The Assistant Instructor course can be done as a stand along course. 

If you're ready to join the ranks of the dedicated professionals who teach the world's most progressive and popular scuba diver education programs, then you can start with the PADI Assistant Instructors Course

Successfully completing the AI course results in a PADI Assistant Instructor qualification. 

This can be a cost effective way to start your scuba career because you only pay for what you do. 

When an Assistant Instructor is ready to progress on and become an Open Water Scuba Instructor, they will take the Open Water Scuba Instructor Course (OWSI) after which they entry into an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to earn a full PADI Instructor rating.

What You Will Learn in the PADI Assistant Instructor Course

The PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) Course is your first step toward becoming a scuba diving educator. You’ll learn how to teach and evaluate confined water skills, conduct academic presentations, and assist with Open Water Diver training under the supervision of a PADI Instructor. The course focuses on developing your teaching techniques, communication skills, and understanding of the PADI system of education, giving you real-world experience in student diver training and professional-level dive operations.

Prerequisite

The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor course 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.

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.

What You Will Learn in the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Course 

The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Course builds on your AI training, preparing you to independently teach, evaluate, and certify divers at all recreational levels up to Divemaster. You’ll refine your instructional skills, master effective student-centered teaching methods, and gain confidence in delivering all PADI core courses. The OWSI Course emphasizes safety, professionalism, and the art of creating fun, engaging learning experiences—transforming your passion for diving into a rewarding career as a fully certified PADI Instructor.

Prerequisite

The IDC course combines both the Assistant Instructor course (AI) and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) course into one comprehensive Instructor course.

Becoming a complete PADI Instructor consists of two (2) components the Assistant Instructor course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) course. 

The PADI Instructor Development Course combines both of them into one. While you can take each course individually, the IDC allows you to take both in one comprehensive Instructors Course over a miniumum of  7 days.

The final step to certification is when your have completed your IDC, you then move onto the Instructor Examination (IE), which evaluates your teaching ability, dive knowledge, skills level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude, and professionalism - all attributes required of PADI Instructors.

Prerequisite

As a dive professional, you'll want to have all your basic scuba equipment, including a dive computer, a dive knife, and at least two surface signaling devices. 

During practical skills exercises, like evaluating a training site you'll use a compass, floats, and slates. Your PADI Course Director may suggest additional gear that will be useful throughout your diving career.

Beyond the standard PADI course curriculum, Scuba Careers has integrated key real-world components designed to prepare career-minded dive professionals for success both in and out of the water. 

Our program includes Dive Leadership and Mentorship Training, which focuses on developing the confidence, communication, and coaching skills needed to lead teams, inspire students, and build lasting professional relationships. 

We also dive into The Business of Diving, covering essential skills every dive shop and resort values—such as social media management, digital marketing, website management, and content creation. 

These added elements ensure that graduates not only excel as instructors but also understand how to thrive in today’s competitive and evolving dive industry.

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