At Master Divers, our PADI IDC is a fantastic way to not only become a certified PADI Instructor but also gain real-life experience working in a busy dive centre.

After completing your IDC and successfully passing your Instructor Exams (IE), you’ll have the chance to work with us as a professional dive instructor. This means you’ll start teaching actual students, honing your skills, and building your confidence, all while earning money.

It’s the perfect way to go from newly qualified to experienced dive pro, with lots of support from our experienced team along the way.

No worries at all! You don’t need to have any prior teaching experience — that’s exactly what the IDC is for. We’ll guide you through everything, from how to plan and deliver courses to making sure your students are safe and having fun.

As for diving, you do need at least 60 logged dives before you can start the IDC, but don’t stress if you’re not quite there yet. We can help you get the extra dives you need while you’re here on Koh Tao.

The IDC itself takes around 16 days, including the Instructor Exams (IE). After that, if you’re joining the PADI Instructor internship, you’ll stay on with us for about 2 months, working alongside our team, teaching real students, and getting that priceless hands-on experience.

It’s a super supportive environment — we’re always here to help you out, offer feedback, and make sure you’re growing into the confident instructor you want to be.

One of the things we’re most proud of at Master Divers is how much personal support we offer. During your IDC, you’ll have one-on-one mentoring, workshops, practice sessions, and plenty of time to ask questions and build your skills.

Once you start teaching, you won’t be thrown in the deep end (unless you want to be!). Our senior instructors and Course Directors will be there to guide you, share tips, and help with anything you’re unsure about. It’s all about building your confidence in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

If you already have your own dive gear, that’s great! But if you don’t, no worries — we offer top-quality rental gear included for all our professional courses.

We do recommend that instructors eventually invest in their own gear because you’ll be using it every day, and it helps to get comfortable with equipment you know inside-out. But there’s no pressure — we’re happy to help you figure out what works best for your budget and goals.

The truth is, it varies depending on where in the world you work, the dive centre you’re with, and how much experience you have.

Here on Koh Tao, new instructors usually start by earning per student or per course, so your income grows as you teach more. As you gain experience, you can take on more advanced courses, private students, or even specialty certifications, which all help boost your income.

We’ll also give you advice on what to expect in different parts of the world if you’re thinking about teaching elsewhere after your time with us. The good news? There’s always demand for good instructors who are friendly, safety-conscious, and passionate about diving!

Once you’re certified, you’ve got lots of options, and we’re here to help you figure out what suits you best. Many new instructors stay on with us through the PADI Instructor Internship, where you’ll get real teaching experience while still having our full support.

Some instructors choose to travel and work around the world, teaching in different locations — from tropical islands to liveaboards and even luxury resorts. Others stay in one place and build up their reputation and student base in a dive shop they love.

Whatever your path, we’ll give you plenty of advice, recommendations, and connections to help you take the next step confidently.

Absolutely — that’s exactly what we’re here for!

It’s completely normal to feel nervous, whether it’s about your diving skills, teaching in front of a group, or even just remembering all the course materials. That’s why we keep our IDC groups small and offer loads of personalized coaching.

We’ll work with you on anything you feel unsure about, whether it’s demoing skills, answering student questions, or handling tricky situations. By the end of the IDC and your PADI Instructor internship, you’ll be amazed at how much your confidence (and your teaching style) has grown.

Yes — but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it.

Professional liability insurance is required to teach as a PADI Instructor, and we’ll help you get set up with a reputable provider. If you’re planning to work internationally, it’s worth getting a policy that covers you globally.

We’ll also talk you through the different options, so you can pick a plan that fits your goals and budget — whether you’re staying on Koh Tao for a while or heading off to explore the world.

Great question — and one we love answering!

At Master Divers, we’re all about quality over quantity. We keep our IDC groups small and personal, so you get tons of one-on-one attention, support, and feedback. You won’t just be another face in the crowd — you’ll be part of our dive family.

Plus, our Instructor internship means you can start your teaching career with real students, all with experienced mentors right by your side. Add in our eco-friendly focus, top-notch equipment, and the stunning Koh Tao setting, and we think you’ll find there’s no better place to start your professional dive journey.