Diary of an IDC Candidate
By Mehmet Hurer
Saturday – Day One of the Instructor Exam
We met outside the hotel and Alex told us that ‘the Force was with us’. He was convinced that we would pass and reminded us that the IE was just a snapshot of the IDC and we were not going to be tested on anything new. Candidates at the IE are split into teams and fortunately we stayed together as one team throughout the IE. Each team was given a colour and each team member was given a number. I was Pink Six.
We received our individual assignment sheets outlining our presentations for the next two days. The PADI examiners, Terry and Dave, put us at ease and we kicked off with theory and standards exams. After the written exams and Knowledge Development Presentations, we made our way to a leisure centre for the Confined Water Presentations. These went without a hitch. As the day progressed, it was clear that Alex had done an excellent job of preparing us. There were no surprises - just a few nerves.
The Rec-n-Tec staff turned out in full force and we really appreciated having them around to fetch our cylinders and equipment and supply us with food and drink. Even though we were not allowed to discuss the IE with them, it was great just having them there for support.
Sunday – Day Two of the Instructor Exam
A 7:45am start at Gildenburgh. We were to present three skills each in total: one rescue scenario and two open water skills. Again, the presentations went smoothly and then it was time for the debriefing. We sat round a table with the PADI examiner, Dave, and it was quite tense. He told us that two of us had passed and three had failed. The odds were against me! Then he said that he was only joking and we had all passed!!
I was a bit shell-shocked and even after receiving my certificate in the IE Closing Ceremony, it still hadn’t really sunk in. It wasn’t until I was half-way home that I finally realised what I had achieved and how much fun and hard work it had been. I felt very proud of myself.
Throughout the course the Rec-n-Tec staff were really helpful, providing endless support and encouragement, as well as cups of tea and chocolate biscuits. Alex, our PADI Course Director, had faith in all of us. He is a real pro and I have the highest respect for him. Our success was down to Alex’s training and, of course, 'the power of the Force’!
What next? Well, at times during the IDC and IE, I wanted to give up diving for good! Now, after a good night’s sleep, I am even more passionate about diving and teaching. I’m really grateful to the London Diving Chamber and Rec-n-Tec for giving me this opportunity.
