PADI Freediver Instructor
Become a PADI Freediver Instructor. Classroom standards work paired with supervised pool and open water teaching practicums, finishing with a final evaluation by a PADI Course Director.
Before you enroll
This course builds on earlier training. You will need the following before joining:
Open-water freediving credential to 32 metres
- PADI Master Freediver 32m
Hold an equivalent qualification from another agency? Mention it when you check out and we will verify it for you.
Highlights
- Teach PADI Skin Diver, Freediver, and Advanced Freediver
- Classroom standards work with a PADI Course Director
- Pool and open water teaching practicums under supervision
- Final evaluation and instructor application processing
How the course unfolds
- 01
Phase 1: eLearning + Standards
Self-paced PADI Freediver Instructor eLearning. Standards, teaching philosophy, risk management, and the PADI system of instruction. Completed before classroom work begins.
- 02
Phase 2: Classroom Presentations
Lesson planning, presenting theory to a real audience, and evaluating student knowledge. Practice presentations are videoed and reviewed with a Course Director.
- 03
Phase 3: Pool Teaching Practicum
Teach skill demonstrations and pool sessions to real Freediver and Advanced Freediver candidates under direct supervision. Refine your safety, briefing, and feedback delivery.
- 04
Phase 4: Open Water Teaching Practicum
Lead open water teaching dives, manage line setup and safety, and run rescue scenarios. The transition from freediver to instructor is locked in here.
- 05
Phase 5: Final Evaluation
Standards examination, final teaching evaluation, and instructor application. On successful completion, your credential is processed with PADI.
By the end you’ll
- Authorised to teach PADI Skin Diver, Freediver, and Advanced Freediver
- Confident classroom presentation and lesson-planning skills
- Pool and open water teaching technique with safety as first priority
- Standards-driven evaluation of student performance
- PADI Freediver Instructor credential recognised worldwide
Course requirements
What every student completes to finish this course.
Complete the e-learning module
Required to complete
Finish the PADI Freediver Instructor e-learning, covering standards, teaching theory, and the instructor manual, before classroom sessions begin.
Pass the standards classroom exam
Required to complete
Complete the PADI Freediver Instructor standards exam at the passing mark with the Course Director.
Teach a confined-water session
Required to complete
Plan and deliver a full confined-water lesson to candidate students under Course Director supervision, including brief, drill, debrief, and safety oversight.
Teach an open-water session
Required to complete
Plan and deliver a full open-water lesson to candidate students under Course Director supervision, including line setup, safety roles, and post-dive debrief.
Rescue at 20m with 30m surface tow
Required to complete
Demonstrate the full unconscious-diver protocol from 20m to the surface with a 30m tow, rescue breaths, and simulated CPR cues to the standard expected of an instructor leading the rescue.
Supervise a student to target depth
Required to complete
Run safety for a candidate student diving to their course-target depth: brief, in-water positioning, matched ascent, and surface protocol observation.
Constant weight (CWT) confidence dive at 24m
Target: 24 m
Personal confidence dive: descend to 24m in constant weight, turn cleanly, and surface with a clean protocol. Shows the instructor still performs at credible depth.
Static apnea (STA) at 3:00
Target: 3m 00s
Personal benchmark hold of 3 minutes or longer with a buddy running tap signals, followed by the recovery breathing protocol.
Pass final Course Director evaluation
Required to complete
Pass the final evaluation by the PADI Course Director across teaching presence, safety judgement, and standards adherence. Required for instructor application.
Who this course is for
- PADI Master Freediver certification (or qualifying equivalent)
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Logged dives demonstrating depth and consistency at advanced level
- Current PADI freediver medical statement signed by a physician
- Emergency First Response (CPR / first aid) credential current within 24 months
What’s included
Included
- PADI Freediver Instructor eLearning and digital materials
- Classroom standards review with a PADI Course Director
- Pool and open water teaching practicums under supervision
- Final teaching evaluation and standards examination
- PADI Freediver Instructor application processing
Not included
- PADI Membership and annual renewal fees
- Insurance (Diving instructor liability cover required to teach)
- Personal teaching gear (mask, fins, weights, line setup)
- Travel, accommodation, and meals during the programme
- Re-evaluation fees if standards are not met on first attempt
Extras
- Mentorship support after certification through your first 5 courses
- Co-teaching opportunities on Swimiss-run programmes
- Discounted continuing education for instructor-level specialties
Prefer a chat first?
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