Assistant Instructor
PADI Assistant Instructors are dive educators who assist with, organize and
supervise knowledge development, confined water and open water activities. Assistant instructors work in partnership with PADI Instructors to provide student divers with quality knowledge and skill development during PADI programs. The teaching skills assistant instructors develop during their training allows them to independently conduct several PADI programs, and with further training they may also teach nondiving specialty courses, as well as the Emergency First Response program.

Open Water Scuba Instructor
The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) rating is the first PADI Instructor
level attained by dive professionals. During their training (either an Instructor
Development Course or OWSI Program), instructor candidates review PADI
Standards, procedures, philosophies and teaching methods as well as hone their practical teaching ability, watermanship, and diving knowledge. After successfully completing a PADI Instructor Examination (IE), OWSIs take responsibility for introducing people to scuba diving through various PADI programs and courses. Teaching status PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors may conduct the entire range of PADI programs from Discover Scuba Diving up to Divemaster (except for specialties which require specific Specialty Instructor ratings).

Master Scuba Diver Trainer
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainers are PADI Instructors who have at least five PADI Specialty Instructor ratings, which qualifies them to conduct all training requirements for the Master Scuba Diver rating.

Emergency First Response Instructor
Emergency First Response Instructors are PADI Instructors, Assistant Instructors and Divemasters who have satisfactorily completed an Emergency First Response Instructor course. Emergency First Response Instructors may conduct the program for divers and nondivers who want CPR and first aid training including basic emergency medical care knowledge and skills. Emergency First Response Instructors may earn additional credentials and be authorized to teach other Emergency First Response programs such as the Care for Children course or First Aid at Work programs. Additional training or qualifications may be required to earn these credentials.

IDC Staff Instructor
PADI IDC Staff Instructors are PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainers who have successfully completed an IDC Staff Instructor course. During their training, IDC Staff Instructors overview the entire PADI Instructor Development program and learn to act as assistants during instructor-level training courses. IDC Staff Instructors work with PADI Course Directors to develop instructor candidates' teaching abilities as well as shape their attitudes as dive professionals. IDC Staff Instructors are also authorized to independently conduct PADI Assistant Instructor courses.

Master Instructor
PADI Master Instructors are experienced dive educators who have achieved one
of the highest PADI Instructor ratings. Master Instructors have demonstrated a
thorough understanding of the PADI System of diver education and have experience conducting the entire range of programs and courses. Master Instructors are members of the PADI Master Instructor Review Committee, which is called on from time to time to review and comment on changes to programs and standards. As a membership benefit, Master Instructors receive a three percent discount on all material orders.

Course Director
PADI Course Directors are PADI Instructor trainers. The PADI Course Director rating denotes the highest instructor achievement in the PADI System. To become a Course Director, PADI Master Instructors complete a PADI Course Director Training Course during which they learn how to conduct PADI Instructor Development programs and gain experience in developing dive educators. Course Directors are among the dive industry's most influential opinion makers and play a critical role in shaping the attitudes and abilities of PADI Instructors. They serve as role models for other PADI Members in regards to PADI instruction, diver training and professionalism.

Gold Palm Instructor Development Center
A Gold Palm Instructor Development Center (Gold Palm IDC) is a PIRA Resort that not only meets all Gold Palm Resort standards, but also offers PADI Instructor-level training.Gold Palm IDCs offer PADI training exclusively and conduct programs as recommended by PADI standards. Having a PADI Course Director on staff indicates the Gold Palm IDC's commitment to offering the complete PADI System of diver education including instructor development programs and continuing education opportunities to dive professionals. Beyond those benefits they already have as Gold Palm Resorts, Gold Palm IDCs can advertise their instructor development programs in the PADI Calendar. They also receive the id news, which contains articles about instructor training and information regarding changes, revisions and updates to the PADI System.