Founding Instructor
The certificate you cannot buy
Only 20 people in the world. The Founding Instructor title is not sold; it is granted by application and selection. Each one is numbered, stays with its holder for life, and once all 20 are taken it will never open again.
20 of 20 places open
What it means
The first 20 instructors to carry Presence into the world
Every standard has a beginning, and a handful of people who carry it. Founding Instructors are the first to teach Rubelis Presence Diver in their region, the ones who help shape how the standard lives, and whose names will be remembered with that beginning.
The title is not a discount, a package or a subscription. It is a responsibility, and that is why it is not for sale.
Founding register
The names of the Founding Instructors are kept here permanently.
- Nº 01Open
- Nº 02Open
- Nº 03Open
- Nº 04Open
- Nº 05Open
- Nº 06Open
- Nº 07Open
- Nº 08Open
- Nº 09Open
- Nº 10Open
- Nº 11Open
- Nº 12Open
- Nº 13Open
- Nº 14Open
- Nº 15Open
- Nº 16Open
- Nº 17Open
- Nº 18Open
- Nº 19Open
- Nº 20Open
Criteria
Who can apply
- Be a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or higher in teaching status.
- Meet PADI's specialty instructor requirements (including at least 20 logged dives in this area).
- Have a demonstrable teaching record.
- Complete the Rubelis Beyond Diver theory programme.
- Take part in an online interview with the founder, Taylan Kırali.
- Be willing to teach the course in your region fully to standard and to contribute to Rubelis research (with student consent).
The process
From application to title
Application
You complete the form below. Your motivation matters as much as your teaching record.
Review
Your application is reviewed personally by the founder.
Interview
You have an online conversation with Taylan Kırali.
Founding training
You join an online training session with a small group.
The title
You receive your numbered Founding seal, and your name is added to the Founding register and the Presence map.
Privileges
As a Founding Instructor
- A numbered seal, for life
- The Founding seal numbered Nº 01 to Nº 20, on your business card, website and certificates.
- A permanent record
- Your name is kept permanently in the Founding register on rubelis.eu.
- First in your region
- You are featured in your country on the Presence map, and student enquiries from your region are sent to you first.
- A direct line to the founder
- Direct contact with Taylan Kırali and periodic closed Founding meetings.
- The trainer path
- You are the first to be considered for authorisation to train instructors as a Presence Trainer.
- Your name in the research
- Founding Instructors who contribute data to the pilot study are credited as contributors in publications.
- Camera-Free Dive Day
- Priority to host Camera-Free Dive Day in your region on 4 September 2027.
- First access
- Access to new materials, programmes and standard updates before anyone else.
The title is not sold. Licence and training terms are shared with you after your application is accepted.
Founding Instructor application
Applications are reviewed one by one, personally, and every applicant receives a personal reply.