Join Hydronauts' RAID Instructor Development Program and learn how to teach, guide, and inspire the next generation of divers. Intensive, hands-on training that prepares you for real-world instruction and the RAID Instructor Exam.
It's about learning how to teach, guide, and inspire the next generation of divers.
At Hydronauts, our RAID Instructor Development Program (IDP) is a 17-day course built around modern training methods, personal mentorship, and real teaching practice. You'll work closely with our in-house Instructor Trainer as you develop the knowledge, confidence, and teaching skills to succeed as a professional instructor.
From classroom workshops to confined water skill presentations and open water teaching scenarios, every step of the program prepares you for the RAID Instructor Exam — and for a career teaching divers anywhere in the world.
Pre-Course Orientation
10–12 days before the IDP begins, you'll join a one-day orientation — either in person or online. It's a chance to get you set up with RAID's digital system, meet your trainer, and make sure you're fully set up to start strong on Day 1.
Days 1–6 — Building Your Foundation as an Instructor
- Get to know RAID's teaching philosophy, standards, and digital system.
- Practice clear academic presentations and student communication.
- Deliver confined water skill sessions with feedback from your trainer.
- Learn how to structure and deliver open water lessons.
- Dive into risk management and real-world problem solving.
- Train in rescue management at instructor level.
- Explore student psychology and performance evaluation.
Days 7–17 — Teaching in Action
- Run full teaching scenarios in both confined and open water.
- Polish your classroom and workshop presentation skills.
- Refine group control, positioning, and professional awareness.
- Grow into the role of an instructor with daily support and feedback.
After the Course — Instructor Exam (IE)
When you've completed the 17-day program, you'll sit the RAID Instructor Exam. This 2-day evaluation is run independently by a RAID-appointed examiner. Passing it means you're a fully qualified RAID Open Circuit Instructor — ready to teach, inspire, and lead anywhere in the world.
- Mentorship with Rafa – Your IDP is led by Hydronauts' in-house Instructor Trainer, Rafa. With years of experience and a practical, no-nonsense approach, his mentorship is personal, supportive, and focused on making you a confident instructor.
- Personalized preparation – Before the course even begins, you'll join a one-day orientation, in person or online, so you start the IDP fully prepared. No surprises, no scrambling, just a smooth launch into your training.
- Focused 17-day development – The IDP combines classroom workshops, digital learning, confined water practice, and open water teaching scenarios. Every part of the course builds your skills step by step, so you're ready for both the RAID Instructor Exam and real-world teaching.
- Specialty instructor ratings included – Alongside your core qualification, you'll graduate certified to teach Nitrox, Deep 40, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider. These specialties make you more employable and give your career a head start.
- Performance under pressure – Through realistic teaching scenarios and rescue management at instructor level, you'll learn to stay calm, solve problems, and support students even in challenging situations.
- The RAID way – RAID training is modern, fully digital, and performance-driven. With no renewal fees and a focus on what you can actually do, RAID prepares you for a sustainable career in diving.
Once you've passed the RAID Instructor Exam, you'll be certified to teach a wide range of RAID programs, giving you the tools to start working immediately and grow your career.
- Try Dive (Introductory Scuba Experience)
- Scuba Diver
- Open Water 20
- Explorer 30
- Advanced 35
- Deep 40
- Nitrox
- Master Rescue Diver
- First Aid
- O₂ Administrator
This mix of entry-level, continuing education, and specialty courses makes you versatile, employable, and ready to start teaching right away.
- Be at least 18 years old
- RAID Divemaster (or equivalent)
- Minimum 200 logged dives / 100 hours
- Current First Aid & Oxygen Provider
- Deep 40 and Nitrox certifications
- 17 days of instructor development training
- All training materials and assessments
- Mentorship with Instructor Trainer Rafa
- Instructor Examination & Certification fees
- How long does the RAID Instructor Development Program take?The IDP runs for 17 days, plus a one-day orientation about 10–12 days before the start. Once the program is complete, you'll attend the 2-day RAID Instructor Exam (IE).
- What are the prerequisites for the IDP?You must be at least 18, a certified Divemaster (RAID or equivalent), and have 200 logged dives / 100 hours. You'll also need Deep 40 and Nitrox certifications, current First Aid & Oxygen Provider, a valid medical, and dive insurance.
- Who leads the training?The IDP is led by our in-house Instructor Trainer, Rafael Mellado. His mentorship and feedback are central to the program, and you'll work closely with him throughout your training.
- Will I be employable after this course?Yes. The RAID Open Circuit Instructor certification is globally recognized, and because you graduate with additional specialty instructor ratings (Nitrox, Deep 40, First Aid, O₂), you'll be more versatile and employable from day one.
- Do I need my own equipment?Yes, as a future dive professional, you're expected to train with your own full set of gear. This ensures you're completely comfortable using the equipment you'll work with every day as an instructor. Having your own setup also helps you develop consistency, confidence, and professionalism throughout the course.