Our IDCs are about more than just getting you through the Instructor Exams. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge, tools and skills to be a safe, competent and successful PADI dive Instructor after you pass the Instructor Exams. We run a full 14-day Instructor Development program (including extended dive theory “prep” classes) and include special workshops on complex skills such as lift bag exercises, CESA & descent skills, and conducting DSDs.

PADI launched their revised Instructor Development Course in late 2019, and we were thrilled to be two of the first Course Directors to adopt this new program. Their world class Instructor Development program has been enhanced with practical workshop and realistic teaching presentations. Add to this our own tips and suggestions from years of teaching, and other extras in our program, and you have the best package available.

With every IDC, we also include a: 

• FREE Accommodation 

• 1 extra month practicing at HDC co-teaching and co-guiding real clients after your certification

• FREE PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor Specialty Course 

• FREE Boat dives 

• FREE Sidemount diving introduction 

We give one-to-one counselling during all our programs to help you overcome any hurdles and develop your strengths to get the most out of your instructor-training experience.
If you are looking to expand your teaching skills and knowledge outside of the IDC then we also offer our MSDT Prep program covering the most valuable PADI Specialties.

EFR Instructor Course

This 2-day course takes place midway during the IDC.

This is a highly practical and enjoyable program with a focus on Care for Children.

*EFR Instructor rating is mandatory to become a PADI Instructor. If you are already a current CPR & First Aid Instructor with another training organization this will also count.

INSTRUCTOR EXAMS (IE)

The final Instructor Exams (IE) will take place just after the IDC and a PADI Examiner will conduct this.  You will give presentations in confined water, open water and classroom, as well as take PADI Standards and dive theory exams.

IN A NUTSHELL: EXPERIENCE; VALUE; QUALITY; OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT. 

Angel and Jo are both Platinum Course Directors and together have over 18 years’ experience of running IDCs and nearly 30 years’ experience of teaching scuba diving. Most of the teaching is given by them during the course and so you benefit from their experience both in the classroom and in the water, with the tips, advice and feedback that they give to you.

Teaching IDCs is our passion and we want the best for each of our candidates. We are more than happy to go the extra mile to ensure that you get the help and assistance you need to succeed.

There is also the option to maximise your learning and experience after the IDC by taking the MSDT Prep Program. This includes five specialty instructor training courses and their dives which will enable you to teach the most popular PADI Specialties and pursue your own particular interests.
Becoming a PADI dive instructor in Huatulco with Huatulco Dive Center and The GoPro Family means you will have plenty of job opportunities. Mexico is busy year-round with divers and those wanting to give it a try, and there are literally hundreds of dive shops, making it a great place if you want to get a job and gain teaching experience. We will give you advice and assistance in your search for the perfect career choice.

Here is our IDC schedule for 2023 

We are running IDCs with reduced class sizes due to COVID guidelines, and therefore our courses fill up fast. Get  in touch with us to let us know your plans as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Making the decision to become a PADI dive Instructor is a big step and good preparation for your IDC means that you will get the most out of your training and have fun in the process.  But it’s sometimes difficult to know how you should prepare.  That’s where we can help.

You are expected to have a good understanding of the 5 dive theory topics (physics, physiology, equipment, skills & environment, and decompression theory/RDP).   We will help build on your theory knowledge in our extended  “prep” workshops,  but it will help if you study to revise and refresh your dive theory as much as you can before you start your IDC.

Once you make your deposit we will give you access to some great eLearning tools designed by us and by PADI to help focus your revision.  If you run into any difficulty we are just an email or WhatsApp call away to help answer your questions.

The revised IDC by PADI now includes an eLearning portion.  That way you get necessary background information before your IDC so that the time you spend developing teaching techniques with Angel and Jo in your IDC is more effective.  Once you sign up with HDC we will give you your digital PADI IDC Crewpack so that you can start your eLearning straight away.

You will need to have a current medical certificate completed by a doctor to confirm that you are fit to dive.  We can send you the appropriate form in your chosen language for you and your doctor to complete.  It must be completed no more than 12 months prior to your Instructor Exam.

To start your IDC you need to have been a certified diver for at least 6 months, and you need to have proof of 100 logged dives before you take the IE (Instructor Exam).  If you have less than 100 dives then it may be possible to take your IDC with us and we would recommend that you contact us for advice.

If you haven’t renewed your PADI membership since becoming a Divemaster, no worries.  You don’t need to do this if you don’t plan to work as a Divemaster before starting your IDC.

After you sign up for your IDC with HDC we will be in touch regularly to ensure that you are progressing well and to help you plan for this important step in your diving career.