SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
The SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at OCD Divers is a professional-level scuba instructor program that prepares you to teach SDI Open Water Scuba Diver and continuing education courses with confidence. You will refine your in-water demonstrations, master SDI standards and procedures, and develop real teaching experience in academic, confined water, and open water settings. This IDC is designed for serious divers who want a modern, standards-driven path to becoming an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor and building a long-term career in scuba instruction.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
What You’ll Learn
The SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) prepares you to function as a professional scuba educator. You’ll learn how to teach, evaluate, and certify divers using SDI’s modern, streamlined training system. This course develops the obsessive precision, safety mindset, and leadership presence required of an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
- Teaching methodology — Deliver academic, confined water, and open water training using SDI’s student‑centered approach
- Skill demonstration — Perform all core scuba skills at instructor‑level demonstration quality
- Student evaluation — Assess performance, coach effectively, and ensure mastery
- Risk management — Safety planning, emergency procedures, and professional responsibility
- Standards & procedures — Understand SDI policies, course structures, and instructor duties
- Professional development — Communication, problem‑solving, and leadership in real teaching environments
Program Overview
The SDI Instructor Course includes academic development, confined water teaching sessions, open water evaluations, and real‑world practice teaching. You will learn to conduct full scuba courses from start to finish and prepare for the independent Instructor Evaluation (IE) required for certification.
This is the pathway to becoming an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor and launching a professional career in scuba education, travel, and leadership.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age 18
- SDI Divemaster or equivalent
- Certified diver for at least 6 months
- Minimum 100 logged dives including night, deep, and navigation experience
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider certifications
Where Training Takes Place
Training is conducted at OCD Divers in Colleyville, local Texas lakes, and additional dive locations as needed for teaching evaluations and scenario‑based training. Instructor candidates also assist with real courses to gain hands‑on instructional experience in live teaching environments.
Required Gear
Instructor candidates must have a complete set of personal scuba equipment suitable for local training conditions, including exposure protection, cutting tools, surface signaling devices, and a dive computer. Additional professional‑level gear may be required depending on the training environment.
Gear packages and rental options are available:
Continuing Education Diver Add‑On Options
What You Can Teach After Certification
Upon successful completion of the Instructor Evaluation (IE), SDI Open Water Scuba Instructors may:
- Teach and certify SDI Open Water Scuba Divers
- Teach SDI Advanced Adventure and selected specialties (with training)
- Conduct refreshers and supervise certified divers
- Assist Instructor Trainers with professional‑level development
What Comes Next
After completing the SDI Instructor Course, many candidates continue with:
- SDI Specialty Instructor training
- Emergency Care Instructor (First Response Training International)
- Instructor Trainer development for qualified professionals
This certification opens the door to a global career in scuba instruction, travel, and professional diving.
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