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TDI INSTRUCTOR PROGRAMS

Cave & Technical Instructor Training
Become an TDI Instructor

Becoming a Technical Diving International instructor is not a single course.
It is a structured pathway, built around your existing certifications, experience, teaching background, and long-term goals.


At CDT Mexico, TDI instructor programs are planned individually. No two candidates follow the same route.

Who this program is for

This program is designed for:

  • Active dive instructors transitioning into technical and/or cave instruction

  • Experienced technical or cave divers ready to move into teaching

  • Instructors seeking to expand their teaching scope within TDI
     

You must already be comfortable diving at the level you want to teach. Instructor training does not replace diver-level mastery.

What this program is about

TDI instructor training focuses on how to teach, not just how to dive.
 

You will be trained and evaluated on your ability to:

  • Conduct technical and cave courses safely and professionally

  • Teach complex concepts clearly and effectively

  • Manage students, risk, task loading, and real-world problems

  • Apply TDI standards correctly, consistently, and conservatively


​This is instructor development — not a box-ticking exercise.

Instructor pathways are individual

There is no fixed package and no standard duration.
 

Your instructor pathway depends on:

  • Your current instructor rating (SDI or equivalent)

  • Your technical and/or cave certifications

  • Your logged dives and recent experience

  • Your teaching background

  • The instructor levels you aim to qualify for
     

Some candidates start with Intro to Tech or Nitrox Instructor, others with Cavern or Cave Instructor, and some combine multiple programs over time.
 

This is why planning matters.

What you can expect during training

Instructor training includes:

  • Orientation to TDI instructor standards and procedures

  • Use of instructor and student materials

  • How to conduct academic, land-based, and in-water sessions

  • Teaching techniques, common student problems, and solutions

  • Risk management and professional decision-making

  • Evaluation of academic presentations and in-water teaching
     

You are evaluated on knowledge, judgment, teaching ability, and in-water control.

Available programs

Depending on your background, instructor programs may include:
 

Open Circuit – Technical

  • Intro to Tech Instructor

  • Nitrox Instructor

Overhead Environment – Cave

  • Cavern Instructor

  • Intro to Cave Instructor

  • Full Cave Instructor

  • Stage Cave Instructor
     

Not all programs are taken at once.
Your progression is built logically and conservatively.

Standards, evaluation, and mindset

Instructor candidates must demonstrate:

  • Sound judgment and professionalism

  • Conservative dive planning and execution

  • Clear, structured teaching

  • The ability to manage stress — their own and their students’
     

Passing an instructor program means being ready to teach responsibly, not just meeting minimum standards.

Planning your instructor training

Instructor programs require discussion before booking.
 

We will:

  • Review your certifications and experience

  • Define realistic goals and timelines

  • Identify prerequisites and preparation steps

  • Build a clear, efficient training plan
     

This ensures your instructor pathway makes sense — technically, pedagogically, and professionally.

Ready to discuss your instructor pathway?

TDI instructor training is not off-the-shelf.
It starts with a conversation.

→  Meet your instructors

→  Stay & Dive Packages

→  Contact us

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