10 Types of IDC Candidates: Which One Are You?
Every IDC group is a unique mix of personalities, dive histories, and learning styles. But after observing dozens of programs, we can confidently say most candidates fall into some very familiar categories. Recognize yourself (or your future self) in any of these?
1. The Overachiever
This candidate has read the Instructor Manual cover to cover—twice. Their cue cards are laminated, color-coded, and tabbed. They’re here to win. Or at least get a perfect score on their confined water demo.
2. The Former Divemaster Who Still Acts Like a DMT
They still carry tanks. Still help students gear up. Still respond to every instructor’s shout. You have to remind them: “Hey, you’re the instructor now. You can stop lugging everything.”
3. The Comedian
Keeps the energy light with underwater charades and dry land dad jokes. Everyone needs this person during a stressful skill circuit. Just don’t sit next to them during the theory exam or you’ll fail from laughter.
4. The Underwater Model
Every skill demo is paired with a flourish. Reg recovery? Vogue. BCD inflate? Blue Steel. This candidate makes every pool session look like a GoPro commercial.
5. The Quiet Genius
They rarely speak, but they always ace their knowledge reviews. The silent ninja of dive theory. You start copying their study method around day 3.
6. The Nervous Wreck
“What if I forget how to teach mask removal? What if I forget how to breathe?” They live in a state of low-key panic but miraculously pull it all together when it counts.
7. The Gear Junkie
They show up to the IDC with five masks, three dive computers, and a custom slate holster. When asked to perform a demo, they adjust 14 pieces of gear first.
8. The Natural Leader
They motivate the group, take charge during practice sessions, and somehow keep everyone on track. Probably future Course Director material.
9. The Party Diver
They think IDC stands for “Intense Dance Club.” Always up for a beer after class, this candidate knows how to have fun—and usually has the best surface interval stories.
10. The Wild Card
No one knows where they came from or what they’ll do next. One day they ace a rescue scenario, the next they forget how to write a dive profile. Wild cards keep it interesting.
Final Thoughts
Whichever type you are (or think you are), the beauty of the IDC is that everyone brings something valuable to the table. Laughter, pressure, and shared success have a way of turning even the oddest mix into an unstoppable team.
So… which one are you?
