Question 1

What is the Instructor Development Course (IDC)?

Accepted Answer

The IDC is a professional-level PADI program that trains experienced divers to become certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors. It covers teaching methodology, dive theory, skill development workshops, and practical teaching presentations, culminating in the Instructor Examination (IE).

Question 2

Who is the Course Director?

Accepted Answer

Ying Kai is our Course Director, with over 25 years of diving experience, 5,000+ logged dives, and 650+ certifications issued. He co-founded The Submersibles in 2006 and became a PADI Course Director in 2025. A former competitive swimmer and passionate marine conservationist, Ying Kai has organized 40+ Dive Against Debris events and leads coral restoration projects with WWF-Singapore and TMSI. His teaching philosophy centers on mentorship over memorization — developing confident, capable instructors, not just certified ones.

Question 3

What are the prerequisites to join the IDC?

Accepted Answer

You need to be a certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent from another agency) with at least 60 logged dives. You must also hold a current Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor certification and be medically fit to dive.

Question 4

How long is the IDC program?

Accepted Answer

Our IDC program runs for approximately two weeks of intensive training, followed by the two-day PADI Instructor Examination. We also offer optional pre-IDC preparation days for candidates who want extra confidence before the course begins.

Question 5

What certifications will I earn?

Accepted Answer

Upon passing the PADI IE, you will become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI). This qualifies you to teach PADI courses from Discover Scuba Diving through to Divemaster. Additional specialty instructor ratings can be added during or after the program.

Question 6

How is conservation integrated into the IDC?

Accepted Answer

Conservation is woven into everything we do. We integrate the PADI AWARE Specialty into every Open Water course we run — so you'll learn to teach diving with environmental stewardship as one inseparable practice. During your IDC, you may participate in Dive Against Debris events, learn about our coral restoration partnerships with WWF-Singapore and TMSI, and understand how to build conservation-first practices into your own teaching. When you graduate, conservation is part of your professional DNA.

Question 7

What is included in the course fee?

Accepted Answer

The course fee covers all IDC training materials, classroom and confined water sessions, open water training dives, and ongoing mentorship throughout the program. PADI application and IE fees are separate, and we provide a full breakdown during enrollment.

Question 8

How do I apply for the IDC?

Accepted Answer

You can apply directly through our website by visiting the Apply page and completing the enrollment form. Once submitted, our team will review your qualifications and reach out to discuss the next available intake and any preparation steps.

Question 9

What makes your coaching approach different?

Accepted Answer

We focus on mentorship-driven instruction — not just exam preparation. Our Course Director runs a personalised skills diagnostic at the start and builds each candidate's practice plan around their specific weak points. With a maximum 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, you get genuine personal attention. We also weave conservation stewardship into every cohort, so you graduate with both PADI credentials and a teaching identity rooted in ocean responsibility.

Question 10

Where does the training take place?

Accepted Answer

Training is based in Singapore, with classroom and confined water sessions at our local training facilities. Open water dives are conducted at nearby dive sites that offer the conditions and variety needed for comprehensive instructor preparation.

Question 11

Is accommodation provided during the course?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation is not included in the course fee, but we can recommend affordable options near our training facilities. Many of our candidates choose shared housing or nearby hostels, and our team is happy to help you find the right fit for your budget.

Question 12

Do you offer post-IDC career support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Graduating instructors are considered for in-house teaching roles at The Submersibles, and many join Adventours.sg — our STB-licensed dive travel arm (TA-03063) — leading trips across Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Maldives. Beyond that, our alumni network spans Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian dive scene, so you're entering a real professional community, not just receiving a certification.

Question 13

Why should I choose The Submersibles over other IDC providers?

Accepted Answer

Three things set us apart: First, our Course Director Ying Kai brings 25+ years of experience and a genuine passion for developing instructors — not just certifying them. Second, conservation is in our DNA — we've organized 40+ marine conservation events and partner with WWF-Singapore and TMSI on coral restoration. Third, we offer a real career pathway through The Submersibles and Adventours.sg, not just a certification. We've been operating since 2006 and maintain small cohorts (max 8 per intake) to ensure every candidate gets the attention they need.

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