Vincent is Leading all the Freediving Development Programs
We might very well have one most robust professional development programs in the world. Our very own Freedive Academy founder is responsible for the business development of the company and all the freedive instructor training programs.
“Our objective isn’t to get you certified. Our objective is to have you leave here as a knowledgable, highly skilled, and well-trained professional who is ready to take on their new life!”
The team has a hunger for learning and a passion for knowledge. With hard work and a love for the oceans, we build an incredible base for development programs. At the Freedive Academy Panglao, we can teach Molchanovs Instructor courses, all SSI Freedive Instructor levels, almost all Freediving Speciality Instructor courses, all SSI Swim Teacher Levels, all Mermaid Instructor courses, the React Right First Aid and Emergency First Responder Instructor course and all Life Guard Levels. Become a Pro in Panglao, and you’ll have an adventure of a lifetime.
Changing your Lifestyle Has Never Been So Much Fun!
Learning, Developing New Skills and Gaining Experience in a Tropical Paradise!
Maybe you want to do to an Instructor Course for the new knowledge. Perhaps you want to do a course to teach your friends how to freedive. Or maybe you are done with your life back home, and are you looking for opportunities to change your lifestyle. There are many, many, many reasons why you could take an instructor course. Regardless of your motivation, when you decide to do a course, you want to do it at a proper development center. Travel to Panglao, train with skilled professionals and very experienced instructor trainers. Because at the Freedive Academy Panglao in Bohol Philippines, you will find that special place you are looking for.
Being based on Panglao Island offers great opportunities for instructor development programs. First of all, Panglao is a luscious green island covered by palm, coconut and banana trees. Driving around the island on your scooter with shorts and flip flops almost immediately makes you experience the flip-flop freediver lifestyle. The island has excellent facilities and restaurants and offers cheap but high-quality, long-term stay housing.
Furthermore, the groceries are cheap but very nice. The Filipino people are very friendly, caring and welcoming and arranging and extending a Visa is super easy in the Philippines – much easier than in any other Asian country.
The Freedive Academy is located on the Northside of the island – the beautiful, quiet, green and non-tourist side of the island with year-round near-perfect diving conditions!
The freediving center and facilities are brand-new and top-notch – designed by freedivers for freedivers!
Right in the middle of the academy ground, we have our pool, a two-lane 25-meter pool with shallow water static area and sitting area, which makes the pool perfect for your instructor courses. It is perfect for the instructor course pool presentations, dynamic and static training. We’ve built you a very nice shaded outside chill-out area with a bamboo canopy. This pool-side terras has wall fan’s, nice tropical tunes playing on the speakers and a big couch where we regularly have people sleeping on – this is how you know you are at a good freediving center – we have people sleeping everywhere :).We use the same area for our stretching sessions and our gym equipment. Although it’s not too much gym equipment, the rowing and cycling machines, the dumbles, TRX setup, battle ropes and gym balls make it the perfect environment for your apnea training. Inside the academy, we have the reception with a living room with seating area, a retail shop, the kitchen and upstairs a large and dedicated instructor course classroom specifically designed for the long and intense instructor courses. And each of our classrooms is fully equipped with all the possible presentations tools you might need for your courses and presentations.
We’re located about 300 meters from shore. When we go to the ocean entry via shuttle or scooter, it’s only with a 15-meter swim – we’re literally crossing the famous Napaling shoal of Panglao sardines every day before we reach our first fixed dive lines. We have lines ready for you with depths of -50, -80 and -130 meters for those belonging to the world top. With year-round near-perfect diving conditions, freediving doesn’t get better than this. The water temperature ranges from 26 – 31C, and the visibility is usually around 30 meters and goes up to an easy 40 meters – we even had a few 50 meter days! With year-round excellent diving conditions, we can be very flexible and plan our course schedules wisely. With us, you will get the most out of your course.
This is What it Will be Like Doing a Freediving Course with Us.
Please note; this video was shot at our first location. We still dive at the same reef, but we moved about 300 meters down the road to a brand-new and fully equipped dive center with bungalows and our very own two-lane 25-meter pool.
We run SSI Freediving Instructor Courses almost Every Month!
Because we’re a true Professional Freedive Instructor, Swim Teacher and Mermaid Instructor Development center we can run different Freediving Instructor Courses and Swim Teacher Courses every month. The below SSI programs are available, and we can offer them all as long term programs, including freediving internships with free housing and free staff lunches.
SSI Basic Instructor Course (SSI Scuba Instructor Cross Over)
SSI Instructor Course (Pool, Level 1 and 2)
SSI Level 3 or Specialist Instructor Upgrade
Freedive Instructor Cross Overs
Zero to Hero Freediving Program
Freedive Instructor Internship
Swim Teacher and Freediving Instructor Combo
Mermaid Instructor and Freediving Instructor Combo
You are choosing the Right Agency for your Freedive Instructor Course!
At the Freedive Academy Panglao, we can teach both SSI and Molchanovs Freediving Instructor courses. On this page, you can see the differences between the two different freediving instructor courses. In the past, we also had an interest in hosting AIDA Freedive Instructor Courses, but we completely moved away from this. For many different reasons, in 2015, when we started the center, we decided to focus with most of our freediving courses on the Scuba Schools International systems, and this has been a great decision.
SSI has exactly 50 years of experience in teaching scuba courses – since 1970 and have been teaching freediving since 2008 via progressive courses for both their recreational and professional levels. SSI is the only agency in the world who conduct their courses via international ISO standards guaranteeing safe practices, standards and high continues quality.
As an instructor, dive professional or like we were, a starting dive shop, you can count on SSI for support. You will have a global agency backing you up when you have questions. And your students will get their study material via their website or via the MySSI mobile app. It was clear from the start that we couldn’t find a better partner than SSI.
Change your Lifestyle! Move to a Tropical Island!
At the Freedive Academy Panglao, we offer a wide range of possibilities to become a pro freediver. We offer different instructor courses at all levels. We can offer them as a package with training and housing included. You can start a Zero to Hero program at any time. Or you can join our Freediving Instructor Internship, where you immediately gain experience working as a Freediving Instructor.
Regardless of which package you choose, for sure you’ll love what Panglao has to offer!
Fill in the form today, just check the possibilities. Usually you’ll have an answer within hours.
The SSI Freediving Instructor Course!
You want to become a Professional? Then your Training Starts Here!
The people who want to change their lifestyle or gain more knowledge about freediving start with this course. This is the 10-day SSI Freediving Instructor Course! It’s one big course, suited for the different instructor and experience levels.
If you start this course, for example, after your Level 2 freediving course, you can become an SSI Level 1 Freediving Instructor. If you have finished your SSI Level 3 freediving course, you can become an SSI Level 2 Freediving Instructor. We aim to make everyone an SSI Level 2 Freediving Instructor – being able to teach more freediving courses will give you greater flexibility as an instructor or future shop owner. But if you start after your Level 2 freediving course or have difficulty with some of the skills requirements, you can focus on becoming an SSI Level 1 Freediving Instructor first. Again, it’s the same course; you can even switch levels at the beginning of the course. And then later on, when you have a bit more experience, you can easily upgrade from SSI Level 1 Freediving Instructor to SSI Level 2 Freediving Instructor.
We can all organise this for you in Panglao, but the candidates must have a valid CPR, First Aid and Oxygen Provider certificate. The candidate must complete the Instructor Training record with the statement of understanding, a liability release and SSI Dive Professional Agreement before the course too. Furthermore, the student must have a medical statement not older than one year. The First Aid course and the medical can all be done in Panglao but must be completed before the course. And of course, lastly, the candidate has to have a minimum age of 18.
We Teach in one Freedive Instructor Course 3 Different Instructor Levels.
Below you will find an overview of the different levels, prerequisites and what you need to do to qualify for a certain level.
SSI Level 2 Freediving Instructor
The SSI Level 2 Freediving Instructor can teach Try Freediving, Basic Freediving, Pool Freediving and Level 1 and 2 Freediving.
Prerequisites: The candidate must have 100 logged dives, and completed the Freediving Level 3 program, have a First Aid Certificate (no older than 2 years), and must hold the speciality certification for Free Immersion and Training Technique.
Duration: 10 days
Performance & Course Completion Requirements:
Constant Weight Bi Fins (CWTB): 40mtr.
Dynamic Bi Fins (DYNB): 85mtr.
Static Breath-Hold: 4:00min.
Standby Rescue (1min. Rescue Hang): 20mtr.
BO Rescue (50mtr. tow incl. Rescue Breaths): 20mtr.
5x 20mtr. (1min. surface interval)
400mtr. Swim: In less than 10min.
800mtr. Swim with Equipment: In less than 15min.
* All skills need to be demonstrated with instructor level quality.
SSI Level 1 Freediving Instructor
The SSI Level 1 Instructor can teach Try Freediving, Basic Freediving, Pool Freediving and Level 1 Freediving.
Prerequisites: The candidate must have 100 logged dives, and completed the Freediving Level 2 program, have a First Aid Certificate (no older than 2 years), and must hold the speciality certification for Free Immersion and Training Technique.
Duration: 10 days
Performance & Course Completion Requirements:
Constant Weight Bi Fins (CWTB): 30mtr.
Dynamic Bi Fins (DYNB): 50mtr.
Static Breath-Hold: 2:30min.
Standby Rescue (1min. Rescue Hang): 15mtr.
BO Rescue (50mtr. tow incl. Rescue Breaths): 15mtr.
5x 15mtr. (1min. surface interval)
400mtr. Swim: In less than 10min.
800mtr. Swim with Equipment: In less than 15min.
* All skills need to be demonstrated with instructor level quality.
Please Note: We can certify you as a SSI Pool Freediving Instructor, but in reality we never do this. As an SSI Level 1 or Level 2 Instructor you can also teach the pool courses, and since we have a fantastic dive spot, we always certify the candidates as Level 1 or 2 Freediving Instructor.
SSI Pool Freediving Instructor
The SSI Pool Instructor can teach Try Freediving, Basic Freediving and Pool Freediving.
Prerequisites: The candidate must have 50 logged dives, and completed the Freediving Level 1 program, have a First Aid Certificate (no older than 2 years), and must hold the speciality certification Training Techniques.
Duration: 10 days
Performance & Course Completion Requirements:
Dynamic Bi Fins (DYNB): 50mtr.
Dynamic No Fins (DNF): 25mtr.
Static Breath-Hold: 2:30min.
DYN Rlack Out Rescue: 2 - 4mtr.
* All skills need to be demonstrated with instructor level quality.
Price without package discount per person: $1350
Please note; before you can start the SSI FITC, you will need to pay SSI for the first year annual and registration fee. Additional one-time fees with SSI are the Freedive Instructor Kit Level 1, the SSI Level 2 Upgrade Kit, and the mandatory wet slates (in-water writing board).
Depending on your course level, the total additional fee that you need to pay to SSI directly will be between $300 and $400.
We run the SSI Freediving Instructor courses pretty much every two months. Usually, we teach them in English. Dutch is possible too, and if you prefer another language, please contact us since we also regularly work with translators.
If you want to have a quick reply, please use the short form on this page.
For more detailed information about Courses, Accommodation, Prices, etc. Please follow the below links.
Change your Lifestyle! Move to a Tropical Island!
At the Freedive Academy Panglao we offer a wide range of possibilities to become a pro freediver. We offer different instructor courses at all levels. We can offer them as a package with training and housing included. You can start a Zero to Hero program at any time. Or you can join our Freediving Instructor Internship where you immediately gain experience working as a Freediving Instructor.
Regardless of which package you choose; for sure you’ll love what Panglao has to offer!
Fill in the form today, just check the possibilities. Usually you’ll have an answer within hours.
Next Level SSI Freedive Instructor Upgrade Courses
We can teach almost all Specialities and SSI Instructor levels!
You have been teaching freediving courses for a while, perhaps you have your own freediving center, and you have a good number of certifications under your belt. Then it’s time to take your Instructor capabilities to the next level.
For most freediving Instructors, the next logical step would be the SSI Level 3 Instructor Course so that they can also teach the SSI Level 3 Freediving Courses. Others might be tempted to start with Professional Development Courses and choose for the Specialist Instructor Course so they can also teach Basic Freediving Instructor Courses.
Whatever course you choose, Freediving in the Philippines is incredible, and the Freedive Academy Panglao got you covered with all possible SSI levels!
SSI Basic Freediving Instructor (SSI Scuba Cross-Over)
The SSI Basic Freediving Instructor can teach Try Freediving and Basic Freediving.
Prerequisites: The cross-over candidate must be an SSI Dive Control Specialist or SSI Assistant Instructor.
Duration: 1 day
Performance & Course Completion Requirements: The candidate must be able to complete and demonstrate all skills as outlined in the Basic Freediver Training Manual.
SSI Freediving Specialist Instructor
The SSI Freediving Specialist Instructor can teach Basic Instructor Courses.
Prerequisites: The upgrade candidate must be at minimum a Freediving Level 1 Instructor with at least 30 Basic or Level 1 certifications and assisted at least 1 Instructor Training Program.
Duration: 3 days
Performance & Course Completion Requirements: The candidate must be able to complete and demonstrate all skills as outlined in the Freediving Specialist Instructor Manual.
SSI Level 3 Freediving Instructor
The SSI Level 3 Instructor can teach all recreational freediving levels.
Prerequisites: The upgrade candidate must be a Freediving Level 2 Instructor with at least 30 Pool or Level 1 certifications and issued at least 20 Freediving Level 2 certifications.
Duration: 3 days
Performance & Course Completion Requirements:
Constant Weight Bi Fins (CWTB): 50mtr.
Dynamic Bi Fins (DYNB): 85mtr.
FRC Dive (Mouthfill at 5mtr.): 25mtr.
Standby Rescue (1min. Rescue Hang): 20mtr.
BO Rescue (50mtr. tow incl. Rescue Breaths): 20mtr
* All skills need to be demonstrated with instructor level quality.
We run the SSI Freediving Instructor courses pretty much every two months. Usually, we teach them in English. Dutch is possible too, and if you prefer another language, please contact us since we also regularly work with translators.
If you want to have a quick reply, please use the short form on this page.
For more detailed information about Courses, Accommodation, Prices, etc. Please follow the below links.
Change your Lifestyle! Move to a Tropical Island!
At the Freedive Academy Panglao, we offer a wide range of possibilities to become a pro freediver. We offer different single instructor courses. We can offer them as a package with training and/or housing included, but we also offer possibilities like joining our Freediving Instructor Internship, where you immediately gain experience working as a Freediving Instructor.
Regardless of which package you choose, for sure you’ll love what Panglao has to offer you!
Fill in the form today, just check the possibilities. Usually, you’ll have an answer within hours.
Doing More than ‘just’ a Freedive Instructor Course.
An Instructor Course can be so much more than just 10 or 13 days of Studying!
You now know about our Freediving Center in the Philippines. You know about the SSI Freedive Instructor Courses that we run here in Panglao. That we run them every other month, that we dive from shore without a boat, and you might even have read about all the things you can do in Panglao. We can offer so much more than ‘just’ a Freediving Instructor Course.
Panglao Island is a beautiful green island in the heart of the Philippines. And thanks to its geographical location and the unique location of the academy, we can offer fantastic near-perfect freediving conditions year-round. Add to that; the life on the island, great restaurants, bars, cheap but great grocery shopping, lot’s of activities for on your days off and nice and affordable long term housing, then you realise that Panglao is perfect for a long term stay. And because the Freedive Academy Panglao can offer so much more than ‘just’ an instructor course, many of our visitors decide to stay here for a longer period of time and combine their Instructor Course with training or one of our other programs. Have a look, see what fits you!
Join us with one of the following Freedive Instructor Development programs.
The SSI Level 2 & Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor Combo
It doesn't matter if you do a Zero to Hero, a freediving internship or an instructor course with training; with the SSI Level 2 Freedive Instructor & Molchanovs Instructor Course combo, you get the best of two worlds!
SSI has the biggest dealer network globally and offers fantastic support to instructors and dive centers. The SSI courses, both the recreational and professional level courses, are very well built, structured and teach you so much more than just freediving or how to teach freediving. At the same time, Molchanovs is pure freediving, focusing on technique and skills while you can work anywhere and independently without being affiliated to a center. It is not strange that this combo package is so popular!
Do note; this is not a 2-in-1 course - you won't get 2 certifications with one course! The SSI and Molchanovs Instructor courses have different objectives, and therefore it is impossible to certify you twice for one course.
We will start with the SSI Instructor Course and develop you into the dive professional you were meant to be - no other instructor course develops dive professionals like the SSI Instructor Course. With SSI, you will learn how to teach freediving and what it means to be a dive professional. After the SSI Instructor course, we take 2 days off and start with the Molchanovs Instructor cross-over. Because we already add things like skills video review to the SSI course and add the in-water performance requirements of Molchanovs to the SSI course, we can add more value to the courses, run both course more efficient and thus can do the cross over in a shorter time frame and thus cheaper. This is one fantastic and compact package for both certificates! Truly the best of both worlds.
Price without package discount per person: $1650
Please note that the above price is not including the mandatory ~$400 SSI fees for the SSI annual and registration fee, the Freedive Instructor Kit Level 1, the SSI Level 2 Upgrade Kit, and the wet slates. Also, the first year annual fee to become an active Molcanovs Instructor needs to pay directly to Molchanovs. This is currently set to $100 per year for the independent instructor.
Zero to Hero Freediving Program
Swim and Freediving Instructor Combo
Freedive Instructor Internship
Instructor Course Cross-Over’s
The SSI Freedive Instructor Course Schedule
We run SSI Instructor Courses pretty much every 1,5 months now!
It is very important that you schedule your trip wisely. The start of your Zero to Hero freediving program should be scheduled around your instructor course. Although you can come earlier or leave later, your freediving internship is also scheduled around your instructor course. If you do ‘only’ an instructor course with us, arriving in Panglao the day before your course starts is not uncommon but makes it very challenging.
Please feel free to contact us anytime with any scheduling questions you may have.
April 20, 2022
Molchanovs Wave 2 Cross Over
Online Course
May 6, 2022
Molchanovs Wave 2 Cross Over
Online Course
May 9, 2022
SSI React Right Instructor
Location: Freedive Academy Panglao
May 28, 2022
Molchanovs Wave 2 Cross Over
Online Course
June 4, 2022
Molchanovs Wave 3 Course
Online Course
June 18, 2022
SSI Freedive Instructor Level 2 Course
Location: Freedive Academy Panglao
July 18, 2021
SSI Swim Teacher Training Week
Location: Freedive Academy Panglao
Aug 15, 2022
SSI React Right Instructor
Location: Freedive Academy Panglao
September 18, 2022
SSI Freedive Instructor Level 2 Course
Location: Freedive Academy Panglao
Please note, that the above courses are happening, but we still might be able to move them one or two days.
Besides the FITC's for the Zero to Hero programs and the freediving internships, we try not to schedule FITC's too far in advance. We prefer to run them by booking. When you're ready to plan your trip or online cross over the course, contact us. Our support team - who are all freedivers, too - are ready to answer all of your questions. They know precisely the seats available for the FITC's, and they know the dates of the Level 3 courses. Since we run many Level 1 and 2 courses each month, we don't have to schedule those. The Master freediving courses need to be scheduled somewhat in advance too.
If you want to have a quick reply please use the short form on this page.
For more detailed information about Courses, Accommodation, Prices, etc. Please follow the below links. We are looking forward meeting you here in Panglao – you’ll love the freediving family! 🙂
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