When I signed up for the PADI Instructor Development Course (PADI IDC) with Fulidhoo Dive Maldives and Course Director Ali Miuraj, I knew it would be an intense and transformative journey — but I didn’t realize just how much I would grow, both as a diver and as a person. Now, with our Instructor Examination (IE) just completed last week, I can honestly say this has been one of the most fun, rewarding, and unforgettable experiences of my life.

Morning: Coffee, Briefings, and Dive Theory

Amazing conditions for confined water training!

The sun rises over Fulidhoo Island and sets the tone for another day in the Instructor Development Course (IDC) here at Fulidhoo Dive, a PADI 5-Star IDC Resort.

The day begins early. By 7:30 AM, most of us are at the dive center, coffee cups in hand, chatting about the previous day’s lessons or helping each other review theory. The Course Director – Ali Miuraj and Staff Instructor – Rifaad are already there, ready to brief us on the plan for the day.

Mornings often start in the classroom — going over dive physics, physiology, equipment, and PADI standards. The amount of information can be overwhelming at first, but the way our instructors teach makes it engaging and interactive. It’s not just about memorizing; it’s about understanding how to think and teach like a PADI Instructor.

Midday: Confined Water Sessions

Instructor Development Course – confined water training!

After a short break, we head to the lagoon for confined water training. Fulidhoo’s shallow, calm waters are the perfect environment to practice skills — mask clearing, buoyancy control, alternate air sharing, and so much more.

Each of us takes turns being the “instructor,” presenting and demonstrating a skill to our peers as if they were our students. It’s nerve-wracking at first, but after a few sessions, it becomes second nature.

Our Course Director provides detailed feedback after every presentation. It’s never intimidating — instead, it’s constructive and encouraging. You can feel yourself improving with each dive, gaining confidence not just in your own skills, but in your ability to teach them effectively.

Afternoon: Open Water Adventures

My happy face after passing my IE!

After lunch, we move on to open water dives. Here, we practice managing groups, leading dives, and handling real-world scenarios like assisting students underwater or responding to minor issues calmly.

Fulidhoo’s dive sites are stunning — from coral gardens teeming with life to gentle currents that make for great drift dives. Learning here doesn’t feel like work; it feels like living the dream.

Evening: Debriefs, Theory Reviews, and Friendship

By sunset, we return to the dive center. The evenings are for debriefs — going over what we did well and what we can refine. Then, it’s time to relax, share dinner, before heading back to the classroom for some late night study!

It’s these small moments — laughing with your classmates, helping each other prepare for teaching presentations, or talking about future plans — that make the IDC experience truly special.

Late Evening: Mock Exams and Study Sessions

Even after sunset, the learning continues. Some evenings are spent reviewing the day’s lessons, while others are dedicated to mock exams that prepare us for the official IE.

When we have extra time, we do self-study sessions, revisiting theory topics or working through past exam questions together. These nights are usually filled with laughter, coffee, and teamwork — everyone helping one another to master the material.

It’s not uncommon to see a group of candidates still gathered around the whiteboard at 9:30 PM, sharing notes, explaining physics problems, or testing each other on PADI standards. It’s intense!

The IDC Experience: Fun, Challenging, and Rewarding

Successful PADI IDC candidates after passing their PADI Instructor Examination!

What I loved most about this IDC was how balanced it felt — a mix of serious training and genuine fun. The Fulidhoo Dive team created a learning environment that was professional but relaxed, structured yet full of joy. 

Every day came with challenges, but with the support of our Course Director and Staff Instructors, we overcame them together. By the time we reached the IE, we felt ready — confident in our skills, our knowledge, and ourselves.

And when we finally passed the IE, the feeling was indescribable. All the hard work, long study hours, and practice sessions paid off. We weren’t just divers anymore — we were instructors.

Reflections

Looking back, the PADI IDC wasn’t just about earning a certification — it was about personal growth, resilience, and discovering new possibilities.

For me, this journey was especially meaningful. I’ve never considered myself academically inclined, and traditional studies were always a challenge. But the IDC showed me that with passion, commitment, and the right guidance, you can achieve incredible things — no matter where you start.

With the support of the Fulidhoo Dive team, I learned not only the skills needed to become a PADI Instructor but also gained the confidence to believe in myself.

To my fellow Maldivians who might think a diving career is out of reach — it’s not. You don’t need to be top of your class to succeed; you just need heart, determination, and a love for the ocean.

At Fulidhoo Dive, you’ll find a team that supports you every step of the way — from your first dive to becoming a certified instructor. This place doesn’t just train divers; it builds confident, capable professionals who are ready to inspire the next generation beneath the surface. 🌊🤿

Ready to start your own IDC journey?
Join our upcoming PADI IDC Instructor Development Course from November 22 to December 7, 2025.
Take the plunge with us and become part of a growing community of passionate Maldivian and international dive professionals.