PADI IDC STAFF : HIKKADUWA
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who conducts the IDC Staff Instructor course at Poseidon Diving?
Mark Soworka, one of the world’s most successful and experienced PADI Course Directors, personally leads this course at Poseidon Diving in Hikkaduwa.
What makes Mark Soworka stand out as a mentor?
Mark brings unmatched global experience, having issued thousands of instructor certifications across different continents, and is known for personal attention and practical industry insights for staff instructor candidates.
How does the Staff Instructor course help refresh my standards and teaching knowledge?
Participating in the IDC Staff Instructor program lets you revisit all current PADI standards in depth, update your understanding of instructor development, and enables auditing of an entire IDC from a staff perspective—revealing the latest best practices and policies.
Will I gain new insights compared to my original IDC?
Absolutely. When taking the Staff Instructor course, the focus shifts from passing the instructor exam to analyzing the teaching methodologies, evaluation techniques, candidate support, and subtle nuances missed when the main concern was the IE.
How does this course invigorate teaching skills?
As a Staff Instructor candidate, you will participate in real-time evaluations, presentations, and feedback sessions. You can update your own teaching style, see new approaches, and learn how course directors guide the IDC process for better results.
Is completing the Staff Instructor course essential for becoming a Course Director?
Yes—IDC Staff Instructor is an essential milestone toward qualifying for PADI Course Director Training. It allows direct mentorship experience with candidates and prepares you for higher-level instructional roles in the industry.
What support does Mark Soworka provide for candidates aiming for Course Director?
Mark offers unique career mentorship, sharing the critical experience, skills, and contacts needed to succeed in the competitive course director application process and future roles as dive educators and leaders.
What practical skills are developed on the course?
The Staff Instructor program includes hands-on practice in candidate evaluation, presentation skills, counseling, sharing effective feedback, and mastering the full IDC staff responsibilities—equipping you to teach assistant instructor candidates and support full instructor development programs.
How do I know if this course is right for my career?
If you’re passionate about teaching, mentoring new instructors, staying updated on PADI standards, and potentially stepping into course director roles, the IDC Staff Instructor course with Mark Soworka is the ideal next step.
Completing your IDC Staff Instructor course at Poseidon Diving with Mark Soworka offers renewed teaching inspiration, an advanced skill set, and direct support for instructors aspiring to top scuba education careers.
Pre-requisites:
To qualify for training on your PADI IDC Staff Instructor Course, you must:
- Be at least 18 YEARS OLD
- Be certified as a diver for at LEAST SIX MONTHS
- Be a qualified PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)
- Be fit for diving and submit a PADI MEDICAL STATEMENT signed by a physician within the last 12 months
- Have proof of CPR and FIRST AID TRAINING within the last 24 months
(The PADI EFR course meets this requirement)
Additional PADI Fees (Not Included in the Course Price)
These fees are payable directly to PADI by credit card in AUD and excludes GST
- PADI Staff Instructor Application Fee – AUD$236
Information
| Start Date | 19/10/2026 |
| End Date | 03/11/2026 |
| Price | 950USD |
| Location | HIKKADUWA, Sri Lanka |
| Attachments |
PADI-Diver-Medical-Form.pdf
enrollment-form.pdf |
Our Team
Lal Sembkutti
PADI INSTRUCTOR
Mark Soworka
PADI PLATINUM CD
Our Partners
Poseidon Diving Station



