They say diving is more than just a hobby — it’s a way of life. And when you have the chance to share your passion and knowledge with others, it becomes something even greater.
A few months ago, I, Adrian Gerstl (19 years old), completed my Instructor training in Austria, and in this article, I will share my journey to becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) — the highs, the challenges, and the most valuable lessons I learned along the way.
The First Steps: From Childhood Dream to First Breath Underwater
Sometimes, I look back on the moments when it all began. For me, the underwater world was always a natural part of life. I grew up in and around the water, watching my parents disappear beneath the surface with their (seemingly enormous) scuba tanks. Even as a child, I knew: That’s what I want to do, too!
At the age of 10, I finally completed my PADI Open Water Diver course. That first breath underwater? Unforgettable. Floating weightlessly above a reef, surrounded by countless fish, I felt completely connected to nature. At that moment, I knew diving would always be part of my life.
The Divemaster Journey: Learning and Growing
About a year ago, I successfully completed my PADI Divemaster course. Most of the training took place in Austria, in swimming pools and at Neufelder Lake. But for the final confined water and open water exercises, we travelled to Bali. Experiencing such different diving environments not only helped me grow as a diver but also shaped me as a person.
After earning my certification, I was fortunate to assist with multiple courses in Austria. Working with beginners, in particular, taught me the importance of patience, communication, and adaptability — skills that proved invaluable during my instructor training.
Now, nearly a year later, I’ve officially earned my OWSI certification, thanks to the support of UMEX and PADI. And the best part? I get to share my passion for the underwater world with my students every day.

The Instructor Development Course (IDC): Intensive, Educational, and Challenging
My PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) began in the summer. It was both intense and incredibly rewarding. We were lucky to have access to a swimming pool in the heart of Vienna, while our open water training took place, once again, at Neufelder Lake.
Throughout the IDC, we didn’t just refine our diving skills, we learned how to teach effectively using the PADI system. The focus wasn’t just on demonstrating skills but on making learning engaging, safe, and high quality. One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences was assisting with a large Rescue Diver course, which really pushed us to our limits.
One thing I truly came to appreciate during the IDC was the versatility of an instructor’s role. Teaching scuba diving isn’t just about showcasing skills underwater; you also need to be professional above the surface, handle emergency situations, and be prepared for anything as an EFR Instructor. As the saying goes, if you really want to learn something, teach it!
The Instructor Examination (IE): Nerves Meet Team Spirit

The Instructor Examination (IE) was definitely one of the most nerve-wracking yet rewarding moments of my journey. After weeks of preparation, theory exams, and hands-on training, it all came down to two crucial days.
Unfortunately, the Austrian weather wasn’t on our side. Leading up to the IE, we had days of storms and heavy rain, making the water freezing cold. However, we were fortunate to have a fantastic examiner, Georgia, whose calm and supportive approach helped ease the stress of the examination days.
Despite the challenging conditions, every single one of us passed. Holding my certification in my hands after completing the open water and rescue exercises was an incredible feeling — a mixture of relief and accomplishment after so many hours of preparation. Looking back, the IE wasn’t as intimidating as it first seemed. Thanks to all the experience we had gained beforehand, we often knew how to prevent problems before they even occurred.
And in the end? It was all worth it!
You Never Stop Learning: My First Experiences as an Instructor
Shortly after my certification, I had the incredible opportunity to teach my first courses in Egypt alongside two other Divemasters. The transition from student to instructor comes with a lot of responsibility, but it also offers an amazing opportunity to pass on what has meant so much to you.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my qualifications as a Specialty Instructor, so I can offer my students even more opportunities to grow as divers. Looking back, my 10-year-old Junior Open Water Diver self never would have imagined that one day he’d become one of Austria’s youngest PADI Instructors. But here I am, and I couldn’t be happier.
Why Become a PADI Instructor?
For me, being a PADI Instructor is more than just a job – it’s a way of life. It’s about showing others a world they never knew existed and helping them discover new sides of themselves.
Whether it’s sitting on a beach with friends, exploring a wreck, or witnessing a student take their first breath underwater, these are the moments that make being an instructor so unique. Taking the leap from Divemaster to Instructor as soon as possible was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Final Thoughts: Sharing What Connects Us
The connection to the underwater world is something special, and as a PADI Instructor, you have the privilege of passing on that passion. You get to guide others on their own diving journey and open doors to an entirely new world.
If you’re thinking about taking your next step as a diver, ask yourself: What excites you most about diving?
If the answer is inspiring others and sharing the beauty of our oceans, then becoming a PADI Pro might be the perfect path for you.
Ready for Your Own Adventure?
Whether you’re just starting out as an Open Water Diver or already a Divemaster, the path to becoming a PADI Instructor is a challenging yet rewarding journey.
Check out the next Instructor Development Courses (IDC) near you and take the first step. The underwater world is waiting to be discovered — and shared — by you!
This article was written by guest blogger and PADI Pro Adrian Gerstl from Austria.