PADI Specialty Instructor Course

If you are a passionate scuba diver and want to teach a speciality course that interests you, then take the PADI Speciality Instructor course. You can choose from a number of specialities such as deep diver, night diver, public safety diver, wreck diver, etc. there are more than 25 standard PADI Specialty Diver courses to choose from.

Teaching speciality diver courses is all about more scuba diving and more adventure. Enrol for a speciality instructor course from a PADI centre if you want to make your speciality diver courses really special. Teaching tips and hands-on experience are provided in the PADI Speciality Instructor courses. You can implement these right away while diving. There are 25 standard PADI Specialty Diver courses and a number of distinctive specialities. Therefore, you have a lot to choose from! 

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One can become a PADI Speciality Instructor via these 3 ways:

  • With a Course Director
  • Write your own outline
  • Use your experience to apply directly to PADI

Doing Specialty Instructor with a PADI Course Director

  • 10 experience dives in each particular speciality
  • Minimum number of certifications not required

Apply for Specialty Instructor Rating directly to PADI

  • 20 experience dives in each particular speciality
  • Have certified at least 25 divers before applying

The attendance in the Speciality Instructor training course is very important. It provides the following:

  • Valuable hands-on training
  • Technique demonstrations
  • Course marketing information
  • Current PADI Standards information 
  • Instructor-level open water training

To take up this course, you must be a renewed PADI Assistant Instructor, PADI Instructor or have completed an IDC or Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program within the past one year.

Top 10 effects to keep in mind while diving

PADI Speciality Courses

  • Wreck Dive- A chance of discovery, potentially unlocking a mystery or spying on something other divers have missed is offered by each wreck. If you also want to explore a wreck under the water, then first take this PADI Wreck Diver Speciality course as it will give you rewarding diving adventures while you are observing responsible wreck diving practices.
  • Drift Dive- Drift diving is all about gliding with currents, feeling the rush of flying underwater, and watching fish moving up the current effortlessly. There will be one dive in this course and the duration of the entire experience will be around three hours. You will be exposing yourself to the techniques and procedures for drift diving. 
  • Underwater Naturalist- You will be able to notice behaviours and spot creatures that you may have missed earlier as by taking this diving course, you will know more about symbioses, underwater ecology, as well as aquatic plant and animal habitats. The PADI course will let you learn about the local ecosystem and take a closer look into the incredible underwater world.
  • Underwater Navigation- If you love big rewards attached to challenges, then this diving course is perfect for you. Underwater Navigation Speciality is quite sought-after among countless scuba divers. You can enrol in the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course if you are a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least ten years old.
  • Digital Underwater Photography- Photography is an art, especially when it is done under water. With this course, you will get tips from the experts and thus, the learning curve will be shortened. You will also avoid beginner mistakes. You will learn a lot of things such as using underwater photography lights (strobes), avoiding backscatter, enhancing colour, and a lot more.
  • Peak Performance Buoyancy- Skilled scuba divers are able to observe marine life more easily and also without disturbing the surroundings. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course will improve your buoyancy skills and elevate them to the next level as well. PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers or higher, who are at least ten years old, are eligible to take the Peak Performance Buoyancy course.
  • Night Dive- Watching the marine world come to life under the glow of your dive light is definitely an extraordinary experience. The entire scene changes as day creatures retire and nocturnal organisms emerge. How interesting is that! If you want to see what happens under the waves after the sun goes down, then take the PADI Night Diver speciality course.
  • Project AWARE- The Project AWARE Specialist is basically uniting divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference. This certification will help you learn how you can make a difference in ocean protection whenever you scuba dive or travel. Aimed at ocean protection, the PADI Project AWARE Speciality course is an introduction to the global AWARE movement.
  • Deep Dive- By taking the PADI Deep Diver course, you will learn how to plan deep dives, manage gas supply, and how to identify and manage narcosis. You will also be taught buddy contact procedures, safety considerations, and buoyancy control at depth. Take the PADI Deep Diver course if you want to make deep dives with an instructor. 
  • Boat Dive- In case you love travelling, the Boat Diver speciality course will prep you up for scuba diving from small inflatables as well as large liveaboards. In this course, you will be taught how to enter and exit the water, use current lines and manage seasickness.
  • Emergency Oxygen Provider Speciality- Taking the PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider course will help you in recognizing scuba diving injuries along with the illnesses that require emergency oxygen. If you are spending time in and around water (scuba divers, boat crew, lifeguards, freedivers, mermaids, etc.), then it is an excellent course for you. There are no age restrictions or water sessions required.
  • Enriched Air (Nitrox)- There is less nitrogen than regular air in enriched air, also known as nitrox or EANx. Breathing less nitrogen means you can enjoy longer dives and shorter surface intervals. Enriched Air Diver is one of the most popular PADI specialities.

Taking speciality instructor training courses is very much beneficial for PADI Instructors. Those, who are ready to step up to the Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating, can benefit even more. This requires a minimum of at least 5 PADI Specialty Instructor certifications. 

Certain speciality instructor courses can be taken by PADI Assistant Instructors, instructor candidates in training, and PADI Divemasters. However, there are some specialities that have additional prerequisites as well as exit requirements.

During the PADI Speciality Instructor course, new techniques will be taught to you that will add to your skills in a speciality area. This will fine-tune your skills and teaching methods. In addition to that, you will also get great ideas for marketing the speciality diver courses.

The PADI Speciality Instructor course is all about diving more, having more fun, and teaching about your favourite subjects. It offers you valuable teaching tips that meet the requirements of the course. There are around 27 standard speciality courses in addition to the distinctive speciality courses your Course Director may offer. To earn the Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating, one needs to have 5 speciality instructor ratings as it is a prerequisite for that.

Reaching the Andaman Islands

From many cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, there are daily flights to the island’s capital Port Blair. One can book a flight with Air India, GoAir, IndiGo, Spicejet and Vistara to reach the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. To reach Havelock Island, you can book a ferry. The entire journey via the ocean is an adventure in itself. 

Best time to dive in the Andaman Islands

The months from October to May are the best months for scuba diving on the island. The weather is clear and the tides and winds are also favourable. The water is clearer during these months. One should avoid the monsoon season as diving depends on weather conditions. The activity may get cancelled due to unforeseen weather.

Best location for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands 

Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep now, is an ideal location for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands for beginners as well as experts. The beauty of its underwaters is simply amazing. You will spot colourful corals and lovely fishes.

This island is the topmost destination for scuba diving in India. Its marine world is very rich and one of a kind. Under its waters, you can spot a number of colourful and patterned corals and fishes. The seabed gardens here are just awesome! The deeper you go, the more you will be able to explore. The best thing is that scuba diving is for everyone–beginners as well as experts. Even non-swimmers can enjoy a lot during this enthralling water sport.

The following categories of people cannot go scuba diving:

  • Any kid below the age of 10 years or an elderly person above 55 years of age 
  • Pregnant women 
  • Anyone having major health issues such as asthma, unstable blood pressure, and heart problems

Scuba diving is not just a water sport; it is a lifestyle! If you are extremely passionate and have decided that you want to pursue this seriously, then taking the PADI Speciality Instructor course with us is going to be very helpful and fun-filled for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. 1 : What is PADI?
    PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which is the world's leading scuba diving training organization. It offers a range of courses, certifications, and experiences to divers across the globe.
  • Q. 2 : What is a PADI Specialty Instructor Course?
    The PADI Specialty Instructor Course is designed to help diving instructors gain knowledge and skills in a particular area of scuba diving, such as underwater photography, wreck diving, deep diving, and many others. It provides diving instructors with the expertise they need to teach specialized diving courses.
  • Q. 3 : Who can take a PADI Specialty Instructor Course?
    To enroll in a PADI Specialty Instructor Course, you must be a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or higher. You must also have the necessary experience and skills related to the specialty area you wish to teach.
  • Q. 4 : How long does a PADI Specialty Instructor Course take?
    The duration of a PADI Specialty Instructor Course varies depending on the particular specialty and the instructor conducting the course. Typically, it takes 2-4 days to complete.
  • Q. 5 : What are the prerequisites for a PADI Specialty Instructor Course?
    To enroll in a PADI Specialty Instructor Course, you must be a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or higher. You must also have completed the PADI Specialty Diver Course in the area of specialty you wish to teach or have a similar certification from another training organization.
  • Q. 6 : How much does a PADI Specialty Instructor Course cost?
    The cost of a PADI Specialty Instructor Course varies depending on the particular specialty and the instructor conducting the course. Typically, it costs around INR 20,000 - INR 30,000 in India.
  • Q. 7 : What are the benefits of becoming a PADI Specialty Instructor?
    Becoming a PADI Specialty Instructor allows you to teach specialized diving courses and expand your teaching capabilities. It also gives you a competitive edge in the diving industry and enables you to earn higher instructor fees.
  • Q. 8 : How do I find a PADI Specialty Instructor Course in India?
    You can find a PADI Specialty Instructor Course in India by visiting the PADI website and using their course locator tool. You can also contact local PADI dive centers and instructors for information.
  • Q. 9 : Can I take a PADI Specialty Instructor Course online?
    No, the PADI Specialty Instructor Course cannot be completed entirely online. Some portions of the course, such as knowledge development, can be completed online, but the practical training must be conducted in person.
  • Q. 10 : How do I renew my PADI Specialty Instructor certification?
    To renew your PADI Specialty Instructor certification, you must have an active teaching status and complete a Specialty Instructor Course or show proof of experience teaching that specialty. You must also have renewed your PADI Instructor certification within the past 12 months.
  • Q. 11 : How do I become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor?
    To become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you must first complete the PADI Divemaster Course, followed by the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). The IDC consists of two parts - the Assistant Instructor course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor course.
  • Q. 12 : What is the difference between a PADI Specialty Instructor and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer?
    A PADI Specialty Instructor is certified to teach specialized diving courses, whereas a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer is certified to teach a range of courses, including specialties, rescue diver, and divemaster. To become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, you must have at least five PADI Specialty Instructor certifications and have certified at least 25 divers.
  • Q. 13 : Can I teach PADI specialties outside of India after completing the course here?
    Yes, once you become a certified PADI Specialty Instructor, you can teach specialties anywhere in the world. However, you must ensure that you meet the requirements of the country where you intend to teach and obtain the necessary visas and work permits.
  • Q. 14 : What is the difference between a PADI Specialty Diver Course and a PADI Specialty Instructor Course?
    A PADI Specialty Diver Course is designed for divers who want to gain knowledge and skills in a particular area of scuba diving, whereas a PADI Specialty Instructor Course is designed for diving instructors who want to gain expertise and teach specialized diving courses.
  • Q. 15 : How many specialties can I teach as a PADI Specialty Instructor?
    As a PADI Specialty Instructor, you can teach any specialty for which you have a certification or experience. However, you must have a minimum of five PADI Specialty Instructor certifications to become a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
  • Q. 16 : Can I teach specialties that I don't have a certification for as a PADI Specialty Instructor?
    No, as a PADI Specialty Instructor, you must have a certification or experience in the specialty area you wish to teach. You cannot teach a specialty for which you do not have the necessary knowledge and skills.
  • Q. 17 : Can I teach PADI specialties to non-divers?
    No, PADI Specialty courses are designed for certified divers only. However, some specialties, such as the PADI Enriched Air Diver course, can be taught to non-certified divers as long as they complete the necessary training and requirements.
  • Q. 18 : What is the PADI IDC Staff Instructor course?
    The PADI IDC Staff Instructor course is designed for experienced PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors who want to train and mentor other diving instructors. The course teaches you how to conduct instructor-level training and assess instructor candidates during the PADI IDC.
  • Q. 19 : What is the PADI Course Director Training Course?
    The PADI Course Director Training Course is designed for experienced PADI Master Instructors or IDC Staff Instructors who want to become PADI Course Directors. Course Directors are responsible for conducting Instructor Development Courses and overseeing instructor-level training at PADI dive centers and resorts.
  • Q. 20 : How long does it take to complete a PADI Specialty Instructor Course?
    The duration of the PADI Specialty Instructor Course varies depending on the specialty you choose. Typically, the course takes 2-3 days to complete, including theory and practical training sessions. However, some specialties may require additional time or prerequisites.
  • Q. 21 : What are the prerequisites for the PADI Specialty Instructor Course?
    To enroll in a PADI Specialty Instructor Course, you must be a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or higher and have the necessary training and experience in the specialty area you wish to teach. Some specialties may have additional prerequisites, such as minimum dive experience or certification in related specialties.
  • Q. 22 : Who can join the PADI Seal Team program?
    The PADI Seal Team program is open to kids aged 8-10 years. Kids who are comfortable in the water and have basic swimming abilities can join the program. They do not need any prior scuba diving experience to enroll in the program.
  • Q. 23 : What will kids learn in the PADI Seal Team program?
    Kids who enroll in the PADI Seal Team program will learn the basics of scuba diving, including how to use scuba diving equipment, how to breathe underwater, and how to communicate underwater. They will also learn about the marine environment and how to conserve it.
  • Q. 24 : What is the cost of the PADI Seal Team program?
    The cost of the PADI Seal Team program varies depending on the dive center and location. It is best to contact your local dive center to find out the cost of the program.
  • Q. 25 : What equipment will kids need for the PADI Seal Team program?
    Kids who enroll in the PADI Seal Team program will need basic scuba diving equipment, including a mask, fins, snorkel, and scuba diving tank. The dive center will provide all the necessary scuba diving equipment for the program.
  • Q. 26 : Is the PADI Seal Team program safe for kids?
    Yes, the PADI Seal Team program is safe for kids. The program is designed to teach kids the basics of scuba diving in a safe and fun environment. The PADI Seal Team instructors are trained professionals who have experience working with kids.
  • Q. 27 : Can kids continue scuba diving after completing the PADI Seal Team program?
    Yes, kids who complete the PADI Seal Team program can continue scuba diving by enrolling in the PADI Open Water Diver program when they turn 10 years old. The PADI Open Water Diver program is a full scuba diving certification program that allows divers to dive anywhere in the world.


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