Become a PADI Instructor at Sugar Land Dive Center – Your Dive Career Starts Here!

Ready to take your dive career to the next level? Whether you're looking for flexibility with our IDC on Demand or prefer a structured experience with our 8-day scheduled IDC, Sugar Land Dive Center offers the ideal PADI Instructor Development Course for aspiring PADI PROs. Our IDC is easily accessible to divers in the Greater Houston area, including Katy, Pearland, Galveston, and surrounding communities.

Scheduled IDC – Structured, Streamlined, Successful

Our 8-day scheduled IDC courses are designed for those who prefer a clear timeline. These courses always align with a scheduled PADI Instructor Exam (IE), ensuring you're ready to take the exam immediately after completing your PADI Instructor Development Course. This is the perfect option for those who want to fast-track their instructor certification with a focused, immersive experience.

IDC on Demand – Start When You’re Ready!

For those who prefer flexibility, our IDC on Demand gives you the freedom to start when you’re ready. We’ll align your course with the next available PADI Instructor Exam so you’ll be prepared to take the exam right after completing your IDC – no hassle, no waiting.

What’s Included in the PADI IDC Package?

All IDC candidates receive the following as part of the PADI IDC package:

• PADI Digital IDC Crewpac (includes PADI eLearning)

• Optional two-day prep course to review dive theory

• Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor Course (including PADI fees)

The Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor Course is included for candidates who already hold an Enriched Air certification and have at least 10 logged dives on Enriched Air.

Additionally, the PADI Digital IDC Crewpac includes:

• Guide to Teaching (PDF)

• IDC eLearning

• PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy and Project AWARE Specialty Course Instructor Guides (PDF)

• Open Water Diver Quizzes and Exams (PDF)

• Rescue Diver Final Exams (PDF)

• Divemaster Final Exams (PDF)

• Aquatic Cue Cards (for Open Water Diver, Adventures in Diving, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and Discover Scuba Diving)

• Skill Development Preparation Slate

• Diving Knowledge eLearning

• PADI Backpack

PADI Fees (Not Included)

Please note that PADI fees are not included in the IDC package and are payable at the time of the Instructor Examination (IE). These fees are as follows:

• Instructor Examination (IE) fee: $825.00

• Instructor application fee: $235.00

Instructor Development Course Prerequisites

To join the PADI IDC at Sugar Land Dive Center, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Dive Leader certification: Divemaster or leadership-level certification with another recognized recreational diver training organization

• Minimum age: 18 years old

• Minimum 60 logged dives to begin the IDC

• Minimum 100 logged dives at the time of the Instructor Examination (IE)

• Physical fitness: Attested by a PADI Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months

Download Medical Statement

• Certified diver for at least six months

• EFR Primary & Secondary Care training (or other current, equivalent certification) completed within the last 24 months. Note: online-only courses are not acceptable.

• Complete diver rescue skills assessment as per Divemaster course (if not a PADI Divemaster)

• Personal insurance covering diving accidents (you can purchase DAN insurance here)

Why Choose Sugar Land Dive Center?

At Sugar Land Dive Center, our award-winning PADI Platinum Course Director, Phillip Hetherington, leads an experienced and dedicated team in a fun, professional learning environment. With Phillip’s extensive experience and leadership, you will receive top-notch instruction and mentorship as you learn to become a PADI Instructor. Our flexible, easy-paced IDC program will teach you how to:

• Organize and teach PADI courses

• Present engaging academic lessons

• Conduct confined- and open-water teaching sessions

Our Guarantee

We want you to succeed! If you don’t pass the PADI Instructor Exam (IE) after completing your PADI Instructor Development Course with us, you can rejoin another IDC at no extra cost (PADI fees not included). Your success is our priority!

Locations in Houston and Cozumel

You can complete your IDC at Sugar Land Dive Center in Houston or at our sister location, Cozumel Dive Academy, for a tropical training experience. No matter which location you choose, we’re committed to helping you become a successful PADI Instructor.

Already a Certified Instructor with Another Agency?

With our easy crossover program, we can help you transition and unlock your full potential as a PADI Instructor.

Contact Us Today!

Reserve your spot today as courses fill up quickly. We’re here to guide you every step of the way toward becoming a PADI Dive Professional in the Greater Houston area.