PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)

The PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program is the final instructional phase of the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and prepares dive professionals to independently teach and certify PADI divers. The course is designed to develop confident, knowledgeable, and professional instructors capable of conducting academic presentations, confined water training, and open water teaching in accordance with PADI standards.

During the OWSI program, candidates refine demonstration-quality dive skills, instructional techniques, risk management practices, student control, and problem-solving abilities while gaining a deeper understanding of dive theory and the PADI educational system. Emphasis is placed on creating positive learning environments, adapting teaching methods to student needs, and maintaining the highest levels of diver safety and professionalism.

The course includes:

• Knowledge development and dive theory review
• Classroom and knowledge development presentations
• Confined water teaching presentations
• Open water teaching presentations
• Rescue assessment and skill evaluation
• Standards, procedures, and risk management workshops
• Professionalism and dive business development

Successful completion of the OWSI program qualifies candidates to attend the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), where they demonstrate teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, skill performance, and understanding of PADI standards. Upon successful completion of the IE and fulfillment of all certification requirements, candidates earn the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor rating and may independently teach and certify divers in a wide range of PADI recreational scuba programs.