What’s in the IDC in Komodo
- Dive theory — Physics & Physiology
Learn the basic science so you can explain why things happen underwater. - Equipment and decompression basics
Know the gear and simple rules about gas and safety. - PADI system and orientation
Learn how PADI courses work and what rules to follow. - Learning and teaching workshops
Practice easy ways to explain things so students understand. - Knowledge development presentations
Rehearse short classroom talks to build confidence. - Confined water teaching
Teach and coach skills in the pool step by step. - Skill circuits and practice
Repeat drills to get fast and clear at showing skills.
- Course planning and exams
Learn how to organise courses and take the theory tests. - Discover Scuba and Open Water practice
Lead beginner dives and supervised open‑water sessions. - Open Water teaching and Advanced skills
Move pool lessons to the sea and teach more advanced skills. - Deep diving and continued teaching practice
Train deeper dives and keep improving your teaching. - Emergency First Response Instructor
Learn to teach CPR and first aid to divers. - Nitrox and specialty theory
Study simple theory for enriched air and other specialties. - Rescue review, specialty awareness, course close Practice rescue skills, cover specialty topics, and finish the course.
FAQ
1. What exactly is the IDC?
The Instructor Development Course (IDC) is your final step toward becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. It builds on your Divemaster training and prepares you to teach the full range of PADI core courses—from Open Water to Divemaster—anywhere in the world.
2. Who can join the IDC?
If you’re a certified Divemaster (or equivalent), have at least 60 logged dives (you’ll need 100 before the Instructor Exam), are 18+ years old, and have a current dive medical, you’re all set! You’ll also need to have completed an EFR (First Aid) course within the past 24 months—but if not, we can easily sort that out for you.
Not quite at 60 dives yet? No stress—you’re still welcome to join us early and enjoy free fun diving until you log the dives you need.
Already have the dives? Even better—you’ll still get two weeks of free fun diving before the course starts, so you can ease into Labuan Bajo’s life, meet the team, and get to know Komodo’s underwater playground before the learning kicks off. It’s the perfect warm-up 🌞🐠
3. How long does it take?
Our IDC runs over 14 days, giving you plenty of time to absorb everything and feel confident by the time the Instructor Exam rolls around. Here’s how it breaks down:
• 2 days of relaxed IDC prep (perfect for brushing up on theory and skills)
• 12 full days of Instructor Development training
• Emergency First Response Instructor course
• 2-day PADI Instructor Exam (IE) hosted onsite
Outside the classroom, you’ll still have time for family dinners and Labuan Bajo’s social vibes.
4. What’s included in the IDC package?
A lot! We’ve built one of the most complete and supportive IDC programs in Indonesia. Here’s what you get:
Your very own Blue Marlin IDC T-shirt to rock with pride
2 days of fun diving before the course – This is your chance to settle in, explore the stunning dive sites of Komodo, and get to know our awesome team. While we do our best to get you out diving as much as possible, please keep in mind that fun dives are arranged based on daily boat availability and customer bookings – things can fill up fast! But don’t worry – we’ll always do our best to get you in the water, and you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
2 days of IDC prep to refresh your skills and theory
Job placement assistance through Blue Marlin Dive and Course Director Luca’s network of industry colleagues—our alumni help each other find the perfect work opportunities worldwide 🌍
Dedicated IDC classroom with air-con, Wi-Fi, and all the tools you’ll need
Access to the full range of PADI teaching materials
Shark Awareness and NITROX Specialty included
Use of onsite diver training pool
Discounted MSDT Specialty package if you want to boost your teaching options after the IDC
Dedicated pool session to explore Sidemount and Twinset setups, with special offers on TDI Intro to Tech certifications – designed to elevate your diving skills and course experience.
Free lunches every day
5. Where does the IDC take place?
Your IDC takes place at Blue Marlin Dive Komodo, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre right in the heart of one of the world’s top diving destinations. Our location offers unbeatable access to crystal-clear, warm tropical waters. Think sloping reefs, sea turtles galore, dramatic walls, sharks, manta rays and stunning coral gardens—ideal for training and pure fun.
We’ve got onsite training pool, a fully equipped IDC classroom with air-con and Wi-Fi, and everything you need to learn, practice, and grow as a dive professional. With calm conditions and warm water year-round, Komodo is one of the best places on the planet to complete your instructor training.
And beyond the diving? Labuan Bajo is the gateway to the stunning Komodo Archipelago and the wild beauty of Flores. From pink sand beaches and rugged islands to lush hills and local culture, there’s so much to explore. Hike with panoramic views, visit traditional villages, or spot Komodo dragons in the wild. The vibe is relaxed but full of adventure—perfect for those who want more than just a dive trip. It’s not just where you train—it’s where you discover a whole new world🌴🌊💙
6. What’s the Instructor Exam (IE) like?
The IE is a two-day evaluation run by PADI, where you’ll demonstrate what you’ve learned through:
• Written exams on theory and standards
• A classroom knowledge presentation
• Confined and open water teaching evaluations
• A rescue demonstration
It might sound intense, but you won’t be doing it alone. Our Course Director and instructor team will make sure you’re fully prepared, confident, and ready to crush it.
7. Do I need to study beforehand?
If you’ve got time to brush up on your dive theory—great! Things like physics, physiology, RDP/eRDPml, and dive standards are worth revisiting. But don’t stress if it’s been a while (or you’ve blacked out half your Divemaster theory… we’ve all been there 😅).
You’ll have plenty of time during the course to review anything you’ve forgotten. We run regular practice exams to help spot any weak spots early, and you’ll get as much 1-on-1 support as you need from our Course Directors and instructor team to make sure everything clicks.
The goal isn’t to catch you out—it’s to build you up. If you’re willing to put in the effort, we’ll make sure you get across the finish line with confidence.
You will receive the eLearning before, and you can start looking into it. It must be done before specific workshops during the IDC but the Course Director will guide you through it.
8. Will I get a job after the IDC?
Absolutely—that’s one of the biggest reasons people choose to train with us. We offer ongoing support to help you land the right job, including:
• CV and job application guidance
• Interview tips and career advice
• Real-world experience through team teaching
• Access to jobs within the Blue Marlin network
• Recommendations and connections worldwide
With our help, your first dive job could be just around the corner 🌍✈️
9. Can I do my MSDT with you too?
Definitely. After your IDC, you can level up with our special MSDT (Master Scuba Diver Trainer) package, designed to help you stand out in the job market.
You’ll need to complete 5 specialty instructor ratings to qualify—and if you choose to do all five with us, you’ll get one of the application fees completely free. It’s an awesome way to expand what you can teach and boost your confidence right out of the gate.
If the season allows, you could complete your MSDT on board our beautiful liveaboard, “Ikan Biru”—a unique opportunity to continue your training at a special price while unwinding after the intensity of the IDC and IE. The perfect mix of learning and relaxation in the heart of Komodo.
10. Why choose Blue Marlin Komodo for your IDC?
Because if you’re ready to become a dive instructor, there’s no better place than Komodo—with breathtaking dive sites, a passionate team, and expert guidance from Course Director Luca, who brings over 10 years of experience and a truly personal approach to your development.
When you train with us, you’ll benefit from:
- Tailor made teaching approach
- Global job placement support
- Access to some of the world’s most thrilling and diverse dive sites
- A chance to learn, grow, and relax in one of Indonesia’s most stunning regions
Train in Komodo, and you’ll leave with the confidence and skills to teach anywhere in the world—because if you can dive here, you can dive anywhere.
This isn’t just an IDC—it’s your launchpad into the dive industry, guided by a mentor who’s as dedicated to your journey as you are.
11. What happens if I fail the IDC or IE?
It’s really not a big deal—you don’t have to start over. The IE is broken into sections, and if you fail one, you can simply resit that section—either the next day or at another PADI IE within 12 months.
Here’s how it works:
Dive Theory (5 topics): You can fail up to 2 topics and resit them the next day. If you fail the resit, you’ll need to redo the full theory section at another IE.
Standards Exam: Must be passed on the first attempt. If not, you’ll resit it at a future IE.
Knowledge Development (classroom presentation): You’ll get a second chance the same or next day with a new topic.
Confined Water (skills circuit + teaching): Each part has a second chance with new skills/scenarios during the same IE.
Open Water Presentation: No redo in the same IE—you’ll retake this section at a future exam.
If you need to attend another IE, you can choose from plenty of options nearby, often scheduled just days apart. And you won’t be on your own—we’ll continue to guide, support, and prepare you until you’ve successfully completed everything.
12. How much does the IDC cost?
Drop a text to Course Director Luca and he will share the whole pricing
What’s the IDC Crewpack?
The Crewpack is your complete instructor toolkit and includes:
• PADI Instructor Manual (digital)
• EFR Instructor Manual
• Guide to Teaching
• Confined Water slates for Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and Divemaster
• Open Water slates for all core courses
• Skill evaluation and structuring slates
13. Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Sort of! At this level, it’s definitely a good idea to have your own gear—Divemasters and Instructors are generally expected to be equipped. But don’t worry if you’re not there yet.
We provide rental gear for the entire duration of your course, and we also sell equipment onsite. Plus, Blue Marlin is the sole CRESSI distributor in Indonesia and only for his candidates offers gear at cost.
The only items we don’t provide (and are required for the IE) are:
• A snorkel
• A surface marker buoy (SMB)
• A cutting tool (e.g., line cutter or dive knife)
• An audible signaling device (like a whistle)
All of these are available to purchase in our shop.
So whether you’re fully kitted out or starting from scratch—you’ll be sorted!
14. Is the IDC taught in different languages?
The IDC is taught primarily in English, as it’s the most widely used language in the dive industry and helps you get familiar with international scuba terminology—something that’s super helpful when working or teaching around the world.
That said, you’re not on your own!
- You can request official translations of all PADI materials in your native language.
- While we may not always have native-speaking staff on-site, we can often connect you with a Course Director, Staff Instructor, or Instructor who speaks your language and can offer additional support, guidance, or clarification when needed.
So even if English isn’t your first language, you’ll still feel supported every step of the way.
15. What can I teach after passing the IDC?
Once you’ve passed your IDC and the Instructor Exam (IE), you’ll officially be a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)—which means you can teach and certify students in:
• PADI Scuba Diver / Open Water Diver
• Adventure Diver / Advanced Open Water Diver
• Rescue Diver
• Divemaster
• Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
• Advanced Snorkeler (Skin Diver) and Discover Snorkeling
• PADI Seal Team and Bubblemaker
• ReActivate and Discover Local Diving
• PADI Snorkel Guide
• Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
• Project AWARE & Coral Reef Conservation Specialties
• AWARE Dive Against Debris Specialty
• Shark Aware Conservation Specialty (included free in your course)
• Emergency First Response (EFR) (if you complete the EFRI portion)
You’ll also be able to assist with other continuing education courses and even start training towards specialty instructor ratings (like Deep, Wreck, or Nitrox) or MSDT straight away if you choose to.
16. Can I work anywhere as a PADI Instructor?
Yes—that’s one of the biggest advantages of going pro with PADI.
PADI is the largest and most widely recognised dive organisation in the world, with over 6,600 dive centers and resorts across 180+ countries. That means your certification is valid globally, and you’ll have access to job opportunities from Indoensia to the Bahamas, Egypt to the Galápagos or Europe.
Whether you want to freelance locally, travel the world teaching, or settle into a long-term role at a dream destination—your PADI Instructor rating is your passport to a dive career almost anywhere.