Choosing the right PADI Course Director is one of the most important decisions for your scuba diving career. Your mentor will shape not only how you pass the Instructor Examination (IE), but also how confident, skilled, and employable you are as a dive professional.
Marcel van den Berg, a PADI Platinum Course Director based on Koh Tao, Thailand, has been training divers and instructors for more than 15 years. With a proven record of success, a passion for teaching, and global recognition from PADI, Marcel is the ideal mentor to guide you from Divemaster to Instructor and beyond.
Meet Marcel – From Open Water Student to Platinum Course Director
Marcel’s journey began in 2003 when he took his very first scuba course. Within minutes underwater, he realized that diving wasn’t just a hobby – it could be a lifelong career. Since then, Marcel has dedicated his life to the ocean and the diving community.
Today, he is one of the world’s most respected Course Directors, having achieved and maintained PADI Platinum Course Director status every year since 2011. This recognition is awarded only to the top Course Directors globally who consistently train and mentor a large number of successful instructors.
Experience That Counts
- 20+ years diving experience in Thailand and worldwide
- 15+ years teaching IDC courses as a PADI Platinum Course Director
- 10,000+ students certified across all PADI levels
- 1,000+ Instructors trained and mentored to success
- Dozens of Excellence Awards from PADI recognizing his teaching quality
Marcel’s experience ensures you are guided by a mentor who understands not only the PADI system but also the realities of working in the diving industry.
Global Recognition & Achievements
Marcel’s contributions to the dive industry have been recognized with numerous awards and achievements, including:
- 🏆 PADI Instructor Development Awards in 2019 and 2023
- 🏆 36+ PADI Recognition of Excellence Awards
- 🌍 Co-author of PADI AWARE materials in the PADI Undersea Journal
- 🌊 Creator of PADI AWARE IDC presentations used by Course Directors worldwide
- 💎 Platinum Course Director status awarded every year since certification as Course Director
Teaching Philosophy
Marcel believes that the best dive instructors are not only skilled but also passionate, adaptable, and professional. His IDC training style focuses on:
- Confidence – preparing you to pass the IE stress-free
- Real-World Skills – beyond minimum PADI standards
- Personal Growth – helping you develop as a leader
- Community – creating a supportive, family-style atmosphere
Specialist Knowledge & Instructor Trainer Credentials
Marcel is qualified as an Instructor Trainer in a wide range of PADI specialties, meaning you can expand your career options directly during your IDC and MSDT training. Specialties include:
- Deep, Wreck, Night, and Drift Diving
- Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diving
- Search & Recovery, Navigation, and Boat Diving
- Digital Underwater Photography
- Shark Conservation, Coral Reef Conservation, and other eco programs
- EFR & AED Instructor Trainer
This makes him one of the most versatile mentors in the region.
Why IDC Candidates Choose Marcel
- ✅ Proven Success – over 80%–90% of graduates quickly find work as instructors
- ✅ Award-Winning Program – recognized by PADI for excellence year after year
- ✅ Supportive Environment – medium-sized groups to combine teamwork with personal mentoring
- ✅ Find Work Faster – Marcel offers a unique Job Placement Training program
- ✅ Strong Industry Network – connections across Koh Tao and the global diving industry
Hear From Graduates
“Marcel’s IDC changed my life. His passion for diving and teaching gave me the confidence to succeed as a professional dive instructor.” – Katie O.
“The course was fun, intense, and professional. Marcel goes above and beyond PADI standards and truly cares about his candidates.” – Toni B.
Nubia I
Sincerely all the team in Sairee Cottage is the best, are compromised people they care about you and are interested in how can they Help you succeed .. Thanks specially… Read Full Review “Nubia I”
Flavia B
During September I did my Instructor Development Course at Sairee Cottage Diving and I can highly recommend to do it there. I had such a good time with them on… Read Full Review “Flavia B”
Katie O
Words cannot even do justice to how pleased I am to have been part of the family at sairee cottage for my IDC. I had an absolutely mind blowing experience.… Read Full Review “Katie O”
👉 See more testimonials on our IDC Reviews page.
Start Your Career with Marcel
Training with Marcel isn’t just about passing your IDC – it’s about building a successful and rewarding career in diving. With his guidance, experience, and proven methods, you will gain the skills, confidence, and support network to succeed anywhere in the world.
📧 Contact Marcel today to learn more about the PADI IDC courses and upcoming dates.
FAQ – About Marcel
Are PADI IDC reviews important when choosing a Course Director?
Yes. Reviews highlight real candidate experiences and help you choose a mentor with proven success. Marcel has over a decade of consistently positive feedback.
Why should I train with Marcel van den Berg?
Marcel combines 20+ years of diving experience, Platinum Course Director recognition, and personal mentoring to prepare you for a global diving career.
How many instructors has Marcel trained?
Marcel has trained and certified over 1,000 PADI Instructors who now work all around the world.
About Marcel
PADI Platinum Course Director with 15+ years of experience training 1,000+ dive instructors worldwide.
- 🥇 Platinum Status since 2011
- 🌍 10,000+ certified divers
- 💼 80–90% job placement success
Ready to Start Your IDC?
Turn your passion for diving into a career. Contact Marcel directly to secure your place in the next IDC on Koh Tao.