You’ve decided to do your IDC. Great. But before you book flights and pack your bags, you need to make sure you actually qualify. PADI has specific prerequisites, and showing up without them means you can’t start.
Here’s everything you need sorted before day one.
Certification Requirements
You must be a PADI Divemaster (or hold an equivalent certification from another recognised agency like SSI, NAUI, or BSAC). If you trained with another agency, you’ll need to complete a PADI Divemaster crossover before the IDC.
You also need Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) certification. Most IDC centres include the EFRI course in their package.
Dive Experience
- 60 logged dives minimum to start the IDC
- 100 logged dives minimum to sit the Instructor Exam (IE)
If you’re between 60 and 100 dives, you can start the IDC but you’ll need to build your numbers before the IE. Many centres offer pre-IDC dive packages to help you hit 100 dives in the weeks before the exam.
Time as a Certified Diver
You must have been a certified diver for at least 6 months. This is measured from your original Open Water certification date.
Medical Clearance
You need a dive medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months. Standard dive medical, not a specialist examination (unless you have specific health conditions). Medical checks in the Philippines are inexpensive — typically PHP 500 to 1,000.
Age
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of the IDC.
Documents to Bring
- PADI Divemaster certification card (or equivalent)
- Logbook with all dives recorded
- Medical clearance (signed within 12 months)
- EFR Primary and Secondary Care certification (current within 24 months)
- Passport-sized photos (2-4)
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay)
Equipment
- Mask, snorkel, fins, boots
- BCD (buoyancy control device)
- Regulator with alternate air source and SPG
- Wetsuit (3mm is fine for the Philippines)
- Dive computer
- SMB (surface marker buoy) and reel
- Slate or underwater writing tools
What If You're Not Quite Ready?
Not enough dives: Come early and dive. Malapascua has incredible diving and you can build from 60 to 100+ dives in a few weeks.
Not a Divemaster yet: Consider a Divemaster programme or internship first.
No EFRI: Don’t stress. Most centres include this in the IDC package.
Rusty skills: A pre-IDC preparation course refreshes your diving skills and knowledge before the intensive IDC period begins.