If you’re an avid freediver, you likely spend a lot of time thinking about freediving, talking about freediving and sharing the details your latest freediving adventures. Becoming a PADI Freediver Instructor lets you take your passion for freediving to the next level and allows you to do what you enjoy as a profession. You must earn the PADI Freediver Instructor rating, but you gain a job that lets you share incredible underwater achievements with others – transforming their lives for the better while enriching yours.

There are two paths to earning the PADI Freediver Instructor rating. The first is for experienced freedivers who gain instructional skills by attending a PADI Freediver Instructor Training Course. The second path is for freediver instructors who want to join the PADI organization by attending a PADI Freediver Instructor Orientation.

To enroll in a PADI Freediver Instructor Training Course, you must be at least 18 years old, have a PADI Master Freediver certification (or have a qualifying certification), be a current Emergency First Response Instructor (or qualifying CPR/first aid instructor) and present a medical statement signed by a physician within 12 months.

Note that PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors (or higher rating) who have a PADI Advanced Freediver certification and are current Emergency First Response Instructor (or qualifying CPR/first aid instructor) and present a medical statement signed by a physician within 12 months may enroll in a PADI Freediver Instructor Training Course.

The PADI Freediver Instructor Training Course, over a minimum of four days, during both classroom and inwater sessions, you cover these key topics:

PADI Freediver course standards and procedures

Learning and Instruction

Teaching Skills and Supervising Freedivers

Safety and Risk Management

Freediving Physiology and Psychology

Organizing and Marketing Freediving

In the PADI Freediver Instructor Orientation, which may be conducted in person or as a webinar over a few hours, you cover these key topics:

PADI Freediver course standards and procedures

Organizing and Marketing Freediving

For both program, there is also a Care for the Environment topic and a written final exam

Start learning immediately by reading through the PADI Freediver Program Instructor Guide.

Your PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer will schedule sessions to complete your training.