PADI PRO COURSES
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) on Bonaire
Is becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor something you’ve been thinking about?
At Scuba Elite, we’ve guided many divers through this exact step. The people you see in these photos were once in your position: curious, a little unsure, but ready to go all in.
They all passed their Instructor Examination with strong results, and more importantly, they look back on their time here as something truly special. Not just because of the outcome, but because of the process, the growth, and the people they shared it with.
If you’ve landed on this page, that interest is already there. So let’s take you a bit deeper into what our IDC actually feels like.
During our Instructor Development Courses (IDC), we focus heavily on:
Teaching you how to teach, not just what to teach
Building confidence through repetition and honest feedback
Understanding the “why” behind PADI standards
Preparing you for real-life students after your IDC
Becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) opens a world of possibilities — from traveling the globe and sharing your passion for diving to making a real impact on marine conservation.
But it’s more than just earning the prestigious title. It’s about empowering others, protecting our oceans, building a community of like-minded divers, and joining a global network of dive professionals and conservationists.
It’s really about making a difference — one dive at a time.
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is a unique journey! You only take it once in your dive career. Choosing the right dive shop to guide you is a big decision. We get that.
That’s why we encourage you to read more about our PADI OWSI course and see if we’re the right fit to support your journey.
Feeling excited? Let’s chat!
Reach out for a pre-course call, where we can talk about your dreams, your goals, and see if our dive shop is the perfect place to help you turn them into reality!
Our approaches to Instructor Development
1. Skill Building:
We focus on helping you master PADI teaching principles through both classroom and in-water sessions. You'll gain hands-on experience, tips, and proven techniques that will give you the confidence to lead and teach effectively from day one.
2. Personal Attention:
With small group training (only 4 students per Course Director) and a tailor-made approach, we ensure that your unique learning style and pace are fully supported. Our commitment doesn’t end when you earn your OWSI certification — we’ll continue to guide you as you grow in your professional diving career.
3. Worry-Free Experience:
We want your IDC to be as stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer convenient packages that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner right at our IDC location. You can focus on your training while we take care of the rest.
4. Flexible Scheduling:
We understand balancing life and diving can be a challenge. That’s why we offer flexible options — from completing select IDC workshops online to spreading your instructor training over time. You can tailor your journey to fit your schedule.
What your Instructor Development Course (IDC) looks like on Bonaire
More About the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the key step to becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI). It’s made up of two essential components, giving you flexibility in how you advance through your professional dive journey.
1. Assistant Instructor (AI) Course
This first stage focuses on developing your teaching skills and understanding of the PADI System. Successfully completing the AI course earns you the PADI Assistant Instructor qualification, allowing you to assist with PADI programs and gain real-world teaching experience. You can complete this as a standalone course or as part of the full IDC.
2. Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Program
The OWSI program builds on your AI training and prepares you for the Instructor Examination (IE) — the final step to becoming a fully certified PADI Instructor. You'll refine your teaching techniques, develop leadership skills, and learn how to conduct all core PADI courses.
Flexible Pathways to Becoming a PADI Instructor
If you complete both the AI and OWSI components, you’ll be ready to attend the Instructor Examination (IE) and earn your PADI Instructor certification.
Already a certified instructor with another diver training organization? You may be eligible to skip the AI course and enroll directly in the OWSI program, recognizing your prior experience while helping you transition to the PADI system.
Whether you’re starting with the AI course or heading straight into the OWSI program, the IDC offers a flexible and supportive path to becoming a PADI Instructor.
Ready to take the plunge?
Let’s talk about which path is right for you!
What Instructors Are Saying about the IDC
Overthinking won’t make you a dive instructor. Real action will.
At Scuba Elite, it starts with a simple conversation. No pressure, no strings attached. Just a clear and honest meeting where we walk you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover:
• Upcoming course dates and planning your timeline
• Instructor Examination dates and how it all fits together
• Prerequisites and what you need before you start
• What the IDC looks like day-to-day
• And whether this step actually fits you and your goals
It’s your chance to ask questions, get a feel for the vibe, and see if this is the right next move.
Sometimes the difference between thinking about it and actually doing it…….. is just starting the conversation 🤿
Instructor Examination Dates 2026
2026
We’ve got four IDC programs left for 2026 — and each one is built around the fixed Instructor Examination (IE) dates.
Since PADI examiners travel to Bonaire for the IE, those dates are set in advance. Your IDC starts approximately 8 days before the exam, giving you the time and structure to prepare properly, without rushing the process.
21 & 22 May
02 & 03 July
24 & 25 September
03 & 04 December