Women's IDC - May 23-31, 2026 -

Breaking the Surface

Australia’s First SDI Instructor Development Course Solely for Women Launches on the Southern Great Barrier Reef

In a landmark moment for the Australian dive industry, Dive Spear and Sport and Dreamers Dive Academy have announced the launch of Australia’s first-ever SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC) solely for women, to be held on the Southern Great Barrier Reef from May 23-31, 2026.

Hosted at Dive Spear and Sport’s SDI 5 Star IDC Centre in Agnes Water / 1770, this nine-day program represents a bold step toward increasing representation, leadership, and confidence for women entering the professional dive industry.

The course will be led by two highly respected industry leaders:

Kate Barker, Owner and SDI Instructor Trainer at Dreamers Dive Academy
Carmen Bolton, Owner and SDI Instructor and Master Reef Guide at Dive Spear and Sport

Together, Kate and Carmen bring decades of combined experience in dive instruction, business ownership, reef tourism, and professional mentorship.

Why an IDC for Women?

While becoming a dive instructor is a transformative career move, women entering a traditionally male-dominated industry often face additional barriers, from confidence and visibility to leadership pathways and business longevity.

This IDC has been intentionally designed to address those challenges. “As the only female candidate on my Instructor Trainer Workshop, I can personally understand how sometimes learning with and presenting to an all or mostly male crowd can be both daunting and uncomfortable,” says Kate Barker, “We think differently, learn differently, and let’s face it, we dive differently. This is about creating a safe space for women by other women who have chosen this profession, providing unique insights, experiences, advice and mentoring.”

In addition to completing the full SDI Instructor Development Course and Instructor Exam, candidates will participate in dedicated sessions focused on:

Women in leadership and dive operations
Navigating the dive industry as a female professional
Business skills, resilience, and long-term career sustainability
Building confidence, community, and professional networks

“This course isn’t about excluding anyone,” says Carmen Bolton. “It’s about creating a space where women can learn, lead, ask questions, and step into their instructor roles with confidence and support.”

Meet the Instructors

Kate Barker

Owner and Director of Dreamers Dive Academy in Timor-Leste, Kate brings over 15 years of industry experience, including 14 years as an instructor, 12 years managing dive centres, and 8 years as a business owner. With a degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology, Kate is known for her engaging teaching style, strong mentorship, and commitment to developing confident, capable instructors.

Carmen Bolton

Owner and Director of Dive Spear and Sport, Carmen has built and led multiple dive operations across training, retail, and reef tourism. A certified SDI Instructor, Master Reef Guide, and holder of a Master’s in Business Communications, Carmen combines reef expertise with business leadership and a strong passion for empowering women in the marine industry.