PADI Assistant Instructor (AI)
Not ready for the full IDC yet? No stress. Start with AI. The PADI Assistant Instructor Course is perfect if you’re not quite ready to commit to the full Instructor Development Course (IDC) — whether it’s a time thing, a budget thing, or you just want to test the waters first.
This course is the first half of the IDC and can be completed in just 5–6 days. You’ll start learning how to teach using the PADI System of diver education, gain hands-on experience, and build real confidence through classroom, confined water, and open water sessions.
What's Next?
Once you’re certified as an Assistant Instructor, you can return later to complete the OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor) program and sit your Instructor Exam (IE) when you’re ready. Your progress counts — and you don’t have to start from scratch.
Assistant Instructor
As a PADI AI, you will be able to teach and conduct:
- Knowledge development sessions for PADI courses
- Surface skills in the Open Water Diver course
- PPB Specialty (under direct supervision of a PADI OWSI)
- Teach non-diving specialty courses eg Coral Reef Conservation
- Independently Conduct Bubblemaker experiences and PADI Seal Team Aqua Missions for kids
Want a Custom Plan?
Contact us today to create a bespoke package combining your PADI Assistant Instructor and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor courses. Whether you’re looking to spread out your training or dive in all at once, we’ll tailor a path that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
PADI ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR AT A GLANCE
DURATION
min. 5-6 days
PREREQUISITES
- Divemaster
- EFR certified with the last 24 months
- 60 dives
- 18 years old
MATERIAL
PADI IDC Crew Pack
- About materials
- Forms & downloads
PREP
- Awesome demonstration quality dive skills
- Superb dive theory
- & flick through PADI Instructor Manual
- How to prepare
Once Certified: Teach surface skills on the Open Water Course & Conduct Bubblemaker and Seal Team Programs.
