Become a PADI Instructor in the Philippines
Take the next step in your diving career with a PADI Instructor Development Course at Sea Explorers Philippines.
Our IDC programs are conducted in Dauin, Negros Oriental, and Malapascua, Cebu. Both locations offer an inspiring environment where Divemasters can develop the knowledge, teaching skills, and confidence needed to become professional PADI Instructors.
Train with experienced dive professionals, gain practical dive center experience, and prepare for the official PADI Instructor Examination in two of the Philippines’ top diving destinations.
Why Choose Sea Explorers for Your IDC?
Expert Mentorship
Train under the guidance of an experienced PADI Course Director and a professional dive team.
You will receive clear instruction, practical feedback, and personal support throughout the course. Our team will help you prepare for each stage of the IDC and the official Instructor Examination.
Real Dive Center Experience
Your training takes place at a fully operational Sea Explorers dive center.
This gives you the chance to see how a professional dive operation works. You will gain a better understanding of guest service, dive planning, equipment preparation, safety procedures, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.
The goal is not only to help you pass the exam. We also want to prepare you for the realities of working as a dive instructor.
A Trusted Dive Brand Since 1989
Sea Explorers Philippines has been welcoming divers and training dive professionals since 1989.
For more than 35 years, we have focused on professional service, safe diving, responsible tourism, and memorable guest experiences.
Train in Dauin or Malapascua
Depending on the course schedule, your IDC will take place in either Dauin or Malapascua.
Dauin is famous for its macro life, muck diving, marine sanctuaries, and easy access to Apo Island.
Malapascua is known worldwide for thresher shark encounters, beautiful reefs, exciting day trips, and its relaxed island atmosphere.
Both locations offer a unique training experience while following the same Sea Explorers standards for quality, safety, and professionalism.
Multi-Destination Experience
Sea Explorers operates in Dauin, Malapascua, Cabilao, and Sipalay.
Training with a multi-destination dive company gives you a broader view of the diving industry. Each location has different dive sites, marine life, guests, and daily operations.
Completing the IDC does not guarantee employment. However, strong candidates may be considered for future opportunities within Sea Explorers, depending on available positions and operational needs.
Island Life, Redefined
Train where others come for their dream dive holiday.
Enjoy tropical island life, beautiful coastlines, diverse marine life, local communities, and unforgettable sunsets while completing your professional training.
The IDC is an intensive course, but it is also an opportunity to meet other dive professionals, build new friendships, and grow both personally and professionally.
Beyond Certification
We do more than prepare you for the Instructor Examination.
Our goal is to help you become a confident, knowledgeable, safety-focused, and environmentally responsible dive instructor. We want you to create positive and enjoyable learning experiences for your future students.
Dive with a Smile
“Dive with a Smile” has represented the Sea Explorers spirit since 1989.
We believe that professionalism and safety should always come with passion, teamwork, hospitality, and a genuine love for diving.
We love what we do, and we want future instructors to carry that same positive attitude into every course and dive.
Instructor Development Course – Basic Package
The Package Includes
- PADI Instructor Development Course
- EFR Instructor Course
- Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor Course
- Digital IDC study materials
- Two Sea Explorers IDC T-shirts
- 20% discount on lunch during the 11 scheduled training and preparation days
Course Duration
The complete IDC and Instructor Examination program runs for approximately 13 days:
- 10 days of core IDC training
- 1 day of Instructor Examination preparation
- 2 days for the official PADI Instructor Examination
The daily schedule may change depending on candidate progress, training needs, local conditions, and the official PADI examination schedule.
Not Included
The following are not included in the basic package:
- PADI application fees
- PADI Instructor Examination fees
- IDC crew pack and other required PADI materials
- Dive equipment rental
- Accommodation
- Meals unless stated otherwise
- Transportation to and from the IDC location
- Personal expenses
- Dive and professional liability insurance, when required
Accommodation and transfer arrangements are available upon request and subject to availability.
Malapascua Thresher Shark Diving Bonus
IDC candidates receive two complimentary fun dives with thresher sharks in Malapascua.
The dives are subject to weather, sea conditions, local regulations, diver eligibility, and operational availability.
Accommodation, transfers, marine park fees, equipment rental, and Nitrox are not included.
For IDC programs held in Dauin, the Malapascua dives may be arranged before or after the course. Separate travel and accommodation arrangements will be required.
Specialty Instructor Course Add-Ons
Improve your professional qualifications by adding Specialty Instructor training to your IDC.
Available specialties may include:
- Enriched Air Diver
- Deep Diver
- Night Diver
- Drift Diver
- Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Diver
- Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver
- Fish Identification Diver
- Boat Diver
Specialty availability depends on the IDC location, instructor availability, equipment, candidate prerequisites, and local conditions.
The Diver Propulsion Vehicle specialty is subject to scooter availability.
Additional PADI fees, materials, equipment, dives, and certification costs may apply.
2026 IDC and Instructor Examination Dates
Sea Explorers Malapascua
November 25–December 11, 2026
Location: Sea Explorers Malapascua, Cebu
Sea Explorers Dauin
Location: Sea Explorers Dauin, Negros Oriental
Course dates and locations are subject to confirmation. Schedules may change depending on PADI examination dates, candidate numbers, local conditions, and operational requirements.
Candidate Prerequisites
Candidates must meet the current PADI requirements for participation in the Instructor Development Course and Instructor Examination.
Requirements may include:
- Current PADI Divemaster certification or an accepted equivalent
- The required number of logged dives
- Current medical clearance, when required
- Current CPR and first-aid training
- Required PADI learning materials and documentation
- Completion of the necessary online learning and knowledge reviews
- Meeting PADI’s minimum age and certification history requirements
Candidate eligibility will be reviewed before the course booking is confirmed.
Start Your Journey as a PADI Instructor
Turn your passion for scuba diving into a professional career with Sea Explorers Philippines.
Whether you train in Dauin or Malapascua, you will receive professional guidance, practical experience, and dedicated support as you prepare to become a PADI Instructor.
Contact Sea Explorers Philippines for current course dates, package rates, prerequisites, accommodation options, specialty add-ons, and reservation details.
Train professionally. Teach confidently. Dive with a Smile
