Become a Scuba Instructor in Sardinia
IDC instructor development course
Next IDC October 21st to 30th 2026
Become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
The PADI IDC: A Transformative Learning Experience
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is an exciting and highly educational journey that will prepare you to become a PADI Instructor.
Under the expert guidance of Course Director Luca Pelizzari, and supported by a team of experienced professionals, you will receive top-tier training from:
2 Master Instructors
5 IDC Staff Instructors
This dedicated team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you gain the skills and confidence needed to achieve your goal.
Course Structure
The program consists of two main parts:
1. IDC – Instructor Development Course
The IDC is divided into:
Theoretical Training (Remote Learning) – Delivered through e-Learning sessions.
Practical Training (In-Person) – Hands-on workshops in the classroom and in the water.
2. IE – Instructor Examination
The final certification exam is conducted by an external PADI Evaluator. Only candidates who have successfully completed the IDC and met the required performance standards will be eligible for the Instructor Examination (IE).
Theoretical Training – e-Learning
The theoretical part of the course is conducted via e-Learning, allowing Instructor Candidates to follow lessons remotely. Study materials are provided through the PADI Pro account, ensuring access to all necessary resources.
All e-Learning must be completed before the start of the practical part, which takes place in person in Golfo Aranci.
Online Structure
Duration: 4 weeks
Schedule:
Monday and Thursday – Italian
Tuesday and Friday – English
Lesson Time: 21:00 – 23:00
Platform: Zoom (available for free on Mac, Windows, and mobile devices)
Important: If an Instructor Candidate misses one or more e-Learning lessons, they must arrange a make-up session at an additional cost (exceptions apply in cases of serious reasons).
The IDC Prep consists of a series of welcoming and highly practical 2 days during which Instructor Candidates meet the IDC Team, get to know one another, and refresh the key skills required before the official start of the IDC.
Together, we review both basic and advanced diving skills, covering exercises and scenarios from the Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster levels.
This is the ideal opportunity to build confidence, become familiar with the training environment, and prepare for the IDC Practical Session beginning the following day.
Throughout this phase, dedicated workshops are conducted both in the classroom and in the water, keeping candidates actively involved for the entire day.
A specific session is also reserved for a comprehensive Dive Theory refresher.
The practical part takes place in:
Golfo Aranci (SS) - Sardinia - Italy
Duration: 10 days (including IDC Prep)
During the IDC Practical Session, Instructor Candidates take part in all required workshops, conducted both in the classroom and in the water. The program is intensive and highly interactive, keeping candidates actively engaged throughout each training day.
A dedicated day is also scheduled for the Emergency First Response Instructor course, providing candidates with the additional training required to teach EFR programs.
To successfully complete the IDC and become eligible to attend the Instructor Examination, each candidate must meet all required performance objectives in the classroom, confined-water, and open-water workshops.
The Instructor Examination (IE) is then conducted independently by a PADI Examiner, who evaluates whether the candidate has achieved the standards required to become a PADI Instructor.
PADI Instructor Evaluation (IE)
At the conclusion of the IDC—both the e-Learning and practical components—candidates will typically attend the PADI Instructor Evaluation (IE), also known as the Instructor Examination, within the following two days.
For the Instructor Evaluation, PADI assigns an Examiner from the Regional Headquarters to assess the Instructor Candidates' readiness for certification as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
Important Notes:
The IE is a separate process from the IDC.
The IE is entirely organized and managed by PADI.
Useful information for this adventure
Payment Schedule for IDC Enrollment
Upon Enrollment Confirmation:
50% of the IDC Course fee (including EFR Instructor)
€700 + VAT
Before the Start of the In-Person segment:
Remaining 50% of the IDC Course fee (including EFR Instructor)
€700 + VAT
Total IDC Cost:
€1,400 + VAT
Enhance Your Professional Profile with Three Included Instructor Specialties
At IDC Sardinia, we believe that Specialty Instructor ratings are an important part of your professional development and can help strengthen your resume as a new diving instructor.
For this reason, three Instructor Specialty courses are included in your IDC program at no additional training cost:
- Enriched Air Diver Instructor
- Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor
- PADI/DAN Advanced Oxygen Provider Instructor
These courses are conducted at the end of the IDC program, giving you the opportunity to begin your professional career with additional teaching qualifications.
Please note that the applicable certification fees must be paid directly to PADI.
IDC Payment Breakdown
Upon Registration Confirmation:
IDC Digital Learning Materials – €650
EFR Instructor Learning Materials – €180
Before the Start of the Instructor Evaluation (IE):
IE Fees – €1,016 (payable directly to PADI)
After the Instructor Evaluation (IE):
OWSI Application Fees – €245 (payable to PADI)
EFRI Application Fees – €152 (payable to PADI)
Total Costs:
€830 for learning materials
€1,411 to be paid directly to PADI
(Based on PADI 2026 pricing)
IDC Sardegna operates in both Italian and English, creating an inclusive learning environment for candidates from different countries.
PADI learning materials are provided in the Instructor Candidate’s preferred language, subject to availability.
All IDC workshops are conducted in Italian and English, while candidates may deliver their academic presentations in either language.
The course may also be supported in other languages when arranged in advance. However, a good working knowledge of English is strongly recommended, particularly for candidates planning to work internationally.
The Instructor Examination is conducted by the PADI Examiner in the candidate’s preferred language, according to the language options confirmed for the examination.
IDC Sardegna will be happy to find affordable and convenient accommodation solutions in the area for each Instructor Candidate.
The available accommodation options include:
- Single Room in a B&B – at a hotel located 20 meters from the IDC operational headquarters.
- Double Room in a B&B – at a hotel, shared with another Instructor Candidate.
- Apartment with a kitchenette, as close as possible to the IDC operational headquarters, shared with one or more Instructor Candidates.
The price varies depending on the number of Instructor Candidates sharing the apartment.
1-on-1 Tutoring Service
For those seeking personalized guidance, we offer a 1-on-1 Tutoring service, where an IDC Staff Instructor will support you throughout the e-Learning study process. This service ensures:
Step-by-step guidance through the course material
Assistance in addressing knowledge gaps
Personalized support for any challenges encountered along the way
The Cost is: €490 + VAT
Career Support After Certification
Upon earning your PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification, IDC Sardegna will support you in finding job opportunities to kick-start your professional diving career.
Whether in Sardinia, across Italy, or in some of the most stunning dive destinations worldwide, we are here to help you take the next step in your journey.
Other Pro Training Courses
Become a PADI Specialty Instructor!
Take the next step in your professional diving career by becoming a PADI Specialty Instructor.
Specialty Instructor ratings allow you to expand the range of courses you can teach, strengthen your professional profile, and offer more training opportunities to your future students.
At IDC Sardegna, the following Specialty Instructor courses are available:
- Adaptive Techniques**
- Deep Diver**
- Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver**
- Drift Diver
- Dry Suit Diver
- Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Diver
- Emergency Oxygen Provider*
- Advanced Oxygen Provider*
- Enriched Air Diver*
- Equipment Specialist**
- Full Face Mask Diver
- Night Diver
- Search and Recovery Diver
- Underwater Naturalist
- Underwater Navigator
- Underwater Pumpkin Carving 🎃 (Thank you CD Danny!)
- Wreck Diver
* Included with your IDC program at no additional training cost. Applicable PADI certification fees are paid separately.
** Highly recommended for instructors who want to build a stronger and more versatile professional profile.
Explore our Specialty Instructor prices and packages to create the training pathway that best supports your career goals.
The PADI IDC Staff Instructor course is designed for qualified PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainers who wish to take the next step in instructor development and become actively involved in training future PADI Instructors.
The program includes:
- Remote learning sessions, scheduled directly with the Course Director before the beginning of the IDC
- Participation in the complete theoretical section of the IDC, working closely with the Course Director
- Participation in the complete practical section of the IDC, including classroom, confined-water, and open-water training activities
- Direct experience in evaluating, mentoring, and supporting Instructor Candidates throughout the programme
By completing the full IDC alongside the Course Director, candidates gain a deeper understanding of the instructor-development process and develop the skills required to assist with future IDCs.
Course Fees:
IDC Staff Instructor Course: €800 + VAT
Educational Materials: €300
PADI Certification Fee: €135, payable directly to PADI by credit card
The course fee includes both the theoretical and practical components of the program.
The Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor course qualifies you to teach CPR, Primary and Secondary Care (First Aid) to both divers and non-divers. Conducted in accordance with PADI standards, the program develops strong instructional skills, emergency management competence, and confidence in delivering internationally recognized first aid and CPR training.
This certification is a mandatory step for Rescue Diver and PADI Professional pathways and is ideal for dive professionals, instructors, and anyone seeking to teach life-saving skills worldwide.
The Mermaid Instructor course qualifies you to teach PADI Mermaid™, Basic Mermaid™, and Mermaid™ programs in a safe, structured, and engaging way. Conducted according to PADI standards, the course focuses on instructional techniques, water skills development, safety protocols, and student supervision in confined and open water environments.
This certification is ideal for dive professionals, swimmers, and instructors looking to expand their teaching portfolio with a fast-growing, creative, and highly marketable aquatic discipline.
IDC Sardegna also caters to diving instructors from other recreational agencies who wish to obtain the PADI OWSI certification, taking advantage of PADI's offer of a "all-inclusive" course at a competitive price.
The path is the Crossover to PADI, which consists of completing the full IDC to understand and embrace the PADI teaching system – The way the world learns to dive.
The Crossover to PADI cost includes:
- Theoretical part in e-Learning (as described above)
- Practical part in person in Golfo Aranci (as described above)
- IDC digital educational materials
- IDC fees
- IE fees
Contact us for the cost of the Crossover to PADI!
To become a PADI OWSI, you must hold a current First Aid Instructor certification.
If you do not already have an equivalent certification from another agency, obtaining the EFR Instructor certification will be mandatory.
For PADI OWSI instructors who wish to follow the IDC:
- To refresh their knowledge
- To stay updated with PADI Standards and Procedures
- To renew their teaching status (for OWSI in Non-Teaching Status)
The Cost is € 350+VAT
Notes
The IDC requires a minimum of 4 participants to take place.
The maximum number of participants per IDC is 8 to ensure personalized instruction.
The following IDC in Golfo Aranci will be held in May 2027.
Prices for teaching materials and PADI fees are subject to change by PADI.
The costs listed on this website are based on the PADI 2026 price list.
