Become a PADI Instructor on Tioman Island

The PADI IDC stands for Instructor Development Course. It is the professional-level training program that prepares certified PADI Divemasters to become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors (OWSI). The IDC covers dive theory, teaching methodology, risk management, confined water and open water teaching techniques, and classroom presentation skills. At TDB Tioman, the IDC includes approximately 13 days of training followed by a 2-day Instructor Examination conducted by PADI Asia Pacific.

To become a PADI Instructor in Malaysia, you need to complete the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at a PADI-authorized dive centre, followed by passing the PADI Instructor Examination (IE). Before enrolling, you must be a certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent), have at least 100 logged dives, hold a current CPR and First Aid certification, and have a medical clearance to dive. Tioman Dive Buddy is a PADI 5 Star IDC Center that runs four IDC intakes per year on Tioman Island — a premier training location with warm waters, excellent visibility, and healthy coral reefs.

The PADI IDC at TDB runs approximately 15 days total. This includes an optional 2-day preparation phase, a 10 – 12 day core IDC and EFR Instructor Course, and a 1-day closing and final preparation session. After the IDC, the 2-day Instructor Examination takes place. From start to finish, you should plan to be on Tioman Island for approximately 17 days including the IE.

The TDB PADI IDC package includes multiple certifications: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) upon passing the IE, Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor, Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor, and Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Instructor. You also receive all PADI course materials, accommodation for the duration of the IDC, and access to optional post-IDC internship opportunities for additional teaching experience.

To enroll in the PADI IDC at Tioman Dive Buddy, you must be a certified PADI Divemaster or hold an equivalent certification from another recognised dive agency such as SSI or NAUI. You need a minimum of 100 logged dives, a current CPR and First Aid certification issued within the last 24 months, a dive medical clearance signed by a physician within the past 12 months, and be at least 18 years of age. If you do not yet meet these requirements, TDB can help design a personalised training path to get you ready before your chosen intake date.

Tioman Dive Buddy runs four PADI IDC intakes in 2026. The March intake runs from 5 – 17 March with the IE on 18 – 19 March. The May intake runs from 3 – 15 May with the IE on 16 – 17 May. The July intake runs from 29 June – 11 July with the IE on 12 – 13 July. The October intake runs from 4 – 16 October with the IE on 17 – 18 October. Each IDC session has limited places, so early booking is recommended to secure your preferred dates.

Tioman Island is one of Malaysia's best locations for PADI Instructor training. The island is a gazetted marine park with warm tropical waters ranging from 27 – 30°C, underwater visibility of 10 – 30 metres during dive season, and over 20 dive sites featuring healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life. The focused island environment allows candidates to train without city distractions, and TDB's PADI 5 Star IDC Center rating reflects consistently high training standards and examination pass rates. The dive season runs from March to November, aligning perfectly with all four IDC intake dates.

Yes, accommodation is fully included in the TDB PADI IDC package for the entire duration of the course. You will stay at one of TDB's resort properties on Tioman Island, allowing you to focus entirely on your training without worrying about separate accommodation arrangements or costs.

After earning your PADI Instructor certification, you can teach PADI courses — from Discover Scuba Diving to Advanced Open Water — at dive centres, resorts, and liveaboards worldwide. PADI is recognized in over 186 countries, giving you global employment opportunities. You can also continue your professional development by becoming a Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), IDC Staff Instructor, or Course Director. Many PADI Instructors go on to manage dive operations, open their own dive businesses, or specialise in technical diving, underwater photography, or marine conservation education.

To sign up for the PADI IDC at TDB, contact our Course Director directly via WhatsApp at +60 16-804 4562 or email [email protected]. Our team will verify your prerequisites, help you choose an intake date, and guide you through the enrollment process. Early registration is recommended as each intake has limited capacity.