Developing the people who will teach others.

Becoming a PADI Course Director in 2017 changed the scale of responsibility in my professional diving career.

A Course Director operates at the instructor-development level of the PADI system. The work is not limited to explaining standards or preparing candidates for an examination. It involves helping future instructors develop judgement, communication, organisation, risk awareness, teaching ability and the professional habits they will carry into their own dive operations.

By 2026, I had conducted 18 Instructor Development Courses and worked with approximately 50 instructor candidates.

Training philosophy

The objective is not simply to help somebody pass an Instructor Examination. The objective is to develop an instructor who can perform responsibly after the examination is over.

Standards provide the structure. Experience provides context. A professional instructor needs both.

I prefer training that explains why a system exists, not only what the procedure says. When conditions change, an instructor who understands the purpose behind a standard is better equipped to make a sound professional decision.

Candidate development

Instructor development combines classroom teaching, confined-water work, open-water teaching, standards review, rescue ability, presentation skills, evaluation and mentoring. Candidates also need to learn how to organise students, manage time, communicate clearly, document training correctly and recognise when conditions require a more conservative decision.

Professional standing

PADI Course Director since 2017.

PADI Silver Course Director recognition for performance in 2017 and 2024, received in 2018 and 2025.

PADI Master Instructor.

12 PADI Specialty Instructor Trainer ratings.

18 Instructor Development Courses by 2026.

Approximately 50 instructor candidates by 2026.

Beyond the IDC

Professional education also connects directly with operations. Instructor quality affects safety, guest experience, staff culture, sales confidence and the ability of a dive centre to grow without lowering standards. That is why instructor development and operational leadership have remained connected throughout my career.