Port Douglas PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Course

Thank you for your interest in our PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor program (OWSI) conducted here in beautiful Port Douglas. For instructors in “good standing” who would like to cross over and become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, this is an excellent opportunity. At ABC Reef Safaris we’re proud to be a 5-Star PADI Instructor Development Centre. Your PADI Course Director, Wayne Abraham, is here to guide you through this journey. From now on, you have his full attention and support. Please email for questions and more information. Join us to take the next step in your diving career and become a leader in the underwater world!

Your Mission
There is a bit of learning coming your way, so make sure to complete all the eLearning before the start of your OWSI program. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself catching up and preparing assignments each evening. The OWSI program is only 6 days, so your organisation and commitment are crucial to your success as a PADI Instructor. Prepare diligently and stay focused to make the most of this transformative journey and to effectively support and mentor the next generation of PADI Instructors!

Your Learning
We will delve deeply into the PADI System of Education, closely examining all the courses in your PADI Instructor Manual on a daily basis. Repetition is the key to your success in every aspect of this program. For example, while the minimum requirements include giving at least 2 Confined Water Teaching Presentations, 1 Knowledge Development Teaching Presentation, and 1 Open Water Teaching Presentation integrating two skills, we plan to evaluate more than double these numbers in each area from each candidate. This repetition will ensure you are well-prepared and confident in your teaching abilities. Commit to practicing consistently and you will master the skills needed to become an effective and successful PADI Instructor.

Where you need to show Competence
To succeed in your OWSI and become a proficient PADI Instructor, you need to demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• Swimming Proficiency:
  • Perform a continuous, nonstop snorkel swim for 800 meters using a mask, snorkel and fins.
• Rescue Skills:
  • Demonstrate Rescue Skill #7 from the PADI Rescue Diver course: Unresponsive Diver at the Surface.
• Dive Theory:
  • Achieve at least a 75% score on exams covering:
    • Dive Physics
    • Dive Physiology
    • The Recreational Dive Planner (RDP)
    • Skills and Environment
    • Dive Equipment
  • Skill Demonstrations:
    • Demonstrate proficiency in all 24 dive skills.

By mastering these competencies, you will be well-prepared to excel as a PADI Instructor and provide exceptional training to future divers. Stay focused and dedicated to your practice and studies to ensure your success.

To begin your Port Douglas PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• Certification: Be certified as a PADI Divemaster or hold a leadership-level certification from another recreational diver training organisation.
• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Diving Experience:
  • Be certified as a diver for at least six months.
  • Have 100 logged dives to take the Instructor Exams at the end of your IDC.

CPR and First Aid Training:

• Have proof of CPR and First Aid training within the last 24 months. The Emergency First Response course meets this requirement.

Medical Fitness:

• Be fit for diving and submit a Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

Certification Proof:

• Provide certification cards/proof of Open Water, Advanced, Rescue and Divemaster/Leadership level certifications.

Ensure you have all these prerequisites fulfilled before starting your IDC to make the most of your training and achieve your goal of becoming a PADI Instructor. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us.

The PADI Instructor Examination (IE) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by PADI staff to assess your readiness to become a PADI Instructor. Here’s what you can expect:

• Dive Theory Exams:
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Skills and Environment
  • The Recreational Dive Planner (RDP)
  • Scuba Equipment
• Systems, Standards, and Procedures Exam:
  • Open book exam
• Knowledge Development Presentation:
  • One classroom presentation
• Confined Water Teaching Presentation:
  • One pool presentation
• Skill Circuit Demonstration:
  • Demonstrate three selected skills
• Open Water Teaching Presentation:
  • Two skills from the Open Water Course or any Continuing Education Course
• Rescue Demonstration:
  • Rescue Exercise #7 (Unresponsive Diver at the Surface)

The IE is conducted by PADI staff who are there to help and guide you through this experience. They are looking for instructors who possess the skills and attitude of a PADI Instructor. Show them your competence, confidence and enthusiasm for teaching diving. Prepare diligently and stay focused to successfully navigate the PADI IE and achieve your goal of becoming a PADI Instructor.

As a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you will be authorised to teach and certify a wide range of PADI courses and programs, including:

• Entry-Level Courses:
  • PADI Scuba Diver
  • PADI Open Water Diver
• Advanced Courses:
  • PADI Adventure Diver
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
• Rescue and Leadership Courses:
  • PADI Rescue Diver
  • PADI Divemaster
• Snorkeling and Skin Diving:
  • Advanced Snorkeler (Skin Diver)
  • Discover Snorkeling
• Introductory and Experience Programs:
  • PADI Discover Scuba Diving
  • PADI Seal Team
  • PADI Bubble Maker
  • ReActivate
  • Discover Local Diving
• Specialty Courses:
  • PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy
  • Project AWARE Specialty
  • Coral Reef Conservation

With these qualifications, you will have the opportunity to introduce new divers to the underwater world, help certified divers enhance their skills and educate others about the importance of marine conservation. Embrace your new role as a PADI Instructor and inspire others to explore and protect our oceans!

Standard Diver Equipment:

• • Fins, Mask and Snorkel: Snorkel should be attached to the mask.
  • Compressed Gas Cylinder and Valve
  • Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
  • Primary Regulator and Alternate Air Source
  • Breathing Gas Monitoring Device: Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG)
  • Depth Monitoring Device
    • Quick Release Weight System and Weights
  • Adequate Exposure Protection: Wetsuit or drysuit as needed for the environment
  • Audible Emergency Surface Signaling Device: Whistle, air horn, etc.
  • Dive Computer or RDP (eRDPml or Table)

Ensure you have all the necessary equipment for a safe and successful diving experience. If you need assistance or advice on acquiring your equipment, our team is here to help.

Standard Instructor and Certified Assistant Equipment
As a PADI Divemaster, you will need the following equipment to effectively perform your duties:

• • Time Monitoring Device: Capable of timing 30 seconds and 60 seconds
  • Compass
  • Knife/Diver’s Tool
  • Two Surface Signaling Devices: One audible (e.g., whistle, air horn) and one visible (e.g., signal mirror, SMB)
  • Dive Flag
  • Instructions for Use: Dive computer or RDP Table/eRDPml

You will need this equipment to work as an instructor. We can assist you in our retail store or arrange rental equipment at an extra cost. Make sure you have all the necessary gear before the start of your IDC to be well-prepared for your training and future teaching responsibilities. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our team is here to help!