Experience report about the training to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor & Specialty Instructor

My adventure as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

My journey to becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) and Specialty Instructor got off to a really intense start - the first weekend alone was a real hit of action, theory and new experiences.

I opted for these specialty courses:

• Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox)
• Emergency Oxygen Provider
• Deep Diver
• Dry Suit Diver
• Underwater Navigation

The classroom courses on Nitrox and Emergency Oxygen were anything but boring. Farid combined theory and practice in such an exciting way that I really got excited. One highlight: I had to blindly administer oxygen to a casualty - a super realistic scenario that showed me how important quick and correct decisions are in an emergency.

The diving practice for dry suit and navigation took place in the beautiful Echinger Weiher - crystal clear water, calm conditions, perfect learning environment. For the Deep Diver course, we went to Lake Murner, which was ideal with its depth and special conditions. Every dive was a little adventure and sparked my enthusiasm for diving even more.

Farid's professional and motivating manner made the training very special. This weekend was a perfect introduction to specialty instructor training - with a great mix of theory, practice and exciting exercises in beautiful locations.

The OWSI course: challenge and team spirit

Then came the actual OWSI course - and the first shock: I only scored 40% in one of the five parts of the exam. Oops! At first I was really disappointed, but then the penny dropped: The course is really demanding and I had to change my learning strategy.

From then on, I put everything into full concentration. Fortunately, I had a great team: Farid, Stefan and the whole course group were behind me, motivating me, sharing tips and helping with theory and practice. After six hours of training at Divers, I knew what sore muscles really meant - and that this training not only challenges the mind, but also the body.

Despite the intensive learning workload, there was never a lack of fun. An incredible team spirit developed: we supported each other, laughed together and every little step forward was celebrated. My self-confidence grew from day to day thanks to the regular practice and the great group dynamic.

Instructor Examination: Adrenaline and success

Then the time had finally come: all the theoretical and practical parts had been passed and it was time for the Instructor Examination. I was skeptical at first - but our examiner Georgia made the weekend an exciting and motivating experience. The exams were challenging, but somehow also really cool!

In the end, we all passed. An indescribable feeling: officially Open Water Scuba Instructor! A huge thank you to Susi, Jürgen and of course the entire ABC team - without you, this experience would only have been half as enjoyable.

My conclusion: More than just diving

The training was a real journey - professionally, physically and personally. I learned a lot about myself: about my strengths, my limits and how important perseverance and the right attitude are.

Thanks to the great team, the motivating instructors and the positive group dynamic, I was able to constantly improve and achieve my goals. This experience has further ignited my passion for diving and teaching.

Now I look back with pride - and look forward to passing on my knowledge and enthusiasm as an instructor. Diving has long been more than just a sport for me - it is a philosophy of life that I would like to share with others.