Deciding where to do your IDC is an important step, and choosing which Course Director and facility is right for you can be difficult.
Choosing a top-quality training center is not easy. We realize that you have choices. We stand for QUALITY, DIVERSITY & COMMITMENT. With a DIVE CAREER HISTORY of over 23 years and still improving, we do listen to your dive career goals!
That's why our PADI Instructor Development Courses and PADI GoPRO courses, are considered one of the premier training courses in the Caribbean.
It is all about asking yourself the right questions.... I will set out below some information about us and our training programs, which I hope you will find helpful at this stage. It is a lot of information, and I hope it answers most of your questions.
Who are we?
Leo Saldunbides is an experienced PADI Course Director with over nine thousand dives on his belt and over 2450 PADI-certified students and GoPRO candidates around the globe, from the warm waters of the Caribbean to the cold waters of Europe. Therefore, I have been awarded by PADI International for many years in a row. These award ratings are given only to those PADI instructor trainers that provide the highest level of quality in professional-level diver training, and the best track record for succeeding as an instructor.
If you want, also take a little time to take a look at what some of our past candidates have to say about their experience with us: www.leosaldunbidescd.com/testimonials.php
Our IDC training
PADI has recently launched the option of splitting the IDC into 3 parts – IDC eLearning, IDC online presentations with the Course Director (ATTENTION, this is NOT the eLearning! The IDC eLearning will also be provided, This is an online presentation with Course Director / IDC Staff for 3 to 4 hours for 7 days before the IDC Practical part starts) AND The IDC practical part with live workshops and Confined and open water presentations will be run at the dive center facility in Curacao island.
This means that you will have access to the most up-to-date, practical, convenient, and also exclusive digital training materials. These materials will be yours as soon as you make your deposit with us so that you can start preparing for your IDC straight away.
Completing part of your training beforehand via eLearning AND THE ONLINE CLASS presentations with our CD means that the time that you spend with us will be utilized in the most beneficial ways. We will help you build on your knowledge and apply your instructor-level skills in a practical way that will help you not just in the IDC and examination process but also when you start your real diving instructor career.
Our IDC practical training part is a 9-day development program. This means that you will save up some days to study, relax, and save on accommodation costs. IDC days are not rushed nor too long, giving you plenty of time to prepare your presentations or enjoy the area. You will also work on your strengths and weaknesses with our dedicated GoPro team. It also means that we can include our special workshops designed to give you a better understanding of how to teach complex skills such as lift-bag use, CESA, DESCENTS & ASCENTS, RESCUE skills, etc., and Dive Theory online review (we do not teach Dive Theory, but review doubts, questions and topics in advance online) classes to improve your knowledge and understanding of dive theory.
As PADI Instructors also need to be EFR Instructors, we run the EFR Instructor Course during the IDC over one day. This is a highly practical and enjoyable course with a focus on Care for Children. The EFR Instructor eLearning is provided.
The final Instructor Examination, run by PADI staff (IE) will take place just after the IDC where you will give presentations in confined, open water and classroom, as well as take PADI Standards and dive theory exams. A PADI Examiner will conduct the I.E.
Besides all of this, we also include a FREE PADI Enriched AIR Nitrox Specialty AND PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor Course, with any purchase of an IDC, plus a FREE FUN dive.
The GoPro Team
All candidates are given one-on-one counseling during all our programs, and our PADI Course Director supervises directly or indirectly all training. Please note, that our PADI Course Director and one of our partner 5 star IDC Center - GoPRO ACADEMY, have trained thousands of recreational and professional level divers for over 20 years, so you can trust your professional training is in the absolute best hands with us.
Our view is that an IDC should not just aim to get you through the IE but should give you enough real-life tips and expert coaching to fully equip you for life as an Instructor. We are passionate about our job and passionate about diving and we hope that you see this in our work!
After your Training
Our Course Director Leo Saldunbides and our partner 5 star IDC Center SCUBA PLAYA - GoPRO ACADEMY in Playa del Carmen - Mexico are one of the most connected and established Course Director and dive centers in the region, and we have a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality training. These two things, together with your unique attributes will help you find employment and success as a dive professional after your graduation.
Be aware will not promise you a job so you sign up for your IDC with us. It all depends on the company`s logistics and season demands. Whilst having dive industry experience and being able to teach in different languages will help you find work, what is more important is having the right attitude and work ethic. We can provide high-quality career-orientated training, a resume-building online workshop, and Employment assistance worldwide, the rest is down to you!
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* IDC ONLINE PART (it`s NOT the PADI IDC eLearning!) Starting 2 weeks before IDC Practical Part. It takes 7 days for 3 to 4 hours a day via Google Meet. IDC eLearning Crew Pack and EFRI eLearning are also mandatory to be completed and will be sent to you after your IDC booking.
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* IDC PRACTICAL PART in PLAYA DEL CARMEN - MEXICO:
-March 4th to 13th, 2024
- July 1st to 10th, 2024
- September 10th to 19th, 2024
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If you need more info, please, do not hesitate to get in contact!
