, and a current Emergency First Response Instructor rating.
- A diver medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.
What Is Included?
Your Course Director
Course Director mentoring on this course is provided by Mark Taylor, Wiltshire Scuba’s PADI Course Director and Joint Owner, who has been teaching diving since 2009 and has over 20 years of UK diving experience. As a PADI 5 Star IDC centre with an on-site Course Director, candidates train directly with the person running the Instructor Development Course — not a Course Director referred in from elsewhere.
Mark is assisted by Emma Taylor, Wiltshire Scuba’s PADI IDC Staff Instructor, so candidates train with two named, accredited instructors throughout the course.
- Practical workshops
- Instructor candidate coaching
- IDC Staff Instructor certification upon successful completion
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 sessions are held at Wiltshire Scuba, with open-water sessions at Vobster Quay.
Classroom & Practical Sessions
IDC Staff Instructor runs by private arrangement alongside our PADI IDC course dates, rather than to a fixed public schedule — get in touch to talk through timing with your Course Director.
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?
As a PADI 5★ Instructor Development Centre, we believe professional development should never stop. Our IDC Staff Instructor programme focuses on helping experienced instructors become confident mentors who can positively influence the next generation of diving professionals.
- Individual mentoring
- Small professional groups
- Real IDC involvement where appropriate
- Long-term professional support
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an MSDT?
Yes. Current PADI standards require candidates to hold the Master Scuba Diver Trainer rating before enrolling.
Will I assist on a real IDC?
Where scheduling allows and in accordance with current PADI standards, you’ll gain experience assisting during an Instructor Development Course.
Does this make me a Course Director?
No. IDC Staff Instructor is an important professional step but is separate from the PADI Course Director programme.
Is this useful if I don’t plan to work full-time?
Absolutely. Many instructors complete IDC Staff Instructor because they enjoy mentoring others.
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 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.
View Assistant Instructor -
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 — you are here
Assist Course Directors on future Instructor Development Courses and mentor the next generation of PADI Professionals.
Ready to Mentor the Next Generation?
Contact Wiltshire Scuba to discuss upcoming programmes and how IDC Staff Instructor fits into your professional journey.