The dive instructor internship itinerary can vary depending on:
- What level you will start the dive instructor internship at. Note: You must have 6 months between being certified as an Open Water Diver and the PADI Instructor Exam.
- The pace that you want to take the internship at.
Most dive instructor internship itineraries tend to last between 3-7 months but some have been longer. Below is a sample itinerary based on diving a few times a week (including course time).
Arrival on the Kenyan Coast
Pickup from Mombasa or Ukunda airport and transport to Diani to get you settled in at the dive intern accommodation and orientated to the dive school
Week 1 – Orientation and Open Water Course
Days 2 & 3 are spent acclimatising yourself and finding out about the local area around Diani. If you are being fitted out for your own diving equipment in Kenya this will happen on day 2. You will also run through your training schedule with the internship manager and find time to study your PADI Open Water digital materials. On day 4 it is time to start diving with the PADI Open Water Diver course which will take place over 4 days.
Week 2 – Begin to Get Advanced
Start your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course (3 days) and just get out fun diving to get experience and build your dive count. Begin PADI Specialty diver courses to be completed by the end of your program (5 in total)
Week 3 – Learn Your Rescue Skills
EFR and CPR training (1 day) followed by the PADI Rescue Diver course (3 days)and some more recreational dives and relaxation.
Week 4 – Begin the Divemaster Training
Dive theory. Log more experience dives and practice your staged diving skills.
Week 5 – Get More Specialised and Experienced
2 x PADI Specialty Diver Courses and logging experience dives
Week 6 – Divemaster Course
Now we’re getting responsible. Begin Your PADI Divemaster course and the entry-level to professional diving.Â
Weeks 7-10 – Divemaster Trainee
Assist with leading divers and gaining experience, all the time logging more dives.
Weeks 8-12 – Divemaster Certification and Work Experience
Once you complete the Divemaster course it’s time for work experience with Ocean Tribe instructors.
Weeks 13-15 – PADI IDC Instructor Development Course
IDC Preparation course, EFR Instructor Course, PADI IDC, and PADI Instructor Examination to become a PADI Diving Instructor.
Week 16 – PADI Instructor Continuing Education
PADI Specialty Instructor Courses and PADI Team Teaching with another PADI Dive Instructor to introduce you to teaching a PADI dive course.
