Become a Scuba Instructor in Sardinia
IDC instructor development course
Next IDC October 24th to 31st 2025
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 Silver Course Director Paolo Micarelli and Luca Pelizzari, and supported by a team of experienced professionals, you will receive top-tier training from:
2 Master Instructors
3 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 practical part takes place in:
Golfo Aranci (SS) - Sardinia - Italy
Duration: 9 days
During this phase, the required workshops are conducted both in the classroom and in the water, keeping the Instructor Candidate engaged throughout the entire day.
A dedicated day is also scheduled for the EFR Instructor course.
The Instructor Candidate must successfully achieve all required objectives from both classroom and water workshops to be eligible for the IE certification exam with the PADI Evaluator.
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)
€650 + VAT
Before the Start of the In-Person segment:
Remaining 50% of the IDC Course fee (including EFR Instructor)
€650 + VAT
Total IDC Cost:
€1,300 + VAT
Enhance Your Resume with Free Instructor Specialties
At IDC Sardinia, we believe that Instructor Specialties are essential for your diving career and professional growth.
As part of our commitment to your success, we are pleased to offer you two Instructor Specialties for free:
Enriched Air Diver Instructor
Oxygen Provider Instructor
These Instructor Specialty courses will be conducted at the end of the IDC program.
Note: A certification fee is required, payable 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):
IDC Fees – €245 (payable to PADI)
EFR Instructor Fees – €152 (payable to PADI)
Total Costs:
€830 for learning materials
€1,411 to be paid directly to PADI
(Based on PADI 2025 pricing)
IDC Sardegna speaks both Italian and English:
- The learning materials are provided by PADI in the native language of the Instructor Candidate.
- Workshops are primarily held in Italian, with translations into English.
- Academic presentations by the Instructor Candidate are made in the native language of the Instructor Candidate.
- The course can be held in other languages, but basic knowledge of Italian is strongly recommended.
- The IE will be conducted by the PADI Examiner in the native language of the Instructor Candidate.
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 training courses
Become a PADI Specialty Instructor!
Take the next step in your diving career by becoming a PADI Specialty Instructor! Enhance your resume and grow your professional skills with our Specialty Instructor courses.
At IDC Sardegna, we offer the following Specialty Instructor courses:
Deep Diver **
AWARE – Dive Against Debris
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver **
Drift Diver
Dry Suit Diver
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Diver
Emergency Oxygen Provider *
Enriched Air Diver *
Equipment Specialist **
Full Face Mask
Night Diver
Underwater Naturalist
Underwater Navigator
Wreck Diver
* Offered by IDC Sardegna - Included in your IDC
** Highly Recommended 😉
Check out our prices and packages.
For PADI MSDTs who wish to become PADI IDC Staff Instructors, the path includes:
Remote e-Learning lessons
To be agreed upon with the Course Director before the start of the IDC.Following the entire theoretical part of the IDC (as described above) in close contact with the Course Director.
Following the entire practical part of the IDC (as described above) in close contact with the Course Director.
The cost to obtain the IDC Staff Instructor certification includes:
- Theory
- Practice
- Course: €800 + VAT
- Educational Materials: €300
- PADI Certification Fees: €135 (to be paid directly to PADI via credit card).
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, which consists of completing the full IDC to understand and embrace the PADI teaching system – The way the world learns to dive.
The Crossover 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 become a PADI OWSI, you must hold a current First Aid Instructor certification.
PADI offers a program called Emergency First Response.
If the candidate does 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 next IDC in Golfo Aranci will be held in October 2025.
Prices for teaching materials and PADI fees are subject to change by PADI.
The costs listed on this website are based on the PADI 2025 price list.
