Open Water Scuba Instructor

Are you looking for something extraordinary? To do something others can only dream of? To help people transform their lives? To open doors you didn't even know existed? All of this, and more, awaits you as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

The Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program is one of two distinct components of PADI's Instructor Development Course (IDC) - the core of PADI Instructor training. The first portion is the Assistant Instructor course followed by the Open Water Scuba Instructor program.

The OWSI program is a minimum of four days. It introduces you to the entire PADI System of diver education and concentrates on further developing your abilities as a professional dive educator.

The Fun Part

It's about life transformations - both yours and those around you. The fun part of instructor training is interacting with course participants while creating friendships that continue long after the course concludes.

You'll begin networking with other professionals and begin to explore PADI Pro Diving Jobs worldwide. You'll also have the opportunity to continue your professional education by participating in specialty instructor courses, which train you to teach specialties after instructor certification.

The Challenging Part

The challenging part of this course is your personal commitment to the training. The course requires you to complete all the self-study Knowledge Reviews before the course begins and to prepare daily assignments for teaching presentations daily. Organization and dedication are the keys to successfully completing the program.

What You Learn

During the course you'll learn how to apply the PADI System of Education by presenting at least

  • Two confined water teaching presentations
  • Two knowledge development presentations
  • One open water teaching presentations integrating two skills

You will also attend and participate in the following 14 curriculum presentations:

You will demonstrate competence at

  • Performing all 20 dive skills listed on the Skill Evaluation.
  • Performing a facedown, nonstop swim for 800 metres/yards using a mask, snorkel and fins.

During the course you'll need to demonstrate competency in Dive theory by passing a five-part theory exam scoring 75% on each part.

What You Can Teach

After becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor, you will be able to conduct the entire range of PADI programs from Discover Scuba Diving up to Divemaster. You may also choose to acquire specialty instructor ratings in areas of interest, such as Digital Underwater Photographer or Enriched Air Diver.

The Scuba Gear You Use

You will need to equip yourself with all the basic scuba gear as well as two scuba signaling devices - one audible and one visual.

Check with our shop to purchase equipment needed for the course.

The Learning Materials You Need

The PADI Instructor Development Course crewpak includes all the materials needed to prepare for the Instructor Development Course. The 23-item pack includes:

  • Instructor cue cards for PADI's core courses (Open Water and Advanced, Rescue and Divemaster)
  • Instructor Development Course Candidate Workbook and related reference materials,
  • Lesson planning slates for confined and open water
  • Quiz and exam booklets for the core courses
  • Specialty outlines for Project AWARE
  • PADI Instructor Manual

Next Steps

After completing the IDC you will attend the Instructor Examination (IE). This is usually the weekend after completion, but ultimately you will decide when you are ready to attend.

Prerequisites - what do I need to start?

To qualify for training as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you must:

  • Be certified as a PADI Divemaster or a PADI Assistant Instructor or be an instructor in good standing with another training organization for at least six months (check with a PADI Course Director or Contact Us for qualifying credentials.)
  • Be certified as an Emergency First Response Instructor
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be certified as a diver for at least six months
  • Have 60 logged dives that include experience in night, deep and navigation diving to participate in the Instructor Development Course. You'll need 100 logged dives to take the Instructor Exams
  • Have proof of CPR and First Aid training within the last 24 months. The Emergency First Response course meets this requirement
  • Be fit for diving and submit a Medical Statement (PDF) signed by a physician within the last 12 months

How long will it take?

  • Contact House of Scuba Training Department for details

What does it cost?

  • Contact House of Scuba Training Department for details

Your Next Adventure:

You'll want to continue your professional training by completing courses that allow you to teach beyond the core courses. For example, Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor, Emergency First Response Instructor, and specialty instructor courses complement your Open Water Scuba Instructor rating and add to your professional portfolio.

Are you ready to experience one of the most adventurous activities possible? Submit the form below or give us a call at 858-581-2800 and ask to speak with one of our Scuba Instructors!

Ready to get started?

Request signup information for this class: Open Water Scuba Instructor