PADI Assistant Instructor (AI)
Take the first step into professional-level diver education and develop the instructional knowledge and practical teaching capability required to assist and conduct selected PADI training activities
Duration
3 days
Max Depth
Conducted within recreational diving limits
Level
Professional Recreational Diving Leadership Training
Overview
The PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) course develops professional-level instructional knowledge and practical teaching capability for dive leaders wishing to progress beyond Divemaster training.
The programme teaches candidates how to:
- independently introduce knowledge and skills,
- assist with diver training,
- conduct selected instructional activities,
- and function more effectively within professional dive operations.
Through:
- instructional workshops,
- teaching presentations,
- confined water evaluations,
- and open water instructional exercises,
candidates develop capability in:
- educational presentation techniques,
- risk management,
- confined water supervision,
- open water instructional control,
- and professional-level diver development.
At N9BO℠, the AI programme is conducted as a structured professional-development pathway focused on:
- teaching quality,
- professionalism,
- instructional confidence,
- and real-world operational readiness.
The Assistant Instructor rating is ideal for:
- Divemasters progressing toward instructor-level certification,
- dive professionals wishing to strengthen instructional capability,
- and candidates preparing for the OWSI programme or full IDC.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Assistant Instructor (AI)
- Level: Professional Recreational Diver Leadership Training
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 18, PADI Divemaster (or qualifying leadership-level certification from another recognised recreational diver training organisation), Emergency First Response (EFR) Primary and Secondary Care training (or equivalent) within the previous 24 months
- Ratio: Determined according to workshop requirements, supervisory exercises, environmental conditions, and applicable PADI standards (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: mask, fins, snorkel, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator system, scuba cylinder, alternate air source, weights, dive computer, surface signalling devices, and exposure protection appropriate to local conditions. Professional instructional materials and evaluation slates are also utilised throughout the programme
- Depth / environment: Classroom, Swimming pool, Confined water, Professional instructional training environments
- Format: IDC eLearning + instructional workshops + knowledge development presentations + confined water teaching presentations + open water teaching presentations
- Duration: 3 days
What You’ll Learn
- Learn instructional methodology, educational sequencing, risk management, and PADI educational philosophy
- Practice knowledge development presentations, confined water teaching, and open water instructional control
- Develop teaching confidence, professional communication, diver supervision capability, and instructional organisation
- Complete teaching evaluations, standards workshops, skill-development exercises, and professional-level assessments
- Build the instructional foundation necessary for progression towards OWSI, IDC, and professional instructor-level training
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Certified as PADI Divemaster (or equivalent leadership-level certification)
- Certified as Emergency First Response (EFR) Primary and Secondary Care training (or equivalent) within the previous 24 months
- Be medically fit for diving
FAQ
Yes.
PADI Assistant Instructor is a professional-level leadership certification within the PADI system.
Assistant Instructors may:
- conduct selected instructional activities,
- assist instructors,
- and independently teach certain portions of approved programmes according to PADI standards.
Yes.
The Assistant Instructor course forms the first portion of the full Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Minimum duration is:
- 3 days with IDC eLearning completed,
- or 5 days when delivered fully live.
Not yet.
The AI course prepares candidates for progression into:
- the OWSI programme,
- and eventually the PADI Instructor Examination (IE).
Ready to Begin Your Instructor Journey?
Whether you want to strengthen your teaching capability, gain professional instructional experience, or begin progressing toward full instructor certification, our team will help you develop the knowledge, professionalism, and confidence required to teach within the PADI System.
Go Pro with the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Become a PADI Instructor through the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and develop the teaching capability, leadership skills, and operational confidence required to train divers at the professional level.
