Becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor?
Are you a passionate scuba diver looking to share your love for the underwater world with others? If yes, then becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor might be the perfect career path for you! Not only do scuba instructors get to explore some of the most breathtaking locations on earth, but they also have the opportunity to teach and inspire others by introducing them to the wonders of diving. In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about how to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor – from prerequisites and training programs to job opportunities and benefits. So grab your wetsuit and let's dive right in!
Overview of PADI Scuba Instructor Programs and Requirements
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors (OWSI) are passionate about sharing their love of the underwater world with others and training the next generation of safe divers. As a PADI Instructor, you’ll not only be able to teach scuba diving courses, but also work your way up through the PADI Instructor ranks. Becoming a PADI Instructor is both challenging and rewarding, and requires dedication, commitment, and continual professional development.
The first step on your path to becoming an OWSI is to attend a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). During the IDC, you’ll not only learn how to teach scuba diving courses, but also gain invaluable experience in leading dives and managing dive operations. Once you’ve completed your IDC and passed the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), you’ll be awarded the rank of PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
In the IE you must successfully complete a series of practical teaching evaluations, known as the Instructor Candidate Workbook (ICW). The ICW includes both classroom presentations and in-water skills sessions and must be completed within 12 months of attending your IDC
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors (OWSI) are passionate about sharing their love of the underwater world with others and training the next generation of safe divers. As a PADI Instructor, you’ll not only be able to teach scuba diving courses, but also work your way up through the PADI Instructor ranks. Becoming a PADI Instructor is both challenging and rewarding, and requires dedication, commitment, and continual professional development.
The first step on your path to becoming an OWSI is to attend a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). During the IDC, you’ll not only learn how to teach scuba diving courses, but also gain invaluable experience in leading dives and managing dive operations. Once you’ve completed your IDC and passed the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), you’ll be awarded the rank of PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
In the IE you must successfully complete a series of practical teaching evaluations, known as the Instructor Candidate Workbook (ICW). The ICW includes both classroom presentations and in-water skills sessions and must be completed within 12 months of attending your IDC
Step by Step Guide to Becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and becoming a PADI Instructor, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your dream a reality:
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and becoming a PADI Instructor, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your dream a reality:
- Get certified as a PADI Divemaster or Assistant Instructor.
- Attend a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) - During the IDC, you’ll not only deepen your dive knowledge but you’ll also learn how to effectively teach others. The IDC is made up of two parts – the Assistant Instructor (AI) program and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. You must successfully complete both programs to become certified as a PADI Instructor.
- Pass the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) - The IE is held at the end of the IDC and assesses your ability to teach theoretical concepts as well as practical skills. Once you’ve passed the IE, you’re a qualified Instructor
What is the Course Structure & Timetable?
The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program is made up of three main phases:
Phase One: Classroom and Pool Training
This phase begins with self-study, followed by the IDC classroom lectures and presentations. You'll also complete confined water sessions to refine your teaching skills, and practice emergency management and rescue techniques.
Phase Two: Open Water Training
As part of the IDC, in this phase, you'll conduct open water training dives with staff acting as students simulating common problems for you to identify and rectify. You'll have the opportunity to further develop your skills as an instructor and learn how to manage a dive operation.
Phase Three: Instructor Examination
The final phase of the program is the instructor examination, which consists of written exams on theory and standards, a classroom teaching presentation, assessment in confined and open water teaching scenarios, and a rescue exercise. Upon successful completion of the examination, you'll be certified as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor!
The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program is made up of three main phases:
Phase One: Classroom and Pool Training
This phase begins with self-study, followed by the IDC classroom lectures and presentations. You'll also complete confined water sessions to refine your teaching skills, and practice emergency management and rescue techniques.
Phase Two: Open Water Training
As part of the IDC, in this phase, you'll conduct open water training dives with staff acting as students simulating common problems for you to identify and rectify. You'll have the opportunity to further develop your skills as an instructor and learn how to manage a dive operation.
Phase Three: Instructor Examination
The final phase of the program is the instructor examination, which consists of written exams on theory and standards, a classroom teaching presentation, assessment in confined and open water teaching scenarios, and a rescue exercise. Upon successful completion of the examination, you'll be certified as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor!
What Qualifications Do You Need?
The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program is the first step in your Instructor journey. To be successful in the program, candidates must:
The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program is the first step in your Instructor journey. To be successful in the program, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a current PADI Divemaster rating or equivalent
- Have been a certified diver for at least 6 months and have completed 60 dives
- Be fit for diving and submit a Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months
- Attend all training sessions and complete all assignments
- Pass the Instructor Exams with a score of 75% or higher
Tips for Successful Candidates
- Being comfortable teaching dive theory, both in the classroom and on an eLearning platform
- Being able to clearly communicate dive concepts to students
- Being organized and prepared for each class, including planning lessons and setting up equipment in advance
- Maintaining a professional demeanor at all times with students, staff, and fellow instructors
Benefits of Becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor
There are many benefits to becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor. One of the most obvious benefits is that you get to share your passion for diving with others and help them to learn about and experience the underwater world. As an instructor, you will also have the opportunity to continue your own diving education and development, as well as gaining valuable experience in running a business. Other benefits include:
There are many benefits to becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor. One of the most obvious benefits is that you get to share your passion for diving with others and help them to learn about and experience the underwater world. As an instructor, you will also have the opportunity to continue your own diving education and development, as well as gaining valuable experience in running a business. Other benefits include:
- Meeting new people from all over the world and forming lasting friendships
- Seeing amazing places and things that most people never get to experience
- Doing something rewarding and fulfilling that helps others
- Having a flexible lifestyle and being your own boss
Conclusion
Becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is an amazing way to help others explore the wonders of the underwater world. It requires dedication, commitment and knowledge but it can be incredibly rewarding. With hard work and determination anyone can become an instructor and make their dreams come true!
Becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is an amazing way to help others explore the wonders of the underwater world. It requires dedication, commitment and knowledge but it can be incredibly rewarding. With hard work and determination anyone can become an instructor and make their dreams come true!
