How to best prepare yourself and make the IDC a relaxed and enjoyable experience

Preparation Course
A two-day course in which you will review all aspects of dive theory. We will cover the five topics you studied in your Divemaster Course: Physics, Physiology, The Recreational Dive Planner, Equipment and Skills & the Environment. In the swimming pool we will help you polish your skills demonstrations by running you through the PADI Skill Circuit as well as conduct a rescue workshop. During the IDC Preparation Course we will also give you an orientation to both the Instructor Development Course and to the PADI System of Diver Education (including Microteaching), putting you at ease so you may relax and enjoy the program.

Administrative Preparation
Fill out all the information required on the IDC application, and either fax it to us at +66 77 456057 or bring it on the first day of the IDC. Bring to Koh Tao with you all past certification cards. The application requires information regarding all past courses. Contact your local PADI office directly if any information is needed. Bring any non-PADI certifications for photocopying.

Make sure to bring a valid credit card; PADI will not accept fees in cash. The application form requires an RSTC medical form to be completed. This can be done on Koh Tao or in your home country, but must be dated within the last 12 months. Bring your logbook with you, or a photocopy of the last page showing that you have a minimum of 100 logged dives.

Dive Master Theory & Skills
If you want to come to Koh Tao one or two weeks in advance of your course you are most welcome to dive at Ban's to refresh your diving skills. We have 6-8 dives daily and a pool you are welcome to use at your leisure. Staff will be available if you have any questions or if you want to assist instructors during their courses (this is highly recommended) just let us know and we can pair you up with one of our many experienced instructors.

Review the Diving Knowledge Workbook thoroughly. Complete all available Divemaster exams (Physics, Physiology, Equipment, Skills and Environment and RDP). Use the Encyclopedia of Diving as a Reference. This is knowledge that you should already have. If you prepare this in advance, it will give you more time during the IDC to focus on the teaching aspect.

Practice your skill demonstrations, focusing on the following skills: Mask removal and replacement , Scuba unit removal and replacement Weight belt removal and replacement, Fin pivot (oral and low pressure inflator hose) , Hovering, Buddy Breathing stationary and swimming Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA). Practice rescue skills, unconscious diver at the surface.

Answer all the knowledge reviews in the Instructor Candidate Workbook. This book is included in the price of the IDC. If you buy one from your local dive center to have more time to prepare, we will reimburse the cost of the workbook according with the PADI’s current price list. Answering these knowledge reviews in advance will help you to relax a little more during the IDC, and allow you more time to prepare for your teaching presentations.

Obtain an Instructor Manual and become familiar with it. Answer the standards exam in the Instructor Candidate Workbook. Make sure that the manual is updated with "General Standards and Procedures" 1998, Open Water outline 1999, and the Divemaster outline 1999. These updates are currently available in English on PADI's Website. PADI members can download this free of charge from the “Professionals” part of the site. If you are unable to get a hold of an Instructor Manual, you can purchase one here in Koh Tao.

Participate in the IDC Preparation Course and/or Assistant Instructor Course available prior to each IDC. Finally just relax. If you have any questions let us know, and we will try to help you as much as we can. Remember if you are able to come here earlier we can help you get started!!!