PADI Specialty Diver

PADI Specialty Instructors have the best of both worlds. Not only have
they earned the qualifications to conduct main stream dive programs such
as the PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced, Rescue Diver and Divemaster
programs, they can also conduct PADI Specialty Diver programs. These
programs help divers to hone their skills in specific area or facets of
diving such as wreck, night and deep diving.

PADI has a variety of standardized specialty diver programs that you may
conduct once you have earned PADI Specialty Instructors rating in that
specific area. Each program is supported by and outlines a variety
of other student learning materials. In addition to the standardized
specialty programs, as a PADI Assistant Instructor or higher you may
write your own distinctive specialty programs, which may be conducted
once approved by PADI.

If you're already a PADI Assistant Instructor or higher and want to
qualify as a PADI Specialty Instructor, you'll need to attend a
Specialty Instructor Training Program (conducted by a PADI Course
Director) or apply directly to PADI.

During the Specialty Instructor Training Program you'll receive valuable
hands-on training, technique demonstrations, program marketing
information, current PADI Standards information and, when applicable,
instructor-level open water training. To enroll in a Specialty
Instructor Training Program, you must be a renewed PADI
Assistant Instructor (certified/upgraded using the 1995 revised
curriculum), a renewed PADI Underwater Instructor (or PADI Instructor
with a higher rating) or have completed an IDC/IOC** within the past 12
months.

*After successfully completing specialty instructor training, PADI
Assistant Instructors may apply only for PADI Specialty Instructor
certification in nondiving specialties.

**Instructor candidates may apply for PADI Specialty Instructor
certification only after becoming certified PADI Instructors.

[list of speciality dives on PADI Courses front page]