PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) in Northampton

Take the next step toward becoming a PADI Instructor with Northampton Scuba School, your local PADI 5 Star IDC centre — an exciting, fast‑track route into professional teaching. The PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) is the dynamic first stage of the Instructor Development Course (IDC), delivered as an intensive, hands‑on programme at our fully equipped 5‑star IDC centre.

Expect practical, confidence‑building sessions where you’ll deliver real classroom briefings and confined‑water lessons, master presentation and assessment techniques, and lead supervised Discover Scuba Diving and Seal Team activities — all while receiving direct mentor support from experienced PADI instructors. This course turns your passion for diving into teachable skills, fast‑tracks your progression toward full instructor status.

Who this course is for?

The PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) is the next step from Divemaster to move from leader to teacher. The programme develops teaching technique, lesson planning, confined‑water presentation skills and student assessment abilities while reinforcing safety protocols and professional standards.

You’ll gain practical experience delivering classroom briefings, presenting pool lessons, assessing Open Water surface skills under instructor supervision, and running supervised Discover Scuba Diving and Seal Team activities. Graduates are qualified to assist in training courses, present confined‑water and classroom sessions to PADI standards, and use the AI rating as the stepping stone to full Open Water Scuba Instructor certification and a career in the dive industry.

Key benefits:

Develop practical teaching and presentation skills for classroom and pool environments
Learn student assessment, lesson planning and classroom management techniques
Gain supervised experience with Discover Scuba Diving, Seal Team and Open Water skills assessments
Reinforce safety, risk management and professional instructor standards

Progress directly to OWSI/IDC and build a pathway to paid instructor roles and industry careers

Price

Course fee: £1,100 (tuition as listed below)
Price includes kit hire for course use and air fills during training sessions.
Extras: PADI registration & processing fees, open‑water site/boat entry fees, and personal kit if required.

What’s included?

PADI Assistant Instructor / OWSI eLearning access plus digital slates
CrewPak, updated instructor manual and teaching guides
Instructor‑led workshops, briefings and practical assessments
All pool tuition and coaching (confined‑water presentation practice)
All open‑water tuition and coaching (supervised teaching practice)
Use of school training equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) — air fills included
Practical assessment and logbook sign‑offs by PADI staff
Course scheduling support and guidance on next steps toward OWSI/IDC

Not included (paid separately)!

PADI registration, certification and exam fees (approx. £103.20)
Entry fees to open‑water training sites (e.g., Stoney Cove) or boat charges
Personal dive kit (recommended for hygiene and professional work)
Medical examination if required

Course overview (structure & duration)!

The Assistant Instructor course is a short, intensive programme designed to follow completion of the online eLearning. Typical delivery:

Duration: Achievable in as little as 2 days of practical training after finishing eLearning.
Format: Complete self‑paced eLearning, then attend instructor‑led classroom, pool and open‑water teaching/practice sessions.
Flexible scheduling available (weekend or weekday blocks); we’ll provide three date options after booking.

Core components

Knowledge & teaching theory: Review of PADI teaching systems, lesson planning and presentation techniques, classroom management and student assessment methods.
Confined‑water presentations: Deliver and refine complete pool lessons (briefing, demonstration, student supervision and assessment) under instructor supervision.
Open‑water practice: Assist and lead supervised open‑water exercises, manage student groups and assess basic surface skills.
Assessment & feedback: Practical sign‑offs, instructor feedback on presentation style, and evaluation against PADI standards.

Key outcomes — what you’ll be able to do

Present confined‑water lessons and classroom briefings to PADI standards.
Assess Open Water Diver course surface skills (under direct supervision).
Assist with training courses, supervise Discover Scuba Diving, Seal Team AquaMissions and certain specialty activities under instructor oversight.
Demonstrate professional presentation, risk assessment and student‑management techniques essential for instructor roles.

Prerequisites?

Minimum age: 18+
Certified as PADI Divemaster or equivalent.
Emergency First Response (Primary & Secondary Care) within 24 months (or equivalent).
Minimum logged dives: typically 40+ (we’ll advise based on experience).
Medically fit to dive: physician clearance within the past 12 months or completion of the PADI medical declaration where appropriate.
Good swimming ability and comfort presenting in confined and open water.

Certification & next steps!

On successful completion you will be recommended as a PADI Assistant Instructor (subject to PADI registration and processing fees). This qualification prepares you to:

Teach confined‑water lessons and assist with open‑water training under direct supervision.
Lead Discover Scuba Diving experiences and Seal Team activities.
Progress to the full Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) programme and complete the Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Recommended next steps: complete additional PADI specialties (e.g., Deep, Nitrox, Boat), maintain current EFR certification, increase logged dive experience, and enrol in the OWSI/IDC when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the prerequisites to start the PADI Assistant Instructor course?

Age 18+, Rescue Diver (or equivalent) recommended, EFR Primary & Secondary Care within 24 months, medically fit to dive, and typically 40+ logged dives (we’ll assess experience).

How long does the course take?

Complete eLearning at your own pace, followed by typically 2 days of practical training (pool and open water).

What will I be qualified to do as an Assistant Instructor?

Present confined‑water lessons and classroom briefings, assess Open Water surface skills under direct supervision, assist with training, and help run Discover Scuba Diving/Seal Team sessions.

Do I need to be a Divemaster first?

Not strictly required, but Divemaster or equivalent experience is highly recommended for teaching confidence and practical competence.

Are there assessments or exams?

Yes — eLearning knowledge checks must be completed before practicals, plus practical teaching assessments, instructor feedback and logbook sign‑offs during the course.

What equipment should I bring?

Bring personal mask, snorkel and boots for hygiene; a dive computer and personal fins are recommended. Full kit hire is available if needed.

What medical and fitness requirements apply?

Physician dive clearance within 12 months or a valid PADI medical declaration where appropriate; good swimming ability and comfort presenting in water required.

Will AI certification let me work as an instructor?

AI allows supervised teaching and assists with courses, but full independent instructor status requires completing the OWSI/IDC and meeting PADI instructor requirements.

How do I book and prepare?

Contact Northampton Scuba School to check course dates and availability. After booking you’ll receive eLearning access, a kit list, medical form and three practical date options — complete eLearning before practical days to maximise training time.