PADI Assistant Instructor (AI)
The PADI Assistant Instructor Course is designed for Divemasters who want to take their dive leadership skills further by assisting with teaching and certifying new divers. This course is the next step in your professional diving journey, equipping you with the skills to conduct certain PADI courses independently and assist instructors in the classroom and open water. It's the perfect stepping stone toward becoming a full PADI Instructor.
PADI Assistant Instructor Course
Step Into Dive Instruction
Go PADI PRO
If you’re familiar with the PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course), you’re already ahead of the game, but if you’re not familiar with this program, we’ll explain. The IDC is made up of two parts – the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor Course (OWSI), and once successfully completed, the Instructor Examination (IE) follows. During the Instructor Development Course, you’ll learn how to effectively teach a variety of PADI courses and programs, including the Open Water Diver course, Advanced Open Water Diver course, Rescue Diver course, and Divemaster course. You’ll also learn how to manage and supervise dive operations, including planning and organizing dives, conducting risk assessments, and managing emergency situations.
To become an Assistant Instructor, you just need to take the first part of the IDC. Then, you’ll have a final exam to assess your readiness and dive knowledge. Upon completing this, you will be an AI.
01
Theoretical Knowledge Development
Knowledge Development; both a self-study e-learning curriculum and Course Director led presentations
Dive Theory
The PADI system General Standards & Procedures
Sales techniques workshop
Social Media & Online Marketing workshop
Knowledge Development Presentation Workshops & Candidate Knowledge Development teaching presentations
02
Confined Water
Skill development workshops; the basic 25 skills & Rescue diver skill circuit to a demonstration quality standard
Discover Scuba Diving confined water workshop
Confined Water Training Workshop and Candidate Confined Water Teaching Presentations
03
Open Water Section
Descent & Ascent workshops
Roll model quality Divemaster course Rescue assessment
Discover Scuba Diving conduct and control workshop
Advanced Open Water workshop
Rescue Exercise 7 workshop
Open Water Training Workshop and Candidate Open Water Teaching Presentations Neutrally Buoyant
Stamina tests; 400 metres freestyle & 10-minute float
PADI eLearning
Knowledge Development
The e-learning section covers the following subjects:
Getting Started
Dive Theory for Dive Leaders
PADI System Overview
Learning, Instruction and the PADI System
Discover Scuba Diving and Experience Programs
The PADI Open Water Diver Course
Risk Management and Legal Considerations
Managing Risk
PADI Quality Management and Licensing
Introduction to Teaching Presentations
Conducting and Evaluating Knowledge Development
Confined Water Training
Open Water Training
Continuing Education and Leadership Courses
The Business of Diving
PADI Assistant Instructor
Now that you’ve achieved this rating, what responsibilities do you have, and what can you do within PADI standards? PADI Assistant Instructors can assist certified PADI Instructors in teaching and conducting some of the academic presentations, confined water skills, and open water training sessions from PADI courses and programs. There are also some courses and programs an AI can independently teach and certify students.
For example, an Assistant Instructor can conduct some of the knowledge development sessions for any PADI Diver course under an Instructor’s indirect supervision. An AI can also present initial skills training under an Instructor’s direct supervision during confined water dives and also conduct open water surface skill evaluations during the Open Water Diver course dives under an Instructor’s indirect supervision.
Book an Appointment
Ready to take the plunge into the world of professional diving? Book an appointment with our team to discuss the PADI Instructor Course or any of our professional-level training programs. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or are ready to start, we're here to help you every step of the way.