An eligibility check should happen before a non-refundable booking. Collect your certification history and recent records, then ask the Course Director to confirm the current requirements against the dates of your proposed programme. This page summarises public information checked on 1 October 2026; it does not approve an application.
An eligibility check that can be audited
- Collect records
- Check the programme dates
- Resolve equivalency
- Get stage-specific confirmation
This diagram summarises the article. It is not an in-water procedure, identification image or competency assessment.
What PADI’s public pages say
PADI lists a Divemaster or qualifying leadership background, at least six months as a certified diver, 60 logged dives for IDC entry and 100 to attend the IE. It also lists CPR/first-aid training within 24 months and physician-signed medical documentation within 12 months. PADI’s preparation article states a minimum age of 18. EFR Instructor is a separate requirement that can be addressed during instructor training. Confirm the exact application rules and dates with the Course Director.
Make a document review appointment
Send records through the provider’s appropriate private channel, not through public trip notes. Ask which documents are accepted, how equivalency is assessed and whether any expiry could fall between course entry and examination. A document being current today does not necessarily make it current on the date it is required.
Resolve exceptions through the authority
If your qualification came from another agency, your name differs between records or your log is incomplete, request a written answer before making travel commitments. Do not guess an equivalency from a similar course title. Record the decision, who made it and which stage it covers so an IDC-entry conversation is not mistaken for IE approval.
A practical comparison
| Look at | What it tells you | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| IDC entry | Leadership background, age, experience and records | Ask the Course Director to assess the complete file |
| IE attendance | Separate logged-dive and programme requirements | Check before fixing examination travel |
| Date-sensitive records | First aid and medical documentation | Review against the actual programme dates |
THINK IT THROUGH
A question to take away
Your medical document is current when you book but may be older at the examination. What should you do?
Read the explanation
Ask the Course Director which dates govern acceptance and arrange any required update before committing to the schedule.
Common questions
Does meeting a minimum dive count prove readiness?
No. Minimum entry criteria and preparedness to benefit from training are different questions.
Can YouDive assess a medical or an equivalent qualification?
No. Use the relevant medical professional, PADI and the Course Director through appropriate private channels.
Sources and what they support
Source pages checked 2026-10-01. The practical questions and exercises are YouDive editorial material. Source checking is not independent specialist review.
- PADI: Instructor Development Course ↗
AI/OWSI structure, logged dives, first-aid and medical prerequisites, EFR Instructor requirement.
- PADI: what to consider before an IDC ↗
Entry age, preparation and choosing training.