Capernwray PADI Instructor Development FAQ's

These are some questions that we are commonly asked about IDC’s and also some of the things you should ask before enrolling on the program at any venue.

 How long is the course?

The course can be complete either in a 7 day format (IDC) or two separate sections- the AI run over a minimum of three days and then at a subsequent date the OWSI program over a minimum of four days.

 Who teaches the program?

 A PADI Course Director must conduct the full IDC or the OWSI program.  A PADI IDC Staff Instructor can conduct the AI portion of the program. .

 How fit do I need to be?

You certainly need to be dive fit and have a current medical signed by a doctor. Doctor’s medicals are valid for one year only (assuming no change in condition!)

What qualifications do I need to attend an IDC?

Within the PADI system, you will need to be a Divemaster in order to attend either an Assistant Instructor (AI) Course or an Instructor Development Course (IDC). If you wish to attend an Open Water Scuba Instructor Course (IDC), you will need to be an AI.

If you wish to cross-over from another organisation, please click here.

In either case, you will need to hold a current CPR and First Aid qualification. You must have proof of at least 100 dives, and have been qualified as a diver for at least 6 months.

Many advertisers claim a 100% pass rate at the IE, do you?

Yes, currently but; beware of the false advertiser. Many centres claim this but do not say whether the IE the candidates all pass on the first, second or third attempt! Capernwray currently has a pass rate of 100% for all students on their first attempted at the IE.

Also many will also claim this with the get out being that if you fail on theory it’s not their responsibility-as the theory is taught at Divemaster level, not as part of the IDC. BUT a fail is still a fail, and many of those adverts are stretching the truth.

Successfully completing the IE is a logical conclusion of your preparation and subsequent development on the IDC program. Bear in mind the function of an IDC is not to prepare you to pass an IE (many centres take this to be their goal)-but to make you into a competent and professional Instructor. Just as you would never put a student in the water you did not think was ready for it likewise We will only recommend you attend the IE when you are ready for it.

 What materials do I require?

Please see the list here. Please also note that it is now a PADI standard that you have a complete set of materials. After all, they are the tools of your future trade! Capernwray can supply you an IDC crewpack- which is a rucksack containing most of the materials for the IDC. Please ask us for prices.

What preparation do I need to do?

You will need to complete all the knowledge reviews contained in the candidate workbook prior to attending either the IDC or AI program.

Our advice is also to practise your skill circuit, and revise your theory, in particular Physics, Physiology, Equipment, Skill & Environment and RDP using the knowledge workbook and practising on the Divemaster exams on these topics.

Many centres advertise the cheapest IDC. Why don't you?

With price comes quality; those that can't compete on quality compete on price

Which parts of the IDC you like us to remove from the program in order to do this: the experience of the Course Director and staff, quality, knowledge, professionalism, experience, patience, time, safety or...?

Please bear in mind that you are purchasing training, not a qualification (if it is done right, logically the qualification will follow). Based on this, spending a little more will get you much better training. (And spending less will buy you an inferior product...)

Capernwray prides itself on being the best environment possible for your IDC. It is also uniquely a "one-stop" venue, which means maximum time spent on your development, minimum on travelling!

All the feedback from our past candidates and from the diving industry at large is that our IDC candidates are the best prepared for their roles within the industry as well as at the IE.

I have heard the course is very stressful & intense is that true?

The course is certainly very fast moving; however we will do our best to provide you with a relaxed low-stress and comfortable learning environment.

Rob, our staffs' experience and the excellent facilities all combine to help reduce any stress.

Can I cross-over my existing Instructor qualification?

We welcome Instructors from other organisations onto our IDC's. The cross- over process will vary according to your current qualification, but for most, you will need to do an IDC and IE. Please bear in mind that all dive theory is taught at Divemaster level in the PADI system, so you will need to be at least familiar with this prior to your IDC.

After completing the course how long have I got before I have to attend an IE?

You have up to 12 months to attend an IE before having to repeat training; we can provide you with a full list of exams local to you. IE's are held periodically very close to Capernwray.

What happens if I can't complete the program?

We will, within reason, work with you to help you reach any performance requirements for the program not met during the normal course schedule.

I have heard the HSE has very strong regulations in the UK does the program cover these?

Rob works as an expert witness for the HSE and so is able to give you invaluable insight into starting to establish the paperwork and procedures to help you follow these regulations.

Capernwray is used as a model by the HSE on how to implement and work effectively within the UK laws on diver training. Hence, we can train you successfully meet your legal obligations. This is an important part of training for a dive professional, and one that is frequently ignored by other Course Directors/IDC centres.

Can AI's trained in the old program simply take the 4-day OWSI program?

Yes-but remember it is up to the Course Director to evaluate candidates' suitability, so some may be asked to attend the whole program.

What if candidates do not have the opportunity to complete the independent study section?

Then the IDC must be extended by 2 days to allow for this study in class. This of course carries a financial implication.

What professional Development Courses do you offer for qualified Instructors?

We are very proud of the fact that we offer the full range of PADI Instructor Development courses. We offer Instructor Speciality training for all PADI specialities, as well as Emergency First Response Instructor Courses. We also offer all the DAN diving First Aid Instructor courses, and can cross Instructors over from other First Aid Instructor Qualifications.

We specialise in a four day IDC Staff Instructor course, which is the ultimate in Professional Development. Rather than a 9 day program, with the Course Directors focus on the IDC students, we offer a specialist program that focuses on Staff Instructors development.