Get Ready to Start Your Professional Diving Career Becoming an SDI Scuba Diving Instructor

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Diving Instructor Course (SDI – IDC Course)

The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor (OWSDI) Course is designed for certified Divemasters and Assistant Instructors who are ready to take the next step in their professional diving career.

This comprehensive training program prepares candidates to become confident, knowledgeable, and effective scuba instructors capable of teaching and certifying divers anywhere in the world. Through a combination of classroom sessions, confined water workshops, open water training, and real-world teaching scenarios, you will develop the leadership, communication, and instructional skills required to safely train new divers.

The program is divided into two components:

✔ Instructor Development Course (IDC)

✔ Instructor Evaluation Course (IEC)

During the IDC, candidates learn SDI teaching methodologies, standards, risk management procedures, and professional-level dive education techniques. The IEC is the final evaluation process where candidates demonstrate their ability to meet SDI instructor standards.

Training takes place in the warm, crystal-clear waters of Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean, providing an ideal environment to develop practical teaching experience while gaining exposure to one of the world’s most popular diving destinations.

Whether your goal is to work at a local dive center, travel the world as a dive professional, or build a long-term career in the diving industry, the SDI Instructor Course provides the foundation needed to become a successful scuba educator.

✔ Minimum age: 18 years old
✔ Certified diver for a minimum of 6 months
✔ Proof of at least 100 logged dives completed in a variety of environments and depths
✔ Certified as an SDI Divemaster, SDI Assistant Instructor, or equivalent certification from a recognized training agency
✔ Current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider certification*
✔ Good physical condition and comfort leading dives

*CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider certifications may be completed during the IDC program

The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Course provides extensive training in instructional techniques, diver education, risk management, and professional dive operations. Topics include:

✔ SDI Standards and Procedures
✔ History and Philosophy of SDI
✔ Instructor Responsibilities and Professional Conduct
✔ Products, Registration, and Certification Procedures
✔ Annual Renewals and Professional Membership Requirements
✔ Liability, Insurance, and Risk Management
✔ Waivers, Releases, and Accident Reporting
✔ Teaching Theory and Learning Principles
✔ Classroom Presentations and Public Speaking Skills
✔ Lesson Planning and Course Organization
✔ Effective Use of Training Aids
✔ SDI eLearning and Knowledge Quest Systems
✔ Student Evaluation Techniques
✔ Marketing and Promoting Dive Courses
✔ Successfully Selling Scuba Training Programs
✔ Recruiting and Retaining Students
✔ Retail Sales and Dive Center Operations
✔ Physics and Physiology of Diving
✔ Open Water and Confined Water Teaching Workshops
✔ Professional Problem Solving and Leadership Skills
✔ Instructor Ethics and Best Practices

  • 2 Weeks of Intensive Instructor Training
  • SDI Instructor Pro Kit
  • SDI Instructor Certification Fees
  • Full Equipment Package Included
  • Classroom Theory Sessions
  • Teaching Workshops & Skill Development
  • SDI Basic Nitrox Instructor Rating
  • First Response Instructor Certification
  • Local Transportation During Training
  • 2 Weeks Accommodation
  • Personalized Instructor Trainer Supervision

  • Upon successful completion of the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Course, you will earn an internationally recognized professional certification that allows you to teach and certify divers through SDI. This certification opens the door to employment opportunities at dive centers, resorts, liveaboards, and training facilities around the world.

    As an active SDI Instructor, you will be qualified to teach:

    ✔ SDI Open Water Scuba Diver
    ✔ SDI Advanced Adventure Diver
    ✔ SDI Computer Diver Specialty
    ✔ SDI Rescue Diver
    ✔ SDI Divemaster Programs
    ✔ Additional specialty programs according to your instructor ratings

SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Minimum Requirements

  • Successfully complete the SDI Instructor Written Examination or online equivalent
  • Successfully complete both the IDC and IEC
  • Demonstrate mature judgment and professional conduct
  • Safely organize and conduct classroom, confined water, and open water training sessions
  • Meet all current SDI Instructor standards and performance requirements
scuba diving course