PADI Instructor development course (IDC) Malta, training and Accommodation.

About Paradise diving

Paradise diving is Malta’s best located scuba diving centre. We have easy access to Malta, Gozo and Comino with departures from our own private beach at the paradise bay resort hotel.

We offer a clean, comfortable and modern environment in which to study and are only a stone’s throw away from Malta’s most popular dive sites at Cirkewwa.

Paradise Diving has met PADI’s highest educational and retail standards and requirements allowing instructor candidates to see many of the topics discussed in the course put into practise

Situated at the water’s edge on the private beach of the Paradise Bay resort. Paradise Diving has its own confined water training area, the use of four swimming pools and has some of Malta’s best dive sites right on its doorstep.  In addition to all of  this the accommodation is reasonably priced

Paradise Diving is a PADI 5 Star IDC centre that has all facilities on site, these include a reception area, compressor/ kit room with a large outside area for setting up and cleaning equipment.  We also have a classroom that offers a clean, comfortable and modern environment in which to study.

During the summer months most of our confined water training is conducted in the shallow water area in front of the dive centre and for those less than perfect days, the resort has four swimming pools, one of which is a heated indoor pool, making confined water training possible at all times.  For open water training we are only a two minutes away from Malta’s most popular dive sites at Cirkewwa.

We offer the best possible learning environment for all aspects of the Instructor development course, coupled with onsite accommodation for those travelling to the island for the course. We have it all on our doorstep.

Course overview

In the PADI System, PADI Divemasters train to become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors in the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and qualify by successfully completing the PADI Instructor Examination (IE). Beyond the IDC/IE, PADI Instructor development continues through education programs ranging from Specialty Instructor training to IDC Staff Instructor courses.

The instructor development process follows three basic paths, all of which apply the same IDC instructional system and performance requirements. PADI Divemasters can complete the entire IDC as a single program. Alternatively, PADI Divemasters may take the PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) course, which consists of key IDC components, then complete the OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor) program, which includes remaining IDC components. Finally, an instructor from a diver training organization other than PADI may qualify as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor by completing the OWSI program.

Candidates develop their instructor-level knowledge and skills in the IDC through independent study as well as live presentations and workshops conducted or supervised by a PADI Course Director. IDC Staff Instructors may also guide and assist candidates.

The IDC emphasizes development, not testing, and so provides a low-stress environment that frees candidates to learn from their errors and concentrate on knowledge and
skill development. Candidates continue until they can reliably achieve the minimum performance requirements to progress beyond the IDC.

The Instructor Examination (IE) evaluates candidate teaching ability, dive knowledge, skills level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude, professionalism and other attributes required of PADI Instructors. IEs are conducted over at least two days by a PADI Instructor Examiner using standardised, objective testing criteria. When these criteria are met, candidates achieve the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor rating.

This two phase program – the development phase (IDC) conducted by PADI Course Directors and their instructor development staff; and the evaluative phase (IE) conducted
by PADI Staff – is the most comprehensive and demanding of any in the dive industry. New PADI Instructors meet the most extensive requirements for learning and performance of any recreational diver certification organisation.

Meet your Course Directors

Neville Mclellan

Neville McLellan has for 10 years, been a successful Course Director. Having been part owner of one of the largest and most successful Dive Centre on the Maltese Islands. Neville sold his part share in the Dive Centre, and with the proceeds has, after a long search, purchased a medium size Dive Centre, which was in the process of being totally rebuilt and completed in 2019, in a new small beach complex.

Neville has had past successes in operating within the UK, Canary Islands and finally Malta. As a PADI Course Director, has officiated in Instructor Development Courses, that have been configured to provide a “Real World”, Instructor environment, experience. The results of this approach, has provided a 100% pass rate success, to all the participating Candidates.

Neville has received frequent awards, Elite Training and Frequent Trainer being just two of the awards. Also, with the agreement and cooperation of the Sea Horse Trust, has produce a Speciality, The PADI S.A.D Seahorse Active Diver.

Neville has gained a vast experience in his chosen profession, to which he can provide never ending stories of these experience’s. His other profession is as a Comedian. Divers who had the pleasure of his company, will recall the stories and jokes with fond memories, though Neville is continuously reminded that they have all heard them before. This empathy ensure that Neville can conduct the following course, with all participants fully enjoying the experience

Marcus Kitching-Howe

PADI Course Director, Marcus Kitching-Howe, proudly holds a 100% IDC success rate and Instructor Evaluation pass rate.

He brings a wealth of IDC experience from the Caribbean and Florida where he worked closely with the USA Veteran Association, training military personnel to become PADI Instructors. He also created an internship program enabling each of his newly trained PADI Instructors to gain invaluable teaching experience upon completion of their IDC.

Marcus specialises in professional level training and development with an eye for detail. Marcus is also a strong believer in positivity, professionalism and creating a comfortable learning environment both in and out of the water. Marcus works with instructor candidates, developing trainees and enabling them to reach their full potential.

He also worked as a professional underwater photographer, videographer and Shark Feeder Trainer in the Bahamas; Marcus has a broad skill set. This has placed him in movies such as Isolation and the more recent L’Odyssey, where he doubled as Jaques Cousteau and also his son Philippe.

At just 27 years of age he already has some great stories to share with you and some stunning underwater images!

Instructor Development Course Prerequisites

In order to enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course, you must meet the following prerequisites:

1.      Be a PADI Divemaster or:

·         an instructor member in good standing (renewed or eligible to renew) with another recognised recreational diver training organisation.

·         have a leadership-level certification in good standing (renewed or eligible to renew) with another recognised recreational diver training organisation; 60 logged dives; documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation.

2.      18 years old

3.      Medical clearance attesting to dive fitness signed by a physician within the previous 12 months, and have had no medical condition changes.

4.      Certified diver for at least six months.

5.      Completed the EFR Primary and Secondary Care course, or other qualifying training, within the last 24 months.

6.      If not a PADI Divemaster, successfully complete the PADI Divemaster course diver rescue skills assessment.

7.      Documentation of any non-PADI qualifying entry level, advanced, rescue and leadership level certifications as required.

If you have any questions relating to the above, please get in touch and we will clarify your questions.

Course Dates and Accommodation 

Our training dates are centered around PADI instructor evaluation schedule provided to us by PADI. Please download our information pack for a full price list and a more comprehensive description of scheduled courses. 

*MSTD Dates are flexible depending on which and how many specialities are chosen.

Information Pack     

Paradise Bay Resort

If your travelling to island to take part in the IDC, where better place to stay than on location. Please contact us so we can assist with any hotel bookings.

“Overlooking the picturesque sister islands of Gozo and Comino, and surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this enchanting waterfront hotel is the ideal holiday destination for those looking for peace and quiet in a tranquil setting. With four seawater pools, one of them a dedicated children’s pool, a private sandy beach, tennis courts, water sports, and scuba diving available, guests are free to be as relaxed or active as they choose when they stay at the Paradise Bay Resort. 

We are proud to provide exceptional value for our guests. From a relaxing weekend break, to a fun-filled family vacation, however you want to holiday in Malta, enjoy a slice of paradise with us.” www.paradise-bay.com

Please obtain a booking code from Paradise Diving prior to booking your accommodation at the Paradise Bay Resort.