Become an SDI
Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor
What the SDI IDC Covers
The programme is intensive and practical. Over two weeks, you will cover:
- Dive physics, physiology, and the science behind underwater safety
- Presentation and teaching skills — how to explain concepts clearly in and out of the water
- Confined and open water teaching scenarios with real student simulations
- Rescue and emergency response as an instructor
- SDI standards, regulations, and how to run a dive operation
- The Instructor Evaluation Course (IEC) — your final certification assessment
Why SDI?
SDI operates on an on-demand evaluation model — no fixed exam calendar to work around. Once you complete the IDC content, the IEC is scheduled around your timeline. Instructor fees are substantially lower than most PADI equivalents, which makes SDI the practical route for candidates anywhere in the world.
Every SDI-certified instructor is globally recognised — resorts, liveaboards, and dive centres worldwide accept the credential.
Place your Pro. eLearning order
Professional eLearning
The academic component is available as online eLearning, so you can complete theory modules before you arrive.
Ask Freddy for access details when you confirm your place.
Course prerequisites
- Minimum age 18
- Current Divemaster or Assistant Instructor certification (any major agency)
- At least 100 logged dives
- Certified diver for a minimum of 6 months
- Current CPR, first aid, and oxygen provider certification
Already certified with PADI, SSI, or another agency?Ask Freddy about options.
Instructor Development Course
The SDI Instructor course is specifically designed for current divemasters or assistant instructors, providing them with the necessary skills to operate safely as open water scuba instructors. This comprehensive program is divided into two components: the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and the Instructor Evaluation Course (IEC). IDC spans approximately two weeks and focuses on teaching participants how to effectively present skills in confined water prior to validating them in open water, as well as how to conduct academic classes on various subjects. Upon successful completion of the IEC, participants will be qualified to teach up to the divemaster level, covering extensive material.
Courses Details IDC
Pro. ELearning: 1
Required Skill Performance for IDC:
The student must:
4 classroom presentations
4 lessons in confined water.
4 lessons in open water.
Preparation, planning, and control in:
a. Dive management.
b. Diving activities.
Perform one complete rescue scenario.
Pool/ confined water:
Demonstration level quality, while neutrally buoyant, all skills listed in the SDI Open Water
Pool/confined water problem-solving.
Open Water
Demonstration level quality, while neutrally
buoyant, all skills listed in the SDI Open Water Open water problem solving.
Instructor Evaluation Courses
The IEC is aligned with the IDC and incorporates an evaluation by an Instructor Trainer, who will assess both your academic knowledge and practical skills in aquatic settings. Participants are required to deliver a course lesson in both confined- and open-water environments. This component of the program will be completed in several days.
Required Skill Performance for IEC:
The student must:
Present a minimum of:
One classroom presentation, mini time 15 minutes
One full lesson in confined water.
One full lesson in open water.
