PADI Instructor Development Course in Roatan, Honduras
Two weeks with Course Director William Welbourn. Then the Instructor Examination, held here on Roatan.
14+ days · 60 dives to start · 100 for the IE · Age 18+
Two weeks with the Course Director
The IDC takes you from Divemaster-level knowledge into teaching. Course Director William Welbourn leads the program through standards, dive theory, classroom presentations, confined-water teaching and open-water workshops. Complete the IDC and you’re eligible for the PADI Instructor Examination. Pass the IE and meet the requirements to earn the Open Water Scuba Instructor rating. The goal is simple: know the standards, explain clearly and teach safely.
How the Instructor Development Course works
Front-loaded on purpose. Most workshops land early so the back half stays on your teaching presentations.
Requirements: age 18, PADI Divemaster or qualifying leadership rating, certified at least six months, current CPR and first aid, a physician-signed medical from the past 12 months, and 60 logged dives.
Complete IDC eLearning
Finish the online preparation and theory work before the scheduled course begins.
Build Teaching Skills
Practice knowledge presentations, confined-water teaching and open-water instruction.
Learn PADI Standards
Work through standards, risk management, course planning and professional conduct.
Prepare for the IE
Complete mock presentations, theory review and the final IDC course requirements.
Instructor skills you’ll build
Practiced in the classroom, in confined water and in open water, then put in front of PADI at the IE.
01
Knowledge Presentations
Explain dive theory and course content in a way students can follow and use.
02
Confined-Water Teaching
Demonstrate skills, spot problems and give corrections that improve performance.
03
Open-Water Instruction
Organize students, control the site and meet each course performance requirement.
04
Standards and Judgment
Use the PADI Instructor Manual correctly and make sound teaching decisions.
Instructor Development Course FAQ
What do I need before starting the IDC?
You must be 18, hold a PADI Divemaster rating or qualifying leadership certification, and have been a certified diver for at least six months. You also need current CPR and first aid, a physician-signed medical completed within the previous 12 months, and at least 60 logged dives.
Do I need 100 dives before the IDC?
You need 60 logged dives to start the IDC and 100 to attend the Instructor Examination. Plan enough diving between the start of training and the IE date to meet the requirement.
Does completing the IDC make me an instructor?
No. Completing the IDC makes you eligible for the PADI Instructor Examination. You earn the Open Water Scuba Instructor rating after meeting all requirements and passing the IE.
Who teaches the IDC?
Course Director William Welbourn leads the program with the Coconut Tree Divers instructor team. Contact us for the next course dates and staffing details.
Is EFR Instructor training included?
EFR Instructor training is part of the program. Confirm the current inclusions with us when you enquire about dates and fees.
Where is the Instructor Examination held?
Here on Roatan. No extra flights at the end of the course. Ask us whether IE fees are separate when you book.
Ready to plan your IDC?
Send us your current rating, certification date, logged dives and the IE session you’re targeting. We’ll come back to you with dates and fees.
Program training:
- IDC eLearning and workshops
- Classroom and in-water presentations
- EFR Instructor training
- Mock assessments and IE preparation
- Standards, risk management and course planning
14+
Days
What’s instructor training like in Roatan?
Your presentations run from the same West End shop where beginner courses, certified diving and Divemaster training are happening every day. That keeps the work grounded. You’re not discussing a hypothetical student for two weeks. You can see how the crew briefs, corrects, organizes and adapts across actual dive-shop days.
What comes after the IDC?
Complete the IDC, meet the dive-count requirement and pass the PADI Instructor Examination. After that, you can add specialty instructor ratings, work toward MSDT or expand your own diving.
PADI Instructor Examination
The separate PADI evaluation required for the Open Water Scuba Instructor rating. Held here on Roatan.
Specialty Instructor Training
Add the specialties you want to teach and work toward Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Technical Diving
Broaden your own training through sidemount or technical courses with Monty Graham.
Why dive with Coconut Tree Divers?
Coconut Tree Divers is right in the heart of West End, with some of Roatan's best dive sites right on our doorstep.
24+ Years Open in West End
Our PADI 5 Star IDC Center is one of Roatan's oldest and top-rated dive shops.
9,038 PADI Certifications
Completed, official PADI course certification records, May 2026.
4+ Daily Certified Dive Tours
Four daily fun dives and Tues & Thurs night dives make five.
Roatan’s Only TEC Center
TDI courses and guided deep diving from Advanced Nitrox to Trimix to Helitrox.
Diver Experiences
Will is an awesome course director and will prepare you for IE really well. He explains everything very clearly and if you're struggling with some skills or dive theory he'll help you out. Diving is amazing, lots to see, and instructors are very chilled out. So if you're looking for courses from beginner to instructor or just want to dive for fun, Coconut Tree divers is the place to go!
Michaela