Becoming a PADI Instructor with Triangle Dive Shop’s Instructor Development Course (IDC) is more than just a certification—it’s the gateway to a lifestyle filled with travel, adventure, and the ability to inspire others through scuba diving. Our IDC is designed for divers who want to turn their passion into a career, whether teaching locally in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area or taking their skills worldwide. From guiding new divers on their first breaths underwater to leading advanced training in exotic destinations, becoming a dive instructor opens up a world of opportunity and freedom that few other careers can match. We have an extensive amount of information of what to expect below. While we love surprises, we don’t like surprising anyone with hidden fees, untold requirements or last minute expectations.
During the IDC, you’ll receive professional-level training that blends classroom knowledge with hands-on experience. The course covers everything from dive theory and teaching standards to practical in-water presentations. Candidates learn how to confidently organize and conduct PADI courses, manage student safety, and adapt to different learning styles. Our experienced Course Directors, IDC Staff Instructors & staff ensure each participant gains the tools, confidence, and mentorship needed to thrive as a professional dive educator.
Expect a supportive, challenging, and rewarding environment that prepares you for success as a scuba instructor. You’ll sharpen your leadership skills, master classroom and confined-water teaching techniques, and refine your ability to conduct open-water dives. Beyond the skills, our IDC provides real-world preparation—what it’s actually like to be a working instructor—so you’re ready to step into a dive shop or resort with confidence. By the end, you won’t just be certified, you’ll be transformed into a dive professional who’s ready to change lives and make diving accessible to people across the globe.
The PADI IDC is the week-long preparatory Open Water SCUBA Instructor (OWSI) program that prepares students for the Instructor Examination (IE), the final step in earning the PADI Instructor certification. The IDC will teach students how to conduct all PADI core courses (OW, AOW, Rescue, DM, AWARE, and Peak Performance Buoyancy).
Once the IDC is complete, you can elect to start your MSDT (Master Scuba Diver Trainer) portion. This will pre-certify you to earn your specialty instructor ratings.
As part of the IDC, you will be certified as a DAN BLS/DFA & eO2 instructor (covering CPR, AED, Primary & secondary care, neurological assessments, Hazardous Marine Life Injuries and more. These courses are the industry leading diver safety & medical training, follow the ILCOR guidelines and far exceed other diver medical training currently offered.
Following completion of your Instructor Development Course, each candidate will be eligible to enroll in the IE (Instructor Examination) held by PADI. Locations & timing for the IE varies and we will brief you on what to expect during the IDC.
At the end of your IDC, our goal is to not just make sure you are prepared for the Instructor Examination (IE), but to excel and even show off. Our staff believes in fully preparing each candidate to the best of our ability, giving you immeasurable resources both during & outside the course. Each candidate is a true reflection of our dive shop and we want to always put our best fin forward.
October 17th, 2025 – Orientation & Classroom Workshop
October 18th, 2025 – Preassessment Exams, Dive Theory, Learning & Teaching & Knowledge Development Workshops
October 19th, 2025 – Confined Water Training, Confined Water Teaching (dry) & Skill Development (wet) Workshops
October 20th, 2025 – Knowledge Development Presentations, Confined Water Teaching Presentations (wet), Discover Diving Workshop (wet)
October 21st, 2025 – Open Water Training (dry) & Sales Techniques Workshops
October 22nd, 2025 – Knowledge Development, Confined Water, Open Water Teaching Presentations & RIsk Management Workshop
October 23rd, 2025 – Open Water (wet) & Rescue Diver (wet) Workshops
October 24th, 2025 – Course Scheduling, Continuing Education, Advanced Open Water & Rescue Diver Workshops, Final Exams
October 25th, 2025 – Makeup day for any additional training, schedule conflicts, etc.
Building on the momentum of your Instructor Development Course, enrolling in the Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) program during your IDC is one of the smartest career moves you can make. By earning your MSDT rating, you’ll expand your teaching portfolio with a range of specialty courses—giving you the skills to stand out in a competitive dive industry, attract more students, and secure employment at top dive centers and resorts worldwide. At Triangle Dive Shop, our IDC + MSDT package ensures you graduate not only as a certified PADI Instructor but also as a highly versatile dive professional ready to offer advanced training, boost your income potential, and inspire divers to continue their education well beyond the basics.
October 27th – 28th, 2025 – MSDT Training
Candidates are expected to have their own professional and fully functional dive equipment suitable for training entry level divers , as specified in the PADI instructor manual. Your scuba kit includes:
Digital Training Materials for Online use With Offline Option
IDC Slate Pack (with PADI backpack)
Divers Alert Network (DAN) DFA Student & Instructor Materials
This is an approximate fee paid directly to PADI when you undergo your IE. It covers both your examination and instructor application fee.