Administrative Information
Requirements & Conduct
If a student believes his or her academic scores are incorrect, the student may request an evaluation by another staff member. The course director and IDC staff members, however, have the final say regarding students’ scores, because of PADI’s strict standards.
In the unlikely event that a student violates one or more of the actions listed under Conduct, the student is subject to dismissal from the school.
If the student believes he or she has been judged erroneously, the student is entitled to a counseling session with the chief operating officer and the course director. The chief operating officer will have the final say in these matters. Any violations of local, state or federal laws will be reported to the authorities.
Performance Requirements & Grading
Skills, Academics, Confined and Open Water presentations will be graded as follows: 5, Excellent; 4, Good; 3, Average; 2 Below Average; 1, Unacceptable.
For PADI courses, the passing grade on all written tests is 75 percent or higher. Anything below 75 percent is considered to be failing. PADI courses are performance-based classes, and students will be expected to repeat assignments until acceptable grades are achieved. In order to attain certification at any level, students must demonstrate mastery of all performance requirements specified for a particular course.
Candidates are also required to score at least 3.5 or higher on at least one academic presentation, and score 3.4 or higher on one open water presentation and one confined open water presentation during the IDC. When successfully completing the IDC, students will receive an IDC School Diploma called a “Certificate of Completion” from Diver’s Paradise Professional Institute. This diploma qualifies the student to attend an instructor exam. In the unlikely event a student cannot achieve acceptable grades, the student will have the opportunity to repeat all or part of the course in the next offered program.
All applicants to Diver’s Paradise Professional Institute professional level training programs must be at least 18 years of age by the starting date of the course.
Required Gear
Fins, mask, snorkel, buoyancy control device (BCD) with tank mount or separate backpack & low pressure inflator, primary regulator & alternate air source, submersible pressure gauge, depth gauge, quick release weight system and weights, wetsuit, whistle, dive computer, RDP (eRDPml or Table), two surface signaling devices (one audible—marine radio, whistle, air horn, etc. & one visible—delayed surface marker buoy [DSMB], signal mirror, flare, etc.), time monitoring device, compass, dive knife /cutting tool, reel / finger spool, pocket face mask, primary dive light, secondary dive light. Candidates must arrive with required gear, or purchase required gear from Diver’s Paradise Professional Institute.
Note: Scuba tanks & weights will be provided at no extra charge.
Academic & Disciplinary Action
Possession or consumption of alcohol or narcotics during training
Abusiveness toward other students or staff
Violations of local, state or federal laws
Damage to school premises or property or theft
Gross violation of safe diving practices
Student Concerns & Grievances
Diver’s Paradise Professional Institute training programs follow strict academic standards set forth by PADI. Students will be given several opportunities to meet these standards, and to obtain the required scores. If a student is unable to complete the course, during the provided time, that student will be unable to attend the instructor exam.
The student will, however, have the opportunity to repeat all or part of the course—during the next offered program. Academic complaints should be directed to the course director.
Any administrative complaints should be directed to the chief operating officer. The issues will be reviewed; a response will be provided during the next 24 hours.
