Enhancing Skills Through My Instructor Development Course Journey

My adventure with Paul and the team at Bespoke Scuba began in July 2025, after completing my #PADI Divemaster certification in May 2025 while studying at university in Newcastle.

It wasn’t until I was on holiday in Malta, spending my days scuba diving, that I truly realised I wanted to take things further and become a PADI Instructor. After some research into IDC options in Essex, Bespoke Scuba stood out and that led to my first conversation with Paul to explore my next steps.

I knew I wanted to continue scuba diving during my placement year in Essex. Wanting to stay active in the diving community and continue my development. Even during that initial chat I could tell that Paul understood exactly what I needed from an IDC and could support me throughout the process.

Unlike many IDCs, which are often completed intensively over a single week or so, mine was spread over several months, with training taking place on weekends that suited me best.

This flexibility immediately put me at ease and confirmed that I had made the right choice. As a relatively new Divemaster, I knew I would need strong guidance and support, particularly in developing confidence in a teaching and leadership role. I really wanted to enhance my skills through my Instructor Development course journey.

Throughout my IDC, Paul and the entire Bespoke team provided constant encouragement, patience and support. They created an environment where I felt comfortable learning, making mistakes and growing not just as a diver, but as a professional.

What started as a training programme quickly became something much more and I now proudly call many of the people I trained alongside friends.

I successfully completed my IDC in October 2025 and felt completely ready to take on the Instructor Examination, which took place on the first weekend of December 2025. The IE is an intense two-day process made up of multiple sections designed to test both knowledge and practical ability. What was great was that Paul, Jan and Zac were there to cheer me along during the entire process.

The weekend began with the written exams first the PADI Standards exam, followed by the Dive Theory. For me, this was the most challenging part of the IE, as it required a high level of individual commitment and revision. Once the exams were completed successfully, the pressure immediately lifted and the remainder of the weekend felt far more relaxed.

Next came the Knowledge Development presentation. Having completed countless practice presentations during the IDC, this section felt familiar and comfortable. From there, we moved on to the practical elements the skill circuit and confined water teaching in the pool. Although I felt nervous beforehand, once we began everything seemed to click, with the training and preparation taking over.

Day Two focused on the open water sections. I began with Rescue Exercise 7, which, despite the nerves, felt controlled and smooth thanks to the extensive preparation throughout the IDC. This was followed by my open water teaching presentation. Even in the freezing December conditions, the briefing, in-water teaching, and skill corrections flowed naturally, supported by the structure and techniques Paul had taught me.

The final hurdle was the debrief. It’s a moment that suddenly makes everything feel very real, but having practised this repeatedly during the IDC, it was over quickly. Looking back, I can honestly say that Paul makes the IDC challenging but that challenge is exactly what makes the Instructor Exam feel manageable. Despite the nerves, everything felt like it fell into place when it mattered most.

Whats next for Me? Teaching and also finishing my MSDT Preperation Courses that I have booked.

Want to become a PADI Instructor? Book your Instructor Development Course #IDC with Paul #PADI #coursedirector at #Bespokescubadiving

Take your PADI Instructor Development Course with Bespoke Scuba Diving - Become a PADI Instructor - Be properly prpared to pass your Instructors exam.

Evan celebrating success