PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) in Vietnam
Are you ready to turn your passion for the ocean into a global career? At Rainbow Divers Vietnam, we don’t just teach you how to pass an exam; we train you to become a world-class diving educator. Our PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) in Nha Trang is the gold standard for professional training in Southeast Asia. As the longest-established PADI CDC (Career Development Centre) in Vietnam, we provide a real-world learning environment that combines 27 years of industry leadership with the latest PADI digital teaching tools.
Why Take Your IDC with Vietnam’s PADI Flagship Dive Center?
Choosing where to take your IDC is the most critical decision of your professional life. Rainbow Divers focus on Quality, Not Quantity. We don't run "candidate factories"; we mentor individuals. When you join the Rainbow Academy, you are learning from the team that literally introduced PADI to Vietnam.
Meet Your Course Director: Jeremy Stein
Your training is led by Jeremy Stein, Vietnam's most experienced PADI Course Director. With thousands of instructors trained and a 100% IE passing record, Jeremy’s mentorship is legendary. He is supported by a multilingual pro-team (teaching in English, Vietnamese, Russian, and French), ensuring you receive personalized feedback in a language you’re comfortable with.
"25 consecutive years of receiving awards of excellence from PADI. I am humbled, but this is a TEAM effort, so thanks to all of my committed Pro-Team; not possible without you!"
Jeremy Stein, PADI Course Director, Founder of Rainbow Divers
PADI IDC & IE Schedule in Nha Trang
Our IDCs are held 2 to 3 times a year in the diving capital of Vietnam—Nha Trang. Our 10-day program is designed to be intensive yet supportive, covering everything from physics and physiology to classroom and open-water teaching presentations.
- 10-Day IDC + 2-Day IE: A comprehensive dive into professional standards.
- EFRI (Emergency First Response Instructor): Included in our core training packages.
- MSDT Internship: For those wanting to stay longer, we offer Master Scuba Diver Trainer prep to make you instantly more employable.
The PADI IE: Your Path to Global Certification
The Instructor Examination (IE) is your final step. Because our IDC standards are so high, our candidates consistently walk into the IE with confidence. We provide all the logistics, from pool access to boat transfers, so you can focus entirely on your performance.
Career Internships & Success
We never "guarantee" a job, but we never let a great instructor leave without an offer if a position is open at one of our centers across Vietnam. Our graduates are currently working in top dive resorts from the Maldives to the Caribbean. When you train with Rainbow Divers, you aren't just getting a license; you're joining a 27-year tradition of professional excellence.
JANUARY 2026 IDC
The next PADI IDC in 2026
JUNE 21ST
Nha Trang-Vietnam
IDC, EFRI + IE
ANY OTHER MONTH
SUBJECT TO MINIMUM 5 CANDIDATES
(SO BRING A FEW FRIENDS :-)
WE TEACH IN
AMERICAN, ENGLISH, RUSSIAN + VIETNAMESE
IDC-Staff Courses also available
must be MSDT certified
(You can achieve this during an Internship with us before the IDC-Staff Course)
This Training + Development Course sets the Diving Industry standards Worldwide
Start with your Theory online.
Please arrive with your Divemaster Knowledge current!
Attend our IDC, usually held in Nha Trang (but can consider alternative locations subject to a minimum of 6 candidates), which incorporates Classroom, Pool + Boat training
Complete your EFR Instructor Course.
Attend a 2-day evaluation at the Instructor Examination (IE)
Our Prerequisites:
Be 18 or older
You must be a PADI Divemaster, or an Instructor in good standing from another acceptable Association, and been certified for over 12 months.
You need to have over 100 logged dives in varying conditions, especially Deep, Navigation, Night + Nitrox
You need to have professional-level dive theory
Course Requirements + Costs:
IDC Digital Crewpack + Slates US$650 +/-
EFRI eLearning $150
(If you order through Rainbow Divers: Final price may vary depending on shipping + Taxes)
IDC Training US$750
ERFI Training US$150
Mandatory Dive Accessories (2 Signalling devices, Dive Computer, Compass, Knife, Torch, Pocket Mask) POA
(or bring your own)
IE + Annual Membership (paid at the IE) US$1,200 +/-
(Standard Worldwide)
5 PADI SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
Deep, Navigation, Nitrox, Night + Self Reliant Training
US$500 (plus registration with PADI)
Rainbow Divers are the leading PADI IDC Centres in Vietnam and held their 1st IDC in June 2001
The IDC + EFRI lasts 10 Days with the emphasis on real-life application!
Our PADI Course Director, Englishman Jeremy Stein, established the recreational diving industry
throughout Vietnam in 1997.
He is the most experienced Instructor-Trainer in Vietnam and regarded as the consummate diving professional!
He Team-Teaches the IDCs with
Vietnamese PADI Master Instructors Kha Mai + Khuong Nguyen
American IDC Staff Instructor Jo Palko
Russian IDC Staff Instructors Irek Latypov + Alexey Nikolaev
English EFR Instructor-Trainer Matt Shaw
JANUARY 2026 IDC
SEPTEMBER 2025
JUNE 2025
SEPTEMBER 25 NHA TRANG IDC
APRIL 25 NHA TRANG IDC
APRIL 2024 NHA TRANG IDC
JANUARY 2024 NHA TRANG IDC
Successful IE Candidates: January 2024
The successful April 2023 IDC Candidates, now Rainbow-Trained PADI Instructors,
Minh, Holly + Lene with PADI Examiner Rob and new IDC Staff Instructor Mike
