In the Candidates in the Spotlight series, we talk to our PADI IDC candidates about their experiences during and after the IDC.<\/p>\n
This time, we talk to Philippine from France, who landed a job as diving instructor in Amed, Bali!<\/p>\n
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Honestly, I never thought I\u2019d become a diving instructor. When I first started, I was just looking for something to do \u2014 I had thalassophobia (fear of deep water), and diving was a way to challenge myself. But the moment I put my head underwater for the very first time, something changed. The fear was still there, but curiosity took over. I just wanted to continue.<\/p>\n
While I was working in Ubud, I started coming to Amed every weekend to dive at Bali Diversity with Marion (the owner). Week after week, diving became part of my life. I did my Open Water, my Advanced, my Rescue\u2026 I traveled, explored other dive sites, collected experiences and certifications. When I came back to Bali later on, still looking for work, Marion encouraged me to take the next step: become a Divemaster, then an instructor. So I always say: it feels like Bali chose me, not the other way around. I love the vibe in Amed \u2014 the peaceful Balinese culture, the rhythm of the village, and the community spirit of diving here.<\/p>\n
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The IDC was actually very different from what I expected \u2014 but in a good way. I thought we would be in the water more, but it was mostly theory, debriefings, and learning how to teach and explain diving to others. At first, I missed the water, because that\u2019s where I feel happiest, but I quickly realised how important it is to understand every aspect of teaching. The best part was having one-on-one training with Marcel. It made the experience really personal and supportive.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/asiascubainstructors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Philippine-5.jpg” alt=”PADI IDC with Philippine” title_text=”Philippine 5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5%||5%||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”4e8998a6-94a4-47ff-bbb0-4d73eae8c687″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Without a doubt, I would say responsibility. Before, I thought about diving as a personal experience \u2014 about enjoying the ocean for myself. But during the IDC, it hit me: as an instructor, people truly depend on you. Their safety, their comfort, their experience\u2026 it\u2019s all in your hands. That\u2019s a huge responsibility, but also an incredible privilege.<\/p>\n
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I was surprised \u2014 it was more fun than difficult! It felt like the final step of a journey. I was well-prepared, and I even scored 98% on the written exam (though I still wonder where I lost those two points!). The atmosphere was relaxed, with only a few candidates, and we had great support from our trainers. It felt like a celebration of everything we had learned.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/asiascubainstructors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Philippine-2-1.jpg” alt=”PADI IDC with Philippine” title_text=”Philippine 2-1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5%||5%||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”4e8998a6-94a4-47ff-bbb0-4d73eae8c687″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Yes, almost immediately! My first students were an Australian couple doing their Open Water. We clicked straight away. They were confident swimmers, which helped, and we had a lot of fun together. I didn\u2019t tell them at first that they were my very first students \u2014 I waited until the end of the course, and we all had a good laugh about it. They even decided to continue with their Advanced Open Water with me! It was such a great way to start my teaching journey, and I still keep in touch with them today.<\/p>\n
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Being in the water every day is honestly the best part. Underwater, I feel free \u2014 I even sing sometimes like the little mermaid! I genuinely love it. Of course, there are tough parts too. The salary, especially in Bali, is modest. You can live comfortably, but saving for the future is harder. But to be honest, the lifestyle and the joy of teaching make it worth it.<\/p>\n
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Go for it! Even if you have doubts, even if you start like me with fears, you\u2019ll grow in ways you can\u2019t imagine. The IDC teaches you so much, not just about diving but about leadership, responsibility, and connecting with people. Plus, it opens doors all over the world. If you love the ocean and you\u2019re curious about teaching, you won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/asiascubainstructors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/PADI-IDC-Amed-Bali.jpg” alt=”PADI IDC Amed Bali” title_text=”PADI IDC Amed Bali” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5%||5%||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”4e8998a6-94a4-47ff-bbb0-4d73eae8c687″ custom_padding=”15px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Amed is a sleepy little town on the east coast of Bali. It offers many wonderful diving spots, cool restaurants, and amazing views. It is a perfect place to do your PADI IDC and become a diving instructor!<\/p>\n