PADI Specialty Instructor

PADI Specialty Instructors have the best of both worlds. No only have the earned the qualifications to conduct main stream dive programs such as the PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced, Rescue Diver and Divemaster programs, they can also conduct PADI Specialty Diver programs. These programs help divers to hone their skills in specific area or facets of diving such as wreck, night and deep diving.

PADI has a variety of standardized specialty diver programs that you may conduct once you have earned PADI Specialty Instructors rating in that specific area. These each program is supported by outlines and a variety of other student learning materials. In addition to the standardized specialty programs, as a PADI Assistant Instructor or higher you may write your own distinctive specialty programs, which may be conducted once approved by PADI.

If you’re already a PADI Assistant Instructor or higher and want to qualify as a PADI Specialty Instructor, you’ll need to attend a Specialty Instructor Training Program (conducted by a PADI Course Director) or apply directly to PADI.

During the Specialty Instructor Training Program you’ll receive valuable hands-on training, technique demonstrations, program marketing information, current PADI Standards information and, when applicable, instructor-level open water training. To enroll in a Specialty Instructor Training Program, you’ need to must be a renewed PADI Assistant Instructor (certified/upgraded using the 1995 revised curriculum), a renewed PADI Underwater Instructor (or PADI Instructor with a higher rating) or have completed an IDC/IOC** within the past 12 months.

*After successfully completing specialty instructor training, PADI Assistant Instructors may apply only for PADI Specialty Instructor certification in nondiving specialties.

**Instructor candidates may apply for PADI Specialty Instructor certification only after becoming certified PADI Instructors.