Become a PADI Dive Instructor in the Philippines
Turn your passion for diving into a career. The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Thresher Shark Divers on Malapascua Island is your path to becoming a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
As one of only a handful of PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers (CDCs) in the Philippines, we deliver world-class instructor training with a 100% pass rate. Our Course Director, Toni Plaza, holds Platinum ratings and multiple PADI awards.
Whether you’re a Divemaster ready to take the next step or exploring a complete career change, we’ll build a training program around your experience level and goals.
Visit our dedicated IDC site for full details, schedules and pricing →
PADI 5-Star CDC
One of the highest-rated dive centres in the Philippines. We offer the full range of PADI Instructor courses from Open Water Scuba Instructor to Staff Instructor.
Zero to Instructor
Not yet a Divemaster? We offer packages from 5-day OWSI courses to 7-month internships that take you from non-diver all the way to PADI Instructor.
Career Development
Already a PADI Instructor? Continue your professional development with Specialty Instructor, MSDT and Staff Instructor programs — scheduled or on demand.
What’s Included in the PADI IDC at Thresher Shark Divers
IDC Preparation Course (Optional)
Highly recommended if you haven’t recently completed your Divemaster with us. A 2–6 day refresher to bring your skills and theory up to instructor level before the main course. Duration depends on your current ability.
PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) Course
The first half of the IDC. You’ll learn to conduct certain PADI programs independently. Minimum 4 days.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Course
The second half of the IDC. Covers teaching methodology, risk management and confined/open water teaching. Minimum 5 days.
EFR Instructor Course
A prerequisite for all new diving instructors. We schedule this before the IDC when possible. EFR renewals can also be arranged.
PADI Instructor Examination (IE)
A comprehensive 2-day exam conducted by PADI Instructor Examiners sent from PADI headquarters. On successful completion, you’ll be a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
Prerequisites
- Certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent)
- Advanced Open Water Diver certification
- Minimum 60 logged dives
- Medical clearance signed by a physician
Why Train at Thresher Shark Divers?
Our PADI Course Director and instructor team have trained hundreds of successful dive instructors. Every candidate gets personalised attention — classes are small and teaching is almost always one-on-one with an assistant present.
Malapascua offers something no other IDC location can: daily thresher shark dives. You'll train in one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world, building real-world experience that sets you apart.
