PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
in Cabo San Lucas
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course
The Instructor Development Course (IDC) with Pro Dive Academy Cabo prepares Divemasters to become confident, capable scuba PADI Instructors. This program is designed to build strong teaching skills, deepen dive knowledge, and prepare candidates for success in the global dive industry.
What Is the IDC?
The Instructor Development Course combines two key components:
- Assistant Instructor (AI)
- Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Together, these programs prepare candidates to teach entry-level scuba courses and guide students safely through their first underwater experiences.
What will you learn during
the PADI IDC
During our 13 days IDC training, you will learn how to:
- Correct use and understanding of the PADI teaching system
- Teach dive theory effectively
- Conduct classroom presentations
- Deliver confined water training
- Manage open water sessions
- Evaluate student performance
- Demonstrate dive skills to instructor standard
- Apply risk management and safety procedures
- Build confidence as an educator and role model
Our goal is not simply to help you pass an exam, but to help you become an instructor who students trust.
Preparing for the Instructor Examination (IE)
Some description text for this item
The IDC concludes with the Instructor Examination, where candidates demonstrate their acquired knowledge and teaching ability. Our structured approach ensures candidates arrive at the examination confident, prepared, and capable.
Becoming an instructor is a significant professional milestone—and we are committed to helping you reach it with self-assurance.
PADI IDC in Cabo San Lucas
The 13-day PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Pro Dive Academy Cabo is designed to provide comprehensive preparation for candidates pursuing the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification.
Throughout the program, candidates participate in a combination of :
- Classroom sessions
- Practical workshops
- Confined water training
- Open water teaching exercises
- Professional development activities
The course typically begins with orientation, administrative preparation, and an overview of the PADI educational system. During the first days, candidates review dive theory, standards, risk management, and teaching techniques while refreshing water skills and rescue abilities.
As the IDC progresses, the focus shifts toward practical instructor-level training.
Candidates learn how to conduct effective presentations using the PADI system:
- Knowledge Development presentations
- Confined Water teaching presentations
- Open Water teaching presentations
Workshops are conducted daily to improve organization, professionalism, problem-solving, and evaluation techniques.
The final portion of the IDC focuses on:
- EFRI Course
- PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor
- IE preparation
In order to ensure candidates are comfortable with PADI standards, teaching formats, skill demonstrations, and evaluation criteria before attending the PADI Instructor Examination.
The 13-day schedule is intensive but highly rewarding, providing candidates with the confidence, knowledge, and practical teaching experience necessary to begin a successful professional diving career as a PADI Instructor.
Emergency First Response
Instructor (EFRI)
As part of professional training, candidates also complete the Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) course.
This certification qualifies you to teach CPR and first aid programs, essential skills for dive professionals and highly valuable in the wider community.
EFR Instructor training includes:
- Teaching CPR and first aid courses applicable for adults and infants
- Developing confidence delivering safety education
- Understanding emergency response protocols
- Managing classroom-based learning
These skills strengthen your professional profile and expand your teaching opportunities.
Included: 1 x PADI Specialty Instructor Rating
Some description text for this item
One of the major advantages of completing your PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) with Pro Dive Academy Cabo is that the program includes the PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Specialty Instructor course.
This additional instructor-level certification significantly increases your value as a professional dive educator, enhance your employment opportunity and expand the range of courses you can immediately teach after becoming a PADI Instructor.
PADI Nitrox Instructor Specialty
Some description text for this item
The PADI Nitrox Instructor Specialty is one of the most requested specialty courses worldwide. Recreational divers increasingly choose enriched air diving because of the extended no-decompression limits, reduced nitrogen exposure, and increased comfort during repetitive diving.
By becoming a Nitrox Instructor during your IDC, you will be qualified to teach one of the most popular specialty courses in the diving industry from day one, creating additional teaching opportunities and increasing your employability at dive centers and resorts around the world.
Personalized Mentorship and Support
Some description text for this item
At Pro Dive Academy Cabo, we emphasize personalized mentorship. Our IDC candidates benefit from:
- Small group sizes
- Individual feedback
- Coaching focused on teaching confidence
- Realistic practice scenarios
- In detail preparation for the Instructor Examination (IE)
We believe strong instructors are built through guidance, repetition, and supportive coaching—not shortcuts.
2026 PADI IDC Dates in Cabo San Lucas
Sign up for our next PADI IDC. Spots fill up fast, as we like keeping groups small so every candidate gets the attention they deserve.
Reserve your place early and take the first step toward your diving career!
September 19th, 2026
- IDC : Sept 19th to Oct 1st
- IE : Oct 2nd to Oct 4th
November 28th, 2026
- IDC : nov 28th to Dec 10th
- IE : Dec 11th to Dec 13th
IDC Training Prices
13 Days Program
IDC Course
INCLUDES
- PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox)
Specialty Instructor Course - EFR Instructor course
Requiered Course Materials
PADI & EFR Materials
INCLUDES
- PADI IDC Crew Pack & eLearning
- EFR Instructor Crew Pack & eLearning
Not Included
- PADI Fees : Exam | Application | Certification
- EFR Instructor certification fee
- Nitrox Instructor fee
Extras Included
- Airport Pick-up
- Prep course (To be scheduled prior to IDC start date)
- Resume workshop
- Cressi equipment at dealer price
- Diving equipment rental
- Post IE mentorship & guidance
- Market positioning assistance
- Discounts on Cabo Private Guide activities
- Accommodation booking assistance
- AND ALL THE COFFEE YOU CAN DRINK !
Your Scuba Career Starts Here!
Join Pro Dive Academy Cabo and train with an expert team in one of the world’s great dive destinations.