Welcome to the new PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). This blog is to update you, the candidate, on the changes and also to provide useful information for those who are already a PADI Instructor, especially those who are looking to progress to PADI IDC Staff Instructor.
The main difference is, candidates no longer need to sit through hours of classroom lectures, instead most of the topics are now covered by pre-course eLearning. There are 15 (or 16 if you are completing an Instructor crossover course) IDC eLearning curriculum components; each has to be completed before participation on the PADI Instructor Exam (IE). It is recommended to complete them before the start of the IDC but, if need be, they also can be completed during the IDC. Each of the sections has a knowledge review to be completed. If the candidate is using a tablet or smart phone then the eLearning sections can be down-loaded and completed off line (to register the knowledge reviews you would need to be connected to the internet). If candidates are using a desktop or laptop then they would need to be connected to the internet to complete the sections.
Examples of the topics covered in the 16 sections include “PADI System overview”, “Risk Management”, “Confined Water Training” and “Continuing Education and Leadership Courses”.
In addition to the eLearning components the Digital Crewpack also contains “Diving Knowledge Workbook eLearning” which covers exercises in the 5 Theory subjects – Physics, Physiology, Equipment, General skills and Environment and the RDP. This is a good study aid to refresh the candidates theory level prior to the start of the IDC (Theory will still be covered by our Course Director during the IDC).
The old classroom lectures have been revamped so candidates are now required to participate in 14 workshops, which creates a more hands on learning environment compared to the old style classroom lectures.
The IDC Exams are the same as the previous IDC curriculum: 5 Theory subjects (same 5 as mentioned above), 20 questions on each, 75% pass mark and a Standards exam, 40 questions (open book) 75% pass mark.
For the candidate presentations there are no major changes, just a few minor ones:
The scoring on both the CW and OW presentations is the same with the exception of, if a skill demonstration is required for any of the OW presentations, the demonstration is also evaluated, much like the CW scoring.
In regards to the 24 skills evaluation, there are a few changes:
The previous 800 meters Snorkel Swim has been replaced with a 400 meters Swim and also a 10 min Float has been added.
The Rescue element of the PADI IDC has been amended, and now comprises of:
The format of the PADI IE basically remains the same but shall incorporate the changes mentioned above in the candidates presentations. Open Water presentation may require a demonstration by the instructor and candidates may be asked to prepare and present a skill without the use of an assistant: if either of these is required it will be made clear on the assignment sheet handed out by the Examiner during the Orientation session. As always, if the candidate has any doubts, or if they are unsure what is required, the PADI Examiner is the person to ask.
So for all you budding Instructors out there that are bored and itching to take that next step: don’t wait for all this craziness to be over, start your IDC right now! Contact us and we can send you the link to the digital crewpack, we can also do all the IDC exams remotely. Don’t delay!