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Clear Water

INSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT

COURSES

Take your education deeper!

Instructor Development Course (IDC) Overview

GoPro Cozumel is a department of Cozumel Dive School.

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Cozumel Dive School is a PADI 5-star Career Development Center with a GoPro Cozumel program dedicated exclusively to train new PADI Instructors. With over ten years of experience and the largest on Cozumel number of IDC graduates per year, we are the leaders in professional diving education in our region, continuing to receive a 100% pass rate and great feedback from students and examiners. We train our candidates to begin their career as PADI professionals with confidence founded on knowledge, training, positive attitude, and experience we pass on.

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And let's be honest: the cost of IDC training is not cheap. You want to be sure you receive high-quality learning, an unforgettable experience, and professional mentors and attention. Even better if you can combine great instruction with an easy-to-get-to tropical island surrounded by an outstanding reef, in a welcoming community and affordable cost of living.  If this is what you’re looking for, keep reading!

IDC Overviw

Why Cozumel Dive School for your Instructor Development Course?

WHY CDS Video - IDC
IDC - Why CDS?

More reasons why CDS
is the best choice for IDC

Why Cozumel Dive School is an excellent choice for your IDC training: 

  • Cozumel Dive School (CDS) is a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center and we've been facilitating PADI Instructor Development Courses on the island since 2011. Check our customer reviews.

  • Our Instructor Development Course lasts 14 days, with optional two days of prep before the course, so that everyone has a chance to find their feet with dive theory and in-water practice. 

  • Two highly experienced Course Directors and a supporting instructor team

  • Proven success with 100% pass rate for all IDC participants

  • eLearning program you complete back home

  • Emergency First Response Instructor included

  • EANx Diver Instructor course included (Gold & Platinum Packages, see above)

  • All required study materials included

  • Our IDC groups have a maximum ratio of four candidates to one Course Director to ensure everyone gets proper attention and practice. Small groups tend to bond more easily so you can also expect to get some life-long friendships!

  • Cozumel Dive School offers six Instructor Development Courses a year. That means there are plenty of opportunities to match a course to your schedule and needs.  

  • If you don't feel ready to attend the Instructor Examination after your IDC, you can join a future IDC free of charge to feel more comfortable attending the next Instructor Examination (accommodation not included).

  • Our classroom is equipped with AC and all the necessary learning tools, on-site training pool and study areas. We provide WiFi throughout the school for your use. 

  • Free accommodation in our IDC-dedicated apartment which includes two bedrooms with AC (two beds in each room), a shared bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen (Gold & Platinum Packages).

  • Cozumel Dive School is conveniently located in heart of San Miguel de Cozumel within walking distance to grocery stores, eateries, convenience stores, shopping, and laundry services.

  • Instead of costly taxis or slow public transportation, CDS provides transportation to/from shore dive sites and boat dives along with all entrance fees to these areas. 

  • Free gear rental (*apart from required personal dive gear).

  • Opportunity to extend your stay and get hands-on experience and your first certifications while shadowing & team-teaching with our experienced instructors within the Instructor Mentor Program. 

  • Organized graduation party for all newly minted PADI instructors!

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IDC Prerequisites
IDC Options & Costs

Course Prerequisites

Instructor Development Course Prerequisites

  • Dive Leader certification: Divemaster or leadership-level certification with other recognized recreational diver training organization

  • Minimum age: 18 years old

  • Minimum 60 logged dives

  • Physical fitness attested by PADI Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months (available locally in Cozumel for $40 USD or free, if insured with DAN, more info here)

  • Certified diver for at least six months

  • EFR Primary & Secondary Care training (or other current, equivalent certification) completed within the last 24 months. Note: online courses are not acceptable but you can do the EFR course with Cozumel Dive School. 

  • Complete diver rescue skills assessment as per Divemaster course (if not a PADI Divemaster)

  • Personal insurance covering diving accidents (you can buy DAN insurance here)

  • Personal equipment: Full set of own dive gear, dive computer, Delayed Surface Marker Buoy & reel, whistle,  cutting device (preferably a Z-cutter; dive knives are not allowed in the Cozumel Marine Park), timing device, RDP & eRDPml

  • Agreement to Cozumel Dive School Terms & Conditions

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PADI Instructor Examination Prerequisites​

  • All IDC prerequisites listed above

  • Minimum 100 logged dives

  • Successful completion of the Instructor Development Course or Open Water Scuba Instructor program within the past 12 months

  • Exit requirement: Emergency First Response Instructor or CPR/First Aid instructor certification issued by another organization

Instructor Development Course
Options & Costs

Important notes about IDC Courses with Cozumel Dive School: 

  • Although most of the Instructor Development Course can be completed online and time required to go through the remaining 'dry' and 'wet' practice can be shortened to a few days only, we want to give you more! To make sure you're comfortable with scuba diving theory and practice, we offer you a 14-day program, with optional two days of prep before the IDC kick-off to dust off your knowledge & skills.

  • Instructor Development Course consists of two parts: Assistant Instructor (AI) Course (first week of our IDC) and Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Course (second week of our IDC), followed by a two-day Instructor Examination. You can find the details of both courses below. The packages apply only to full-lenght courses (AI + OWSI).

  • PADI fees sum up to $1150 USD (payable to PADI by debit/credit card) for the Instructor Examination, Instructor Application & EFR Instructor Application.

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GoPro BRONZE IDC Package
Basic IDC course
For those who already have an active EFR Instructor (or other organization First Aid & CPR Instr) certification
Lodging not included

$2560 USD

  • $1000 USD IDC course fee

  • $825 USD PADI Instructor Examination

  • $235 USD PADI Instructor Application

  • $500 USD PADI IDC eLearning

  • Cozumel Dive School t-shirt included

Apply for IDC
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GoPro SILVER IDC Package 
Basic IDC course
Includes an EFR Instructor course 
Lodging not included

$3180 USD

  • $1000 USD IDC course fee

  • $250 USD EFR Instructor course fee

  • $825 USD PADI Instructor Examination

  • $235 USD PADI Instructor Application

  • $140 USD PADI EFR Instructor Application

  • $500 USD PADI IDC eLearning

  • $230 EFR eLearning

  • Cozumel Dive School t-shirt included

Apply for IDC
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GoPro GOLD IDC Package
Full IDC course experience
GoPro Silver package + more!  
On-site lodging included

$3280 USD

  • 3 weeks of lodging in our IDC apartment

  • 2-day IDC preparation course

  • Digital eRDPml

  • PADI O2 Provider Instructor Course

    • PADI Application fee of $88 USD not included​

  • AWARE Dive Against Debris Instructor Course 

  • AWARE Shark Conservation Instructor Course

Apply for IDC
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GoPro PLATINUM IDC Package
For those who want to teach Specialties and work towards their Master Scuba Diving Trainer (MSDT) rating.
GoPro Gold package + more!  
On-site lodging included

$4320 USD

  • 4 weeks of lodging in our IDC apartment

  • Includes PADI Specialties fees 5 x $88 USD

  • 5 Instructor Specialties (pick from)

    • PADI Enriched Air (NITROX) Instructor Course (if certified as Nitrox Diver with a minimum 10 Nitrox dives)​

    • Deep

    • Wreck

    • Night

    • Full Face Mask

    • Self Reliant

    • Fish ID

    • Drift

    • and more

  • Specialty Instructor digital manuals

Apply for IDC

Register for IDC

Are you ready to be an instructor? 

Did you read all the details above? 

Are you stoked to take your professional dive career deeper?

Let's get you on the calendar!

Here is a rough look at your registration process so you know what to expect.

  1. Select the Instructor Development package right for you based on experience and budget. 

  2. Fill out the form at the button below. This information will be sent to Cozumel Dive School and you'll be working with Ken to coordinate the details of your training. 

  3. Things you'll need to consider before filling the form: 

    • Do you have the prerequisites to start your IDC?

    • What IDC dates are you interested in?

    • Would you like to stay with CDS in a shared apartment? Private studios might be available.

  4. After you send this info to CDS, you'll be contacted by Ken to answer any question you have.   

  5. A deposit of US $500 is required to sign up and to get your IDC eLearning. 

  6. Travel to Mexico and start diving! 

IDC Payment & Cancellation

Instructor Development Courses

Payment & Cancellation

  • To reserve your spot: A non-refundable $500 USD deposit is due with your booking.

  • Full payment deadline: Due 6 weeks prior to the program start date.

  • Payment options accepted: 

    • PayPal (added 5% fee is paid by student)

    • Cash (US dollars or Mexican pesos). Please contact us prior to payment for the current conversion rate to avoid shortages and extra fees

    • National bank transfer via one of our bank accounts (Mexican, Australian, Swedish, Polish, Canadian) - allow minimum 3 banking days for transfers. International transfer might be possible, allowed up to 5-7 days for international transfer and sender pays any international transfer fees.

  • Cancellation Policy & Fees: 

    • 30 or more days prior to arrival: forfeit 30% of the total cost (excluding deposit)

    • Less than 30 days prior to arrival: forfeit 60% of the total (excluding deposit)

    • Once IDC has started: non-refundable

    • Read our complete Terms & Conditions for more details

 

All PADI course certifications are performance-based and require completing and passing all the course components. You are not entitled to any refund if you are unable to adequately pass all course components. If you don't feel ready to attend Instructor Examination at the end of your IDC, you can attend a future IDC free of charge (accommodation not included).

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PADI fees sum up to $1084 USD (payable to PADI by credit card) for the Instructor Examination, Instructor Application & EFR Instructor Application. 

IDC Curriculum Details

Course Curriculum Details

Course Structure & Learning Timeline: 

Pre-Arrival: It's best to kick off your learning before you arrive to your course in Cozumel with your PADI IDC eLearning and independent study. Please complete all Knowledge Development sections beforehand so you are familiar with PADI Standards, administrative requirements and certification procedures. It's a good refresher to go over PADI courses presentations and review your dive theory. We recommend allowing around 2 weeks to complete the eLearning part. If you feel like you need more assistance to go over the material, you can sign up for the optional two-day prep course preceding the first day of your IDC.

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Week 1: The first week of the course covers the curriculum and skills needed to receive the PADI Assistant Instructor rating. 

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Week 2: The second week is entirely dedicated to PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor training. 

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Instructor Examination: For those who successfully finish the Instructor Development Course, you will take the two-day PADI Instructor Examination. An Instructor Examiner sent by PADI will objectively assess your knowledge of dive theory, training standards, and in-water demonstration skills. The Instructor Examination will be held in San Miguel de Cozumel or in Playa del Carmen on dates provided in the calendar. The final location will be determined shortly before the course starts. If the Instructor Examination takes place in Playa del Carmen, candidates are required to cover any related transportation and accommodation costs.


Please note that our IDC course is taught only in English, however adequate support for those with learning disabilities or those preferring to take the Instructor Examination in a language other than English can be organized if requested in advance (additional cost may apply).

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What materials come in the PADI IDC materials?

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  • Guide to Teaching in PDF

  • IDC eLearning

  • PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy and Project AWARE Specialty Course Instructor Guides in PDFs

  • Open Water Diver Quizzes and Exams in PDF

  • Rescue Diver Final Exams in PDF

  • Divemaster Final Exams in PDF

  • Aquatic Cue Cards – for Open Water Diver, Adventures in Diving, Rescue Diver, Divemaster and Discover Scuba Diving

  • Skill Development Preparation slate

  • Diving Knowledge eLearning

  • PADI backpack

 

We include the PADI IDC materials in all the IDC packages to make sure that all candidates have the required material at their disposal. 

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What can I do to prepare for my IDC?

 

  • Start with revising your dive theory at home (IDC program covers Dive Physics, Physiology, Equipment, Dive Skills & Environment, RDP tables) using Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving and your online IDC e-Learning

  • Complete the IDC eLearning Knowledge Development sections

  • Get familiar with the updated PADI Instructor Manual and the Guide to Teaching

  • Review the 24 skills you practised in a circuit during your PADI Divemaster course 

  • Review Rescue 7 exercise

  • Join our two-day prep course before IDC

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