Interview with Annecy: Becoming a PADI Instructor with Dodo Divers
Today, we’re catching up with Annecy, who has just completed her PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) with Dodo Divers and officially passed her exam! Now, as a newly certified PADI Instructor, she’s ready to inspire and teach the next generation of divers. Let’s dive into her journey and see what it takes to become a pro with Dodo Divers!
First of all, congratulations on becoming an Instructor! That’s a fantastic achievement! What made you decide to become a PADI Instructor?
Being a Divemaster is really nice and enjoyable, but you don’t face as many challenges… I wanted to push myself further, develop my skills, and take on more responsibility. Watching the instructors at Dodo Divers inspired me, and I knew that becoming an instructor was the next step in my diving career.
What was the most exciting part of your IDC experience?
Honestly, everything was exciting! The Instructor Development Course is designed to test you in many ways, from assignments and presentations to water skills and teaching techniques. Some parts were challenging, but I enjoyed every step of the journey—especially the feeling of overcoming each challenge and seeing my progress.
Which part of the course did you enjoy the most?
Definitely the water skills! The ocean is my element, and I love every moment spent in it. Developing my demonstration skills and refining my techniques was really satisfying, and it gave me a new level of confidence in my abilities.
What was the biggest challenge of the IDC, and how did you overcome it?
Definitely the knots—they were my nightmare! At first, I really struggled with getting them right, and it felt frustrating. But with patience, practice, and lots of help from the team at Dodo Divers, I kept at it until I finally got them perfect. It was a great lesson in persistence!
What was the most surprising part?
I didn’t realize how big the jump from Divemaster to Instructor actually is! The IDC goes much deeper into details, knowledge, and skills than I expected. Every day, I learned something new—whether it was understanding how dive equipment is built, perfecting my teaching techniques, or gaining a deeper appreciation for the physics behind diving.
Was there a moment when you felt, “Yes, I’m ready for this”?
Yes! Just two days before the Instructor Exam, we were practicing different skills, and I started getting high scores on everything. That’s when it really hit me—I had put in the work, I understood what I was doing, and I was ready to go headfirst into the exam with confidence.
How did you feel on the day of your exam?
I was definitely nervous! I kept worrying that I might go blank when I heard the questions. But as soon as the exam started, everything just clicked into place. I stayed calm, focused, and managed everything like a pro! Both the theory and water skills sections went smoothly, and I actually enjoyed the process.
How did you feel the moment you learned you passed?
It was such an emotional moment! Completing the PADI IDC in Mauritius and passing the exam was a huge personal achievement for me. It made me realize how much I had grown and how all the hard work had paid off. When you look back at where you started and see how far you’ve come, it’s an incredible feeling of pride and accomplishment.
How did the Dodo Divers team support you during the process?
They were amazing! The instructors answered all my questions, helped me practice, and always encouraged me to keep going. Having a supportive team makes a huge difference, and I’m so grateful for their guidance. They gave me the courage to pursue my passion and take this big step in my diving career in Mauritius.
Who was your first student? Was it challenging to teach?
My first student was a young boy who really wanted to dive, but he was a bit scared of the water and unsure about using the equipment. I made sure to go step by step, helping him feel comfortable and making the experience fun. Once he gained confidence and got past his initial worries, he completed his Scuba Diver course successfully—and by the end, he didn’t want to get out of the water! Seeing that transformation was incredibly rewarding.
That’s amazing! Do you have a favorite dive site to teach beginner-level divers?
I really love Confetti Bay! It’s a shallow dive site located in a lagoon, which means there are no strong currents, and the water is always calm. It’s the perfect place for beginners to practice their skills and build confidence while enjoying the beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish.
What made Dodo Divers a great place to train to become a dive instructor?
The team at Dodo Divers made all the difference! From the very beginning, I felt supported and encouraged to push my limits. The training was incredibly thorough, combining hands-on experience with expert guidance. And of course, having Anthony Tanneur as the Course Director was a game-changer—his knowledge, patience, and passion for diving made everything come together. He didn’t just prepare me to pass the exam; he made sure I truly understood what it means to be an instructor, from mastering dive theory to developing the confidence to teach real students.
What do you think makes Mauritius a great place to dive and a good choice for advancing a diving career?
Mauritius is an incredible diving destination! The warm, clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral reefs make every dive special. For anyone looking to become a dive instructor in Mauritius, it’s the perfect place because you get hands-on experience in a variety of conditions—from calm, shallow lagoons for beginners to more advanced drift dives. It’s a great way to build strong skills while enjoying one of the most beautiful diving locations in the world!
