So you want to learn how to become a PADI diving instructor? Well who doesn’t?! Diving with amazing sea life each day in tropical waters, living on sun-drenched beaches, it all sounds like paradise. There is only one snag, you’ve never dived. Well this is the internship for you, it will teach you how to become a diving instructor from nothing. Many articles online say things like you need this qualification or a degree in Marine biology etc… This is a lie! The only perquisite is that you have common sense and have great people skills. So learn how to become a diving instructor today on the beautiful beaches of Koh Tao, Thailand.

What are the steps to becoming a diving instructor?

Obviously, when undertaking a career change preparation is required and becoming diving instructor is no exception. You may be spending a considerable amount of time away from home so money will need to be taken into account for to pay for the course costs, travel and also to cover living expenses during your stay on Koh Tao. Visas are relatively easy to get and we are happy to help with any paperwork you may need from us (most of the time this isn’t necessary). After arriving on Koh Tao, our instructors will guide you through the required recreational dive courses followed by the professional level divemaster course and instructor development course (IDC). Once you are certified as an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) there are options to continue on to the Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) internship, followed by the Staff Instructor certification.

How long does it take to become a diving instructor?

It is possible for beginners to train to become a diving instructor in 7 months. We usually advise 2 months to go from beginner to divemaster certification. The instructor development course (IDC) and instructor exam (IE) lasts for just over 2 weeks. However PADI regulations require that students hold an open water certification for a minimum of 6 months before starting diving instructor training. This minimum waiting period gives students the opportunity to improve their diving skills. DJL offer free fun diving for life with internship packages which means there’s no extra cost for diving before the IDC. There may also be opportunities to work as a divemaster after completing the divemaster training. This can help provide additional experience before starting the IDC.

What’s Next?

Once certified, there may be employment opportunities in house, or at other dive centers on Koh Tao. This is how many new instructors build up their experience. Beyond this, a scuba instructor can use the qualification as an opportunity to work almost anywhere in the world.