If you enjoy working with people, love the ocean, and want a job that doesn’t feel like “work” — becoming a PADI Instructor could be your next big adventure.
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As a scuba instructor, you’ll spend your days doing what you love: diving, teaching, exploring, and sharing unforgettable moments underwater. You’ll help others take their first breaths beneath the surface — and watch them fall in love with the ocean, just like you did.
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PADI Instructors and Assistant Instructors are the most sought-after dive professionals worldwide, thanks to a training program that sets the global standard. It takes dedication and effort, but the reward? A lifestyle filled with purpose, travel, and a community of like-minded ocean lovers.
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Ready to swap bubbles for briefings and become a scuba instructor? The DREAM starts here >
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It’s made up of two parts:
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PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) Course
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PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Program
​Most candidates take on both like the rockstars they are, then breeze into the Instructor Examination (IE)—the final step to earning that shiny PADI Instructor title.
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Want to take it slow? No problem—you can start with the AI course and level up to OWSI when you’re ready.
Course Prerequisite
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Certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent)
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60 logged dives (you’ll need 100 before the IE)
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EFR (CPR & First Aid) within the last 24 months
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Doctor’s clearance within the last year
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Become an EFR Instructor (can be done during training)
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Certification
As a PADI Instructor, you’re not just teaching dives—you’re changing lives (and living your best one)! Travel to tropical hotspots, turn your passion into a paycheck, and make the ocean your classroom. Inspire divers. Explore the world. Never work a boring day again.
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Post-dive Triumph
You’re a certified PADI Instructor—now it’s time to take it even deeper!
Become a PADI Specialty Instructor. Teach what you love! From Wreck to Night, Deep to Digital Imaging—specialties let you share your passions and add more variety to your teaching.
Work toward Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT). Earn your stripes with 5 awesome PADI specialties to your name and certify 25 students to earn the respected MSDT rating—a mark of experience, skill, and dedication. Plus, it boosts your resume and opens doors to more exciting jobs in the dive world!
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Teach more. Travel more. Inspire more.
The journey doesn't stop at Instructor—it’s only just getting started!
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