crossing over
Hawaii-based instructor
tyler phelps on his
utd instructor training
I have been an instructor with another agency for two
years and just before my IDC, I completed the first
level as instructor trainer with my original agency.
While I was doing this other program, I was going
through all of my academics for UTD. I’m grateful
for my Instructor Development Class because it really
made me appreciate the UTD covenants and ethos. I
came over to UTD because, like so many others, I was
done teaching students on their knees, kicking up the
bottom, and for so many other reasons.
My IDC really opened up my eyes at some of my bad
teaching habits – habits that were taught to me when
I first became an instructor. It felt amazing not having
to follow a script or checklist anymore in my presentations! The pool sessions were fun but fairly intense as
I was never before held me to that high a buoyancy/
positioning standard. My favorite program we covered
was ESM, it was really rewarding seeing a student’s
buoyancy and trim improve so much in just a couple of
hours.
If you are looking to do your IDC, here are a couple of tips that will hopefully help
you succeed. If you have never taken a UTD class before I strongly recommend doing an Essentials class, or IDC Prep, first. That will get you prepared for the expectations in the IDC. If you are not too familiar with a part of the UTD curriculum (like
Min/Deco), definitely review the videos before hand so you have a much stronger
knowledge. Lastly don’t forget to speak up, ask lots of questions, and have fun!
UTD Instructor Tyler Phelps (left)
with Instructor Trainer
Jeff Seckendorf at UTD HQ.
I have definitely become a better instructor and diver after my IDC. I am looking
forward to teaching more classes and continuing my education with Unified Team
Diving!
Warm Regards,
Tyler Phelps
UTD Instructor
Contact Tyler at
[email protected]