Many candidates choose to purchase and familiarise themselves with their new Instructor Manual well in advance of the course, and also to review their Divemaster diving theory. This is indeed a most practical way to ensure success in the IE, but a large part of the Instructor examination is in-water, so if you have time to arrive early we also offer you the chance for extra, informal confined water skills training sessions with one of our qualified instructors – at no extra cost.
 
Dive Centers all over the world offer you various enticements to further your diving career with them, and we believe that at Sea Dragon Dive Center we have put together a package that will enable you to make the most of the study time available in the most relaxed surroundings. We include many of the benefits that other Dive Centers offer, but also offer competitive prices, an expanded 10 day IDC and free 2 day preparation course, and, uniquely, a 3 day liveaboard trip to the Similan Islands, where you can study in peace in quiet surroundings and still receive lectures from your Course Director in the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge.
 
And how better to start the day than with a fun dive before breakfast in the clear waters of the Similan Islands, and then to end a hard days study with a relaxing snorkel or swim. We believe this peaceful setting and beautiful location will add to the stress free environment of our course. The remainder of the course takes place in Khao Lak, a large beachside village with a relaxed atmosphere located just one hour north of Phuket, with all the facilities you may need available close at hand but without the noise, bustle and distractions of larger towns.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF AN IDC
WITH SEA DRAGON DIVE CENTER

• 3 day liveaboard trip to the Similan Islands, including early morning fun dives
  
• Expanded IDC course (10 days) plus IDC preparation course (2 days) free of charge
  
• If IE unsuccessful at first attempt, we offer your next IDC free
• Small groups. A maximum ratio of 4 candidates per staff member
  
• Free extra in-water skills training and rescue assessment before the IDC prep course starts – if you arrive well in advance
  
• Free IDC Candidate workbook
• Free EFR update (if required)
• PADI manuals & materials available for purchase at discounted rates
  
• Up to 12 nights twin-share accommodation in Khao Lak and 2 nights in Phuket for the IE – including one extra night in Khao Lak after the IE for the New Instructor dinner & party celebration!
  
• Free daily buffet lunch in a local restaurant serving Thai and foreign dishes during EFRI, IDC prep, IDC, MSDT and IE
  
• All meals, snacks and beverages during 3 day liveaboard trip
• Spacious air-conditioned classroom at our new Dive Center
• On site swimming pool
  
• Free tea/coffee/water during classroom activities at the Dive Center
  
• Free transfers to and from Khao Lak to Phuket for IE
  
• Full support from your Course Director and Staff Instructors during your IE – we will not abandon you after the course finishes!
  
• 10% early booking discount if booked 30 days in advance
  
• 10% discount on future liveaboard dive trips with Sea Dragon Dive Center – we have three liveaboard boats diving the Similan and Surin Islands and operate all year round
  
• All tanks, weights, National Park fees, boat & jetty fees – no hidden extras!

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THE LIVEABOARD TRIP

We believe we are the only Dive Center in Thailand offering a part of the IDC on a liveaboard dive trip dedicated solely to IDC candidates. One of the factors for successful completion of an IDC is the right location, atmosphere and surroundings that allow you to study and absorb the course material with as little stress and distraction as possible.
 
The 3 day trip you will participate in onboard the M/V Mariner will be a private trip - there will be no other customers onboard. The Mariner can take a maximum of 20 divers, so there is ample space available for quiet periods of self study, either in the open air dining area, the semi-covered sundeck or in the privacy of your air-conditioned cabin. We also have a video, TV and computer onboard, enabling your Course Director to give lectures and classroom tuition whilst at sea.
 
But surely one of the best features is that when you are not studying or attending classes you can take a refreshing swim straight off the boat or go for a snorkel on the coastal reefs. And of course we can not miss the opportunity of a few fun dives – we will schedule an early morning dive before breakfast, a lovely way to wake up, and also to remind you why you are taking this step to become a PADI Instructor in the first place: in order to allow future divers the chance of diving some of the world’s best underwater areas, such as the Similan Islands. Additional dives may be scheduled at the Course Directors discretion.

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT PREPARATION COURSE (IDC Prep)

During this preparation course you will review the diving theory learned in your Divemaster course and take 5 Divemaster-level based exams in Physics, Physiology, Recreational Dive Planner, Equipment & General Skills and the Environment. You will also practise your in-water skills presentation, participate in a Rescue assessment and learn the evaluation criteria used in the actual IE, so you know what will be expected of you in the examination

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INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE (IDC)
 
Part 1 of IDC - ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR (AI)

The first four days of the IDC are the Assistant Instructor course. This is a performance-based course and has no exam, although there are certain standards to be met for successful completion of the course. You will be introduced to the PADI System of Diver Education, learn how to conduct theory presentations in a classroom, and how to present confined water and open water training in the pool and sea. The focus of this part of the course is on developing basic teaching techniques. You will also have workshops on the 3 PADI speciality courses which Assistant Instructors are able to teach: Peak Performance Buoyancy, AWARE Coral Reef Conservation and AWARE Specialist.
 
Part 2 of IDC - OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR (OWSI)

The second part of the IDC is a six day programme that mostly focuses on developing your understanding and application of the PADI System of Diver Education from Discover Scuba through to Divemaster level. You will continue to expand the practical knowledge and skills learned in the AI course and learn how to teach those skills to others by participating in skills demonstrations, workshops and classroom presentations. Again, there is no exam but certain performance requirements must be achieved and you will be continually assessed on your teaching presentation and skills. Extra study time is available for students who are having difficulty with certain aspects of the course. On successful completion of the OWSI course you will receive an IDC completion form, enabling you to attend an Instructor Examination (IE) of your choice.

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INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (IE)

After the IDC you can choose to take the IE in any location within 1 year. However, most people prefer to take the exam immediately after the course, and we will be attending the IE in Phuket after our IDC ends. The IE is a 2 day examination organised and staffed directly by PADI - not by your Course Director. However, your Course Director will travel with you to Phuket and be on hand for any last minute questions and moral support throughout the IE.
 
In the IE you will be examined in four different areas of diving, and for certification as an OWSI you must successfully complete all four parts. If you are unsuccessful in only one or two parts of the exam you will have to resit a future IE but you will only need to pay for and be examined in the areas in which you were unsuccessful. If you are unsuccessful in three or all parts of the IE you must resit the whole exam at a future date.
 
The four examinable parts of the IE are as follows:
 
1) CLASSROOM EXAMINATIONS

Diving Theory

• 5 closed book examination in Physics, Physiology, Equipment, General Skills and the Environment, Recreational Dive Planner
  
• Pass score 75% or higher in each subject
  
• One retest allowed in one area. Less than 75% in two areas will result in non certification
  

  PADI System, Standards and Procedures

• 1 open book examination
  
• Pass score 75% or higher. No retest allowed
   
  

2) CONFINED WATER ASSESSMENT

Teaching assessment

• Teach one skill from the Open Water course. Your students will be your fellow candidates and you will also be expected to act as a student for other candidates
• Score evaluated on a scale from 1.0 – 5.0. Pass score 3.5 or higher
• One make up allowed
  

  Skill Evaluation Circuit
  

• Perform 5 skills from the PADI Divemaster course – exactly the same as you performed during the IDC and on your Divemaster course
  
• Each skill evaluated on a scale from 1.0 – 5.0. Pass score a total of 17 or higher, with no individual skill less than 3.0
• One make up allowed if only one skill was assessed at below 3.0.
   
  

  3) KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION

• A 5-10 minute classroom teaching presentation in front of your fellow students. Your assignment will be given to you at the start of the IE.
• Score evaluated on a scale from 1.0 – 5.0. Pass score 3.5 or higher
• One retest allowed

4) OPEN WATER

Teaching assessment

• Teach two skills from the Open Water course. Your students will be your fellow candidates and you will also be expected to act as a student for other candidates
  
• Score evaluated on a scale from 1.0 – 5.0. Pass score an average of 3.5 from the two skills
  
• No retest

  Open Water Rescue examination

  This is exercise #7 from the PADI Rescue Diver course and includes response, recovery, resuscitation, transport and equipment removal of a diver simulating unconsciousness at the surface in deep water.

  GENERAL DIVING SKILLS EVALUATION

  An overall assessment made by the IE staff during all confined water and open water training
   
  GENERAL ASSESSMENT AREAS

  Throughout your examination your scores will include assessment in the following areas

• Attitude
  
• Professionalism
  
• Dress
  
• Conduct
  
• Interaction with staff and other candidates
   
  

  AFTER THE IE

  After the successful completion of the IE your paperwork will be processed by PADI, which usually takes between 2-8 weeks, and then you will receive a PADI OWSI certification card, the most recognised teaching certification in the dive industry, enabling you to teach students from entry level through to Divemaster all over the world.

  Please note that you can NOT start teaching until you have received confirmation of your certification from PADI. 

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  OTHER COURSES AVAILABLE

  EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE INSTRUCTOR COURSE (EFRI)
  and CARE FOR CHILDREN INSTRUCTOR (CFCI)

  These courses are open to certified Divemasters as well as Instructors. In the EFRI you will learn how to teach people CPR and First Aid. The contents of this course are not limited to dive related accidents and injuries and therefore appeals to divers and non divers alike. Many Dive Centers insist their dive staff have this certification as it is a required teaching component of the PADI Rescue Diver course. Care for Children specialises in CPR and First Aid for children up to 8 years of age, and infants. You will learn how to instruct the different ways of CPR effectively, keeping the anatomical differences of infants and children in mind.

  This course is usually offered just after the IDC and before the IE, but we prefer to schedule the EFRI course the day before the IDC Prep course starts, so when you start your IDC you will not have the distraction of having other course material to learn, plus you will have already achieved one Instructor level certification to boost your confidence. If your EFR certification has expired, we offer a free EFR update before the Instructor course.

  IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR COURSE (IDCS)

  A Staff Instructor works with and assists the Course Director on IDCs and can also independently teach the Assistant Instructor course, which consists of the first part of the IDC. On this course you will work closely with the Course Director during an actual IDC and receive tuition, guidance and feedback throughout. You will learn about IDC standards and evaluation techniques and assist the Course Director in evaluating the IDC candidates on the course. You will also be evaluated on one classroom presentation and one confined water presentation during the IDC. We expect you to attend the IDC preparation course, the IDC, the MSDT and the IE and be on hand to support and counsel the IDC candidates alongside the Course Director. Please note you must be a PADI MSDT to be eligible for this course.

  MASTER SCUBA DIVER TRAINER INSTRUCTOR (MSDT)

  After completing the IDC and IE take the opportunity to enhance your employment prospects by learning how to teach PADI speciality courses.
   
  The MSDT Prep course allows you to have an in-depth look at the different specialties available and how to teach them under the supervision and guidance of your PADI Course Director.
   
  It is called the MSDT Prep Course because you still need to first issue your first 25 certifications before you can start teaching specialties. For the MSDT rating you can choose 5 specialties which interest you most. The MSDT rating is a prerequisite for the IDC Staff Instructor Course.

  Enriched Air Nitrox Instructor
  2 dives (certified nitrox divers with 10+ logged nitrox dives)
  10 dives (entry level nitrox certification and nitrox instructor certification)
   
  One of the most popular PADI speciality courses worldwide – Teach your students about the benefits of diving with enriched air, how to use the PADI EANx tables and an oxygen analyzer.
   
  The actual Enriched Air Diver Course itself is included in the Instructor Course. To become certified you will need a total of ten enriched air dives. The last eight experience dives can be conducted during the MSDT Course or other speciality dives. The eight Nitrox tanks needed are included in your Nitrox Instructor course.
   
  Multilevel Diver Instructor
  1 dive
   
  The Multilevel and Computer diver PADI speciality is what we call "The art of real and safe diving". Real diving, because in the modern world most divers use computers to extend their bottom time. Safer diving, because it is important to plan dives and not blindly follow dive computers alone.
   
  This course is not just teaching divers how to use the wheel and dive computers, it is teaching student divers to follow their dive plan and use their computers as back-ups and to follow safe diving practices.
   
  Digital Underwater Photographer Instructor
  1 dive
   
  Professional underwater photographers are using digital cameras and computers to create breathtaking underwater images. With the cost of underwater housings falling, many more amateur photographers are following suit. The new Digital Underwater PADI speciality is fun and easy to teach and has a wide target audience.
   
  During this Instructor Course you will become familiar with the new PADI materials and special equipment requirements. The course also includes tips on using computer software to enhance images.

  Search & Recovery Instructor
  2 dives
   
  If you have done the PADI Search & Recovery speciality Course you will remember what a blast it was. Working with lift bags, finding small and large objects and moving objects from the bottom of the ocean to the surface.
   
  If you have not done the course yourself, then you are in for a real treat. The Search & Recovery Instructor course is challenging, fun and is accomplished best by team work. It develops navigation skills, underwater communication and teaches you how to use equipment like lift bags, reels, and even tests your knot tying skills! This is one course that is highly under rated, and yet very rewarding for you and your students.
   
  Wreck Diver Instructor
  2 dives
   
  As an experienced diver you may have had opportunities to dive on wrecks before. If you remember the first time you dived on a wreck, you may remember that adrenaline rush and thrill of seeing something that once existed in our world at the bottom of another world.
   
  As a Wreck speciality Instructor, you learn how to teach one of the most popular PADI speciality courses including: the pre-planning steps, preparation, safety considerations and penetration setup for safely entering wrecks.
   
  Navigation Diver Instructor
  1 dive
   
  Navigation is an essential skill for divers, and teaching navigation is actually a lot more fun than most instructors think. The skills and objectives involved with the speciality include different pattern swims, underwater treasure hunts and flag marking games.
   
  The Instructor course will provide you with amazing setup information for teaching the PADI Navigation Diver speciality course, as well as interesting navigation games and tools.

  A.W.A.R.E. Fish Identification Instructor
  1 dive
   
  The AWARE Fish ID speciality Course is really one of the more popular courses to teach, as well as the simplicity and enjoyment students gain from this course, it’s a great one to have! During the Instructor training course, you as the instructor will learn how to teach students to identify common fish families, fish surveying techniques and the planning, organization and procedures for identifying fish families and species while diving.

  Deep Diver Instructor
  2 dives
   
  As an Open Water Scuba Instructor you will have your fair share of teaching PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced courses. This also means that most of the time you will not dive much deeper than 30m. If you enjoy diving deep, then you will have a great time teaching students how to dive deep, safely.
   
  During the Deep Diver Speciality Instructor course we look at special logistics involved when conducting deep dives with students, as well as provide you with some interesting techniques, tips and underwater games/puzzles for use during deep dives to show students the effect of pressure at depth. We also look at the safety considerations for deep dives; such as setting up drop tanks, having emergency equipment quickly available and perfecting emergency action plans for diving emergencies.
   
  Drift Diver Instructor
  1 dive
   
  The Drift Diver speciality Course is very exciting. It focuses on keeping divers together during strong currents and how to use the buddy system more effectively. Your students will gain from the tips and skills learnt during this course. This course is very valuable as it focuses so much on diver safety. Allow your students to explore and learn a whole new level of safer diving with the PADI Drift Diver speciality Course!

  SHARK AWARENESS DISTINCTIVE SPECIALITY INSTRUCTOR

  This non-diving course was designed and structured by our Course Director Brendon Sing, who personally created his own material and outline and had it approved by PADI's stringent evaluation process. As a PADI Distinctive Speciality that only Brendon can teach up to the instructor level, it can not be counted towards your MSDT Prep course, but is offered as an additional, unique certification that will expand and enhance your teaching qualifications.
   
  This course will help you gain interesting information about sharks, thus improving knowledge and understanding of these creatures, both for the student and for you at Instructor level. The main goal of this course is to make divers and non-divers aware that sharks are in very great danger of being wiped out and covers the following topics: introduction; fears and phobias; shark evolution; shark identification; shark species; shark anatomy; shark behaviour and attacks; shark reproduction; diving responsibly with sharks; sharks in danger.

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COURSE DIRECTOR

The Course Director we have chosen to conduct our IDCs is Brendon Sing, PADI Course Director CD-609564. Brendon is a South African national who has been successfully conducting IDC’s several times a year on the island of Koh Lanta, on the west coast of Thailand.
 
Brendon has been teaching full time as a diver educator in many countries including South Africa, Mozambique, Turkey, Thailand and Malaysia. Diving and teaching is not just his job, it's his life, his passion. Brendon has certified over 1,000 student divers and PADI Instructors as a professional diver educator, and has over 4,000 dives experience.

Sea Dragon is delighted to have the opportunity of working with Brendon, as he is very unique in the sense that he still loves diving. Some Course Directors build a reputation that they no longer do any "REAL" diving. Most Course Directors in the industry will limit their training to only instructor level courses. Not Brendon -  he still enjoys teaching all levels of PADI courses from Open Water Diver level and at times even Discover Scuba Diving introductions. Brendon believes that in order to teach others how to instruct diving, one must never loose touch with what we hope to accomplish, that is to turn out safe and reliable PADI Instructors. The best way to do that is to be part of all aspects of diver training - not just professional levels.
 
This professional outlook and personal style of how to conduct a successful and stress-free IDC completely match Sea Dragon’s character and values, and we are looking forward to many subsequent IDC’s together in the future.

Marita Fassbender successfully conducted Sea Dragon’s first ever IDC in November 2004 with seven candidates, followed by our second IDC with Brendon Sing in October 2006 with six candidates. Together we are still proud to be able to add to Sea Dragon’s growing list of achievements… 100% IE PASS RATE !!

If you have any questions about our IDC that you would like to discuss directly with Brendon, or if you need any advice to help you prepare for the course, you can contact him by e-mail at: brendon@lantadiver.com

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Additional prerequisites for the AI course only:

• Be certified as a PADI Divemaster or equivalent from another diver training agency
  
• Have 60 logged dives showing experience in deep, night and navigation dives

  Additional prerequisites for the OWSI course only:

• Be certified as a PADI Assistant Instructor or be an Instructor from another recreational diver training agency
  
• Have 100 logged dives showing experience of deep, night and navigation dives

Additional prerequisites for the IDC course only:

• Be certified as a PADI Divemaster or equivalent from another diver training agency
  
• Have 100 logged dives showing experience in deep, night and navigation dives

PREREQUISITES FOR EFRI/CFCI: Be at least 18 years of age Either have proof of Adult, Child & Infant CPR/First Aid training dated within the past two years or be a practicing medical professional such as a Physician, Practicing Medical Technician, Paramedic or Registered Nurse PREREQUISITES FOR MSDT: Be at least 18 years of age Be certified as a renewed PADI Assistant Instructor or PADI Instructor, or have completed an IDC or OWSI programme within the past 12 months PREREQUISITES FOR IDCS: Be a renewed PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)

PADI MATERIALS REQUIRED

Following is a list of required materials for all IDC candidates - all editions must be current. Please note this is a requirement from PADI (effective 01/01/2006) and will therefore be the same on every PADI IDC course worldwide.
 
PLEASE NOTE: The PADI Instructor manual is also available on CD-ROM. However, we recommend you buy the paper version for ease of study and note-taking during the IDC & IE. When you renew your Instructor status with PADI at the end of your first year as an Instructor, you will receive a free CD-ROM Instructor manual from PADI.

IDC

• PADI Instructor Manual
  
• Instructor Candidate Workbook (included in the price)
  
• Diving Knowledge Workbook
  
• Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving
  
• Recreational Dive Planner – RDP Table (metric) (also included with Open Water Diver Manual)
  
• Recreational Dive Planner – Wheel (metric)
  
• Recreational Dive Planner – eRDP
  
• Open Water Diver Manual (inc. RDP Table, metric)
  
• Adventures in Diving Manual (inc. data carrier)
  
• Rescue Diver Manual (inc. Acc. Management slate)
  
• Divemaster Manual
  
• Open Water Diver Quizzes & Exams
  
• Rescue Diver Final Exams
  
• Divemaster Final Exams
  
• Aquatic cue cards, Confined Water (6 slates)
  
• Aquatic cue cards, Open Water (5 slates)
  
• Aquatic cue cards, Adventures in Diving
  
• Aquatic cue cards, Rescue Diver
  
• Divemaster slates
  
• Aquatic cue cards, Discover Scuba Diving
  
• Confined Water Lesson Preparation Slate
  
• Open Water Training Dive Lesson Planning Slate

  EFRI

• EFR Instructor Manual
• Emergency at a Glance

MSDT

• Speciality Instructor Manual

IDCS

• Confined Water Teaching Evaluation Slate
  
• Open Water Teaching Evaluation Slate

If you would like to order any PADI materials in advance at our special discounted rates and have them waiting for you on your arrival in Khao Lak, please refer to the PADI price list.

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WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

• 4 passport sized photos
  
• Copies of all certification cards from Open Water through to Divemaster
  
• Copy of the last page of your log book showing proof of 100+ dives
  
• EFR certification dated within the past 2 years. Alternative first aid/CPR certification may be acceptable but please check with us in advance
  
• Medical statement confirming you are fit to dive dated within the past year
  
• Any PADI books and materials you have already purchased
  
• Your credit card – PADI fees cannot be paid in cash
  
• A full set of diving equipment consisting of:
  • Regulator with octopus, console with depth gauge in metres & SPG
    
  • BCD with power inflator
    
  • Wetsuit
    
  • Mask, snorkel, fins
    
  • Timing device
    
  • Dive knife, compass, whistle, blank slate, safety sausage
    
  • Dive computer for fun dives on the liveaboard trip

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WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW

• You should arrive in Khao Lak at least 2 days prior to the start of the IDC Prep Course. This is to recover from any jet lag, if necessary, and to receive your IDC Candidate workbook
  
• All knowledge reviews from the IDC Candidate workbook must be completed before the start of the IDC. This will give you more time during the IDC to concentrate on your teaching presentations
  
• We suggest you purchase the Instructor manual as soon as you book your IDC. This will give you time to familiarise yourself with its contents and layout. Remember to ensure the manual is up-to-date – updates can be downloaded from the PADI Professional page on the PADI website www.padi.com or purchased from any retail outlet
  
• There is no substitute for advance preparation, so we suggest you review the Diving Knowledge Workbook and complete again all the Divemaster exams. Refer to the Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving to brush up on those areas in which you did not perform so well
  
• Obtain access to a swimming pool and practice your skills demonstration and Rescue skills, concentrating on the treatment and removal of an unconscious diver at the surface.  If you arrive at the Dive Center well in advance of your course we can provide one of our certified Instructors to help you assess your ability in these areas

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SEA DRAGON PRICES

** Remember the 10% early booking discount if booked 30 days in advance **

• 25% deposit required at the time of booking
• Balance due 2 weeks before course start date
• All amounts payable by UK, German, Swiss or Thai bank transfer; US$; Thai Baht, Euro or any other hard currency at current exchange rate; MasterCard or Visa. There is no surcharge for credit card payment.
  

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PADI ASIA PACIFIC PRICES

The following payments are in US dollars or Australian dollars and must be paid IN ADDITION to the above Dive Center prices. These are standard PADI fees and are the same price all over the PADI Asia-Pacific region. All payments must be made by credit card.
 

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SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2008

please contact us for further information and a schedule

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