A new chapter in instructor training is opening in the Caribbean as Dive Instructor Academy brings its highly regarded PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) to the Cayman Islands. The program is led by multi-Platinum PADI Course Director Kai Steinbeck and hosted in partnership with Living the Dream Divers on Grand Cayman.
A World-Class Setting for a World-Class Course
Grand Cayman is celebrated for its clear turquoise water, thriving reefs, and wrecks like the famous USS Kittiwake, yet until now it has lacked a dedicated high-level instructor training center. The new IDC fills that gap by offering professional development in one of the Caribbean’s most inspiring dive locations.
The course has been designed for both accessibility and immersion. Before travelling, candidates take part in eight live online sessions, each around three hours long, personally led by Kai Steinbeck. These interactive classes cover the theory components so that once participants arrive on the island, their focus is entirely on diving, skill practice, and in-water coaching.
As part of the curriculum, the Instructor Specialty training takes place on the USS Kittiwake wreck, giving candidates the chance to earn their Wreck Instructor rating while exploring one of Grand Cayman’s signature dive sites.
Comprehensive Packages for Future Dive Professionals
Dive Instructor Academy offers two package options. The all-inclusive package, priced at USD 5,300, covers the full PADI IDC Cayman Islands course, the Emergency First Response Instructor course, all PADI training materials and e-Learning access, examination and application fees, boat dives, tanks, airport transfers, and accommodation on Grand Cayman.
The course also includes five Specialty Instructor ratings: Deep, Wreck, Nitrox, Boat, and Oxygen Provider. Candidates who prefer to arrange their own accommodation can opt for the non-inclusive version, priced at USD 3,800.
To ensure quality instruction and personal attention, the academy limits each IDC to just six candidates. Even if only one diver registers, the course will proceed as planned. Should fewer than four candidates be available for a local Instructor Examination, participants will have the option to complete their IE in Miami or another global PADI location.
Dive Instructor Academy also includes an Instructor Exam Pass Guarantee. If a candidate does not pass their first examination, the academy will cover the cost of the next attempt.
Upcoming Course Dates and How to Apply
Two IDC sessions are confirmed for 2026: one in May and another in October. Interested divers can contact Kai Steinbeck directly via WhatsApp at +61 419 172 910 for details and booking. Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly, given the island’s appeal and the academy’s reputation for producing successful PADI professionals.
Building Leaders, Not Just Instructors
Dive Instructor Academy describes its mission as more than just training instructors. The goal is to “create ocean ambassadors, adventurers, and leaders who inspire others to dive deeper and explore more.” With its Cayman Islands expansion, the academy is giving aspiring instructors the opportunity to learn, qualify, and dive some of the most extraordinary sites in the Caribbean, all while taking the next step in their professional journey.
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