PADI IDC IN ASIA

Name: Asia Scuba Instructors
Brand: Asia Scuba Instructors
Rating: 5 (42 reviews)

Become a diving instructor in Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines

WHO WE ARE

We are a network of renowned dive centers in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines offering the best training possible for aspiring dive professionals.

All our partnering dive centers are PADI 5* Instructor Development Centers or higher and offer ideal facilities to run PADI IDC programs and access to amazing divesites.

WHAT WE DO

Asia scuba instructors offers PADI IDC instructor courses and PADI Divemaster courses in multiple stunningly beautiful locations around Asia.

Completing your PADI IDC or PADI Divemaster course with us means you will become part of a huge network of diving professionals.

PADI IDC AND DIVEMASTER COURSE

PADI Divemaster Course

The first step of your Diving Career

Prerequisite certification for the PADI IDC Instructor course is PADI Divemaster. Not quite there yet? Don’t worry! You can start your Divemaster training with us any time!

Divemaster is the first professional level in recreational diving. Becoming a PADI Divemaster is a great start of your diving career! You will do lots of diving, hone your skills to perfection, and learn what it takes to become a professional diver.

DIVEMASTER

Become a diving instructor

Start your PADI IDC

The way to become a PADI Instructor is to enroll in a PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course). Starting your PADI IDC and becoming a PADI professional will change your life forever!

PADI Instructors are the most wanted diving professionals around the world. As a PADI Instructor you can find jobs in every corner of the globe! Live your dream and share your passion for scuba diving with the world!

DIVE INSTRUCTOR

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the PADI IDC.

VIEW OUR LOCATIONS

We run PADI instructor courses in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Wether you would like to complete your PADI IDC in a busy tourist location that offers many job opportunities, or if you prefer a laid back location with beautiful diving spots, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.

PADI IDC DATES

Asia Scuba Instructors is a trusted network of diving centers throughout Southeast Asia.

All our partners are established PADI Instructor Development Centers. We offer PADI instructor courses every month, all year round—so you can start your PADI instructor course whenever you like!

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

EXCELLENT

Based on 57 reviews

y ichinose

I really enjoyed the IDC program. Marcel was very friendly, interactive, and supportive throughout the course. What impressed me the most was how logically and clearly he explained even complicated topics by using simple and practical examples. Not only me, but all of the other candidates seemed to fully understand and agree with his explanations during the course. He was always professional, patient, and encouraging, which created a great learning atmosphere. I learned a lot and genuinely enjoyed the entire experience. I would definitely recommend this program to my friends and to anyone who wants to become a confident and professional PADI Instructor.

John Senger

The best place to get your IDC! The wisdom and support provided by Marcel was outstanding! He made sure we were all comfortable and confident heading into the Instructor Exams. Couldn’t have accomplished this without him. Special shout-out to Azul Komodo too. They helped keep us organized, provided a good learning environment, and made sure we had everything we needed during the IDC. Couldn’t have done this without them either.

Al Joelson

There was another reviewer who wrote “Before Marcel I was not an instructor.” I like this review a lot. It sums up exactly my feelings as well. When I initially reached out to Marcel and ask him about the course, he said that his Focus was not on getting me to pass the Instructor exam but instead to focus on making me into an instructor, and indeed that’s why I chose to work with Marcel. He took lots of care and many hours to share what he has found effective in his ear as an instructor. He also encouraged me to try and find my own methods to where appropriate. As a person, Marcel is very Zen, humble, patient, and just exudes good vibes. He’s the kind of guy that’s easy to hang out with, and fun to dive with. Despite us not really focusing that much on the exam, but really on teaching and teaching techniques, when it came to exam time, I felt really prepared, and of course I passed. If you’re thinking about taking any scuba courses, Marcel would be an enjoyable choice. If you’re thinking about doing the IDC, working with him is a no-brainer.

josè D

Muy buena experiencia con Marcel, muy buena preparación, al final se vuelve hasta fácil el IDC, mientras que hagas los deberes y no la líes claro.¡Be sharp! Lo recomiendo, incluso no siendo mi lengua en la que realice tanto la preparación como el examen. Queda añadir la ayuda por su parte desde el primer momento en relación a la logística del curso y ajenas al mismo. Mis 10

Eva Engel

Den IDC bei Marcel zu machen, war die beste Entscheidung. Top Trainingslocation, Pool & privater Strand vom Hotel Méridien Phuket. Es wurde sich zudem um alles Wichtige bzgl. Organisation gekümmert, Transfer und gutes Essen zu Mittag 😉 Aufgrund der hohen Ausbildungsqualität war die IE kein Problem. Danke an Asia Scuba Instructor’s und Sea Fun Diver für die großartige „one in a lifetime experience“. See you underwater 🤙🏼

Roger Zhai

I couldn't have asked for a better Course Director for my IDC than Marcel. He is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, and he has a gift for breaking down complex topics with clarity and conciseness, making the learning process smooth and effective. Despite holding us to very high standards, he keeps the atmosphere relaxed with his great sense of humour; his many interesting stories from the industry aren't just entertaining—they provide real-world context you can't get from a manual. Marcel ensures you are not only well-prepared for the instructor exam but also become a mature and responsible dive instructor. His feedback is always constructive and direct, which really pushes you to improve. The course itself is well-organized, yet he remains flexible in scheduling and tailors classes to individual needs. Thanks to his preparation, I went into the IE feeling fully confident. I finished the course not only with a new certification but with the genuine competence to be a safe and professional instructor. Highly recommended!"

Ellie

Recently completed my IDC with Marcel in Bali and couldn’t recommend this guy enough. He’s more than just a ‘pass the IE’ teacher, he teaches you skills how to actually teach, deal with situations. The most down to earth lovely man I’ve met and anyone would be lucky to learn from him. I would jump at the opportunity to work with him again! 🦈

Monica Holland

I did my IDC with Marcel and it was amazing!! I learned so much from him and became a certified PADI instructor with ease. He was always prepared for any situation and answered any and all of my questions. Patient, kind, and flexible, if I had a chance to train or work with him again, I would in a heartbeat. Thanks for everything Marcel!! 💜

Hannes Peintner

Also..Gratuliere an Marcel!!You are great.Ich hatte die Möglichkeit und großes Glück Marcel für meine IDC Vorbereitung zu haben.Tolle Vorbereitung,Spaß am Lernen und viele neue Infos für mein zukünftiges Schaffen und Lehren im Tauchsektor.Mit deiner ruhigen und feinen Art hast du es geschafft uns alle zu motivieren.Letztendlich haben wir die Prüfung mit Bravour bestanden.Danke Marcel!!Wir bleiben in Kontakt!!

Fabian Könning

Ich habe meinen PADI IDC bei Marcel gemacht und kann ihn wirklich von Herzen empfehlen! Marcel ist nicht nur ein mega kompetenter Course Director, sondern auch einfach ein richtig cooler, entspannter und hilfsbereiter Mensch. Was ich besonders schätze: Er erklärt alles absolut verständlich, nimmt dir komplett die Nervosität und schafft eine Atmosphäre, in der Lernen wirklich Spaß macht. Man merkt sofort, wie viel Erfahrung und Leidenschaft er mitbringt und dass ihm jeder einzelne Schüler wichtig ist. Außerdem ist er extrem flexibel: Er kann den gesamten Kurs problemlos auf Deutsch oder Englisch halten – was uns ein zusätzliches Gefühl von Sicherheit gegeben hat. Dank seiner Unterstützung und seinem Vertrauen in uns bin ich super vorbereitet und mit einem richtig guten Gefühl durch den IE gegangen. Top Typ, top IDC absolute Empfehlung!

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WHY CHOOSE US

Multiple amazing locations with first class facilities and access to fantastic dive sites.

Absolutely unmatched level of support, including unique online tools to prepare for the exam.

Our unique job placement will help you to find a job after the IDC.

Personal attention and courses that are not overcrowded ensure that you will enjoy a stress-free IDC and IE.

A stress-free IDC

Our PADI IDCs are not overcrowded so each candidate gets the personal attention they deserve. This means a stress-free IDC and IE where you can actually learn, not just survive.

Our course directors bring 20+ years of practical dive instructor experience to the table. They know how to teach effectively and make it fun at the same time. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to become a great instructor, not just someone who passed an exam.

Unique Online Classroom

Asia Scuba Instructors offers unique ‘online learning’ to allow students to start the IDC fully prepared.

Especially to study the PADI dive theory for the PADI Instructor Exam (that you need to pass to become a PADI instructor).

Our online classroom offers an absolute unique way to study dive theory at home, and prepare for the IDC and PADI Exam.

> Go to our online classroom

IE pass guarantee

We don’t offer an IE pass guarantee — no honest IDC can offer that. What we do offer is the best possible preparation, small groups, and experienced course directors who are genuinely invested in your success.

And if you finish the IDC and don’t feel ready to sit the exam, or need a resit, you can join a future IDC completely free of charge.

No penalty, no awkward conversations. Just another chance to get it right. Here’s what our IE pass rates look like:

2023

95%

(100% after first resit)

2024

100%

2025

93%

(100% after first resit)

OTHER COURSES

SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR

MSDT

IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most commonly asked questions about becoming a diving instructor and the PADI IDC in Southeast Asia

1. What is the PADI IDC?

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the training program that prepares you to become a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. It includes classroom sessions, pool work, and open water training.

2. What are the prerequisites to join the PADI IDC?

Most important prerequisites to join the PADI IDC is to be a certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent from another organisation) with at least 100 logged dives. You also need to have completed EFR training in the last 24 months and have a diving fitness declaration from a doctor.

If you don’t meet these requirements, let us know! You can often do the required courses – or make the required dives, with us before the start of your IDC.

3. Where are your IDC courses held?

Asia Scuba Instructors is not a dive center. We are a network of dive centers around Southeast Asia. We offer PADI IDC courses across multiple locations, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Each location has unique features—some are busy tourist destinations, while others are more relaxed and remote.

See more about our locations here.

4. How often do you run IDC courses?

We run PADI IDC programs every month, all year round. You can choose a schedule that fits you best.

There is some flexibility in our schedule. However, the IE (the PADI instructor exam at the end of the course) is organised by PADI and has fixed dates.

See our schedule here.

5. How much does the IDC cost?

Costs vary slightly depending on the location and what’s included. You can find a detailed overview of all costs involved on our PADI IDC prices page. Please be aware that your total cost will include PADI course materials and PADI application fees. A full breakdown is given at the bottom of the PADI IDC Prices page.

6. Do I need to bring my own scuba gear?

We recommend bringing your own gear if you have it, especially essentials like a BCD and regulator. You will also need a dive computer, compass, whistle, cutting tool, and surface marker buoy. Rental gear is available if needed. Often free of charge. We can also help you to purchase small items in our diving centers.

All locations have tropical conditions, so a short diving suit offten suffices. If you get cold easily then a full wetsuit is recommended for the pool sessions.

7. Do you provide accommodation?

Yes. Many of our IDC locations offer accommodation packages in the dive resort where the PADI IDC will take place. In all other cases, we can help you to find affordable accommodation nearby. Please let us know if you need any assistance.

8. Can I get a job as a PADI Instructor?

Yes. PADI is the world’s most recognized diving certification agency. Your instructor rating is valid globally, and you can find jobs anywhere in the world.

All our locations are in popular diving destinations and there is a high-demand for dive professionals. Our graduates often get hired by one of the dive centers in our network. However, we train many instructors and places are limited.

We also offer unique job placement support through our network of dive centers througout Asia. Although we don’t offer a ‘job guarantee’ (every dive center has a selection process, like any job application), we do guarantee that we will get you in touch with dive centers that have positions available.

What really sets Asia Scuba Instructors apart from other PADI IDC’s is that we will support you throughout your entire dive career. So, even if you are ready for your next career move, we will be there to help you.

9. Do you give an IE pass guarantee?

No.

We will prepare you to become a confident PADI Instructor and start teaching your first PADI courses. Actually, unlike many other IDC’s, we will go way beyond the standard requirements that are set by PADI to become an Open Water Scuba Instructor.

However, you will need to put in some efforts yourself, to learn the skills and diving theory that is tested during the PADI Instructor Exam.
If, after completing our PADI IDC, you don’t feel ready for the Instructor Exam yet, or if you are not completely successful in the exam, we do offer that you can join another of our scheduled PADI IDC’s, without paying for the course.

10. How do I start?

Easy!

You can start from the comfort of your home with the PADI IDC eLearning, that we can order for you.

We will also give you access to our ‘PADI IDC online classroom’ that has many interactive materials available to study the diving theory that will be tested during the PADi instructor exam (IE).

Just get in touch with us and we’ll tell you how to sign up and start preparing for your PADI IDC!

GET MORE INFORMATION

Got questions about dates, prices, or which location's the right fit for you? Send us a message and Marcel will get back to you personally, usually within a few hours.

Prefer to chat? Message us on WhatsApp — it's usually the fastest way to reach us.