SDI OPEN WATER SCUBA DIVER INSTRUCTOR
TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A CAREER
You love diving. You light up when you talk about it. Now imagine sharing that passion every day – watching someone take their first breath underwater, seeing their eyes widen at a nudibranch, knowing you gave them that experience.
The SDI Instructor Development Course transforms experienced divers into confident, capable instructors. At Blue Ribbon Dive Resort – an SDI/TDI 5-Star facility in the heart of the Verde Island Passage – you’ll develop your teaching skills in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.
- 2-week Instructor Development Course (IDC)
- 2-day Instructor Evaluation (IE)
- Complete some theory via Zoom before you arrive
- All materials and exam fees included
ACADEMIC, CONFINED WATER & OPEN WATER
Over two weeks, you’ll progress through three interconnected training tracks designed to develop your skills both above and below the water:
Academic sessions: SDI standards, teaching methods, lesson planning, physics and physiology, business skills – how to recruit students, budget courses, and build your career.
Confined water sessions: Perfect your demonstration skills. Learn to teach effectively in a controlled environment. Problem-solving scenarios.
Open water sessions: Put it all together in real diving conditions. Graded teaching presentations with constructive feedback after every session.
- 4 graded academic presentations
- 4 graded confined water presentations
- 4 graded open water presentations
- Detailed feedback after every session
PHP 130,000
Everything you need to become a certified SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor:
Included: All course materials, instructor manual, teaching slates, SDI Instructor Evaluation (IE) examination fees, and certification processing.
Not included: Accommodation, meals, and personal dive equipment. We offer special rates for instructor candidates – just ask when you enquire.
- All course materials included
- IE examination fees included
- Certification processing included
- Special accommodation rates available
PREREQUISITES
The instructor course builds on your existing diving foundation. Here’s what you’ll need before starting:
Certification: SDI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, or equivalent from a recognised agency.
Experience: 100 logged dives across varied environments – including some night, deep, and navigation diving.
Emergency training: Current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider certifications.
Not quite there yet? We can help you complete your Divemaster or build up your dive experience before the IDC.
- Minimum age 18
- Divemaster or equivalent certification
- 100+ logged dives in varied conditions
- Current CPR, First Aid, O2 Provider
WHAT YOU'LL BE QUALIFIED TO TEACH
As an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor, you’ll be qualified to certify new divers and guide them through their diving journey:
This is just the beginning – from here you can add specialty instructor ratings, work towards SDI Instructor Trainer, or expand into technical diving instruction through TDI.
GET IN TOUCH
Jonathan Venn
Jon is the founder of Blue Ribbon Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas, established in 2010. With over two decades of diving experience, he specializes in technical diving instruction and professional-level SDI/TDI courses.
A passionate explorer and dive educator, Jon is known for discovering new dive sites around Anilao and beyond. He enjoys deep-water exploration and the challenge of spotting elusive pelagic species rarely seen by recreational divers. Whether teaching advanced courses or leading technical expeditions, Jon’s focus is always on safety, precision, and adventure beneath the surface.
Ronel "Dang" Federico
Ronel, known to most as Dang, began his diving journey at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort and earned his Divemaster certification in 2016. With years of experience guiding both recreational and macro photographers around Anilao’s famous dive sites, Dang has developed a reputation for his incredible eagle eyes — spotting the tiniest frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs that others might miss.
In 2022, he became a certified SDI Instructor, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for marine life with new divers. Whether leading fun dives or teaching students, Dang’s calm, friendly nature and unmatched spotting skills make every dive both educational and unforgettable.
Jeff Zapata
Jeff has been part of the Blue Ribbon Dive Resort family since the early days, starting his professional journey as a Divemaster in 2011. With over a decade of experience exploring the reefs and slopes of Anilao, Jeff is renowned for his sharp spotting skills and calm, confident guidance underwater.
In 2023, Jeff achieved his Instructor certification, expanding his passion for diving into teaching. Known for his patience and detailed approach, he loves helping divers improve their skills while introducing them to Anilao’s incredible macro marine life — from colourful nudibranchs to rare frogfish. Whether guiding or teaching, Jeff ensures every dive is safe, relaxed, and full of discoveries.