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Love Snorkeling? Why an Open Water Diver Course Is the Perfect Next Step on Gili Air

Love Snorkeling? Why an Open Water Diver Course Is the Perfect Next Step on Gili Air

Open Water Diver Course If you already love snorkeling, you probably know the feeling. You are floating at the surface, looking down at a beautiful coral reef. Below you are colorful reef fish, perhaps a turtle, a moray eel disappearing between the rocks, or something 

Welcome to the Gili Air MotoGP

Welcome to the Gili Air MotoGP

Where Every Tourist Is Valentino Rossi There was a time, not so long ago, when Gili Air was famous for something rather unusual in the modern world: there were no motorized vehicles. No cars. No motorbikes. No traffic jams. Just bicycles, cidomos, people walking barefoot along 

Free SSI Divemaster Internship for Indonesian Citizens at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Free SSI Divemaster Internship for Indonesian Citizens at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Turn Your Passion for Diving Into a Professional Career

Are you an Indonesian citizen with a Rescue Diver certification who dreams of becoming a professional Divemaster?

Perhaps you want to guide divers around Indonesia’s incredible reefs. Maybe you dream about working in Raja Ampat, Komodo, Bali, the Gili Islands or another famous Indonesian diving destination. Or perhaps becoming a Divemaster is only the first step toward your ultimate goal of becoming a scuba diving instructor.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we believe motivated Indonesian divers should have the opportunity to build a professional career in their own country’s diving industry.

That is why Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a special four-month SSI Divemaster Internship scholarship exclusively for Indonesian citizens.

And when we say scholarship, we mean it.

There is no Divemaster course fee charged by Oceans 5 Gili Air. Candidates only need to pay the required SSI Divemaster digital learning materials and SSI professional registration/membership fees.[1]

There are no hidden Oceans 5 training fees.

There is no obligation to work for Oceans 5 after completing the program.

Most importantly, this is not a program where candidates work for months simply in exchange for receiving a certification at the end.

This is a proper professional SSI Divemaster course and internship.

Our objective is simple: to develop excellent Indonesian dive professionals who are ready to enter the diving industry.

Why Oceans 5 Created the Indonesian Divemaster Scholarship

Indonesia is one of the world’s most important scuba diving destinations.

The Indonesian archipelago sits within the Coral Triangle, an area internationally recognized for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.[2] Destinations such as Raja Ampat, Komodo, Bunaken, Bali and the Gili Islands attract divers from around the world.

That creates opportunities for Indonesian dive professionals.

However, becoming a professional diver requires training, experience and professional certification. For some talented Indonesian divers, the financial cost of professional-level education can make taking the next step difficult.

Oceans 5 Gili Air wants to help remove part of that barrier.

Instead of simply talking about supporting local employment, we decided to create a practical pathway into the diving industry.

Our Indonesian Divemaster Internship gives motivated Indonesian Rescue Divers the opportunity to spend approximately four months developing themselves into professional SSI Divemasters.

It is an investment in Indonesian dive professionals and, ultimately, in the future of Indonesia’s diving industry.

This Is Not Work in Exchange for Certification

There is an important difference between a genuine Divemaster internship and using Divemaster candidates as free workers.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our philosophy is clear:

You are here to learn.

Of course, part of becoming a Divemaster is understanding how a professional dive center operates. Candidates need experience with equipment preparation, dive organization, customer service, boat procedures, dive briefings, safety procedures and many other aspects of professional diving.

These activities are part of your professional education.

Candidates do not receive their Divemaster certification simply because they have spent four months at Oceans 5.

You have to train, study and develop.

You must demonstrate the required diving skills, knowledge, professionalism and leadership abilities and successfully meet the applicable SSI training standards.[1]

The objective is not to create someone who only knows how to carry tanks, prepare equipment or wash diving gear.

The objective is to create a knowledgeable, confident, safety-conscious and employable Indonesian dive professional.

That difference is extremely important.

Why Is the Internship Four Months?

Why does Oceans 5 make the Indonesian Divemaster Internship approximately four months long?

Because becoming an excellent Divemaster takes time.

A Divemaster certification should represent much more than completing a checklist of minimum requirements.

During four months at Oceans 5, candidates experience the daily reality of a professional dive center.

You meet beginner divers, experienced divers, instructors, Divemasters and professional candidates. You observe different diving situations and learn how experienced professionals organize and supervise activities.

You learn about briefings, dive planning, equipment, boats, customer service, safety and the responsibilities that come with becoming a dive professional.

Most importantly, you gain experience.

The Gili Islands provide an excellent environment for this type of training because diving conditions can vary. Currents are common around the islands, meaning Divemasters need to develop awareness of changing underwater conditions.

A professional Divemaster should not simply memorize a route around a dive site.

A good Divemaster observes the conditions, understands the environment, makes appropriate decisions and keeps the group together and safe.

Those abilities develop through training and experience.

What Will You Learn During the SSI Divemaster Internship?

The SSI Divemaster pathway represents an important transition from recreational diver toward becoming a dive professional.[1]

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we want candidates to understand that professional diving involves much more than simply being comfortable underwater.

Candidates develop their diving abilities, theoretical knowledge, leadership skills, environmental awareness and professional attitude.

You gain experience in areas such as:

  • Dive planning and organization
  • Dive-site briefings
  • Assisting instructors
  • Equipment preparation and organization
  • Diver supervision
  • Underwater navigation
  • Emergency procedures
  • Boat diving procedures
  • Customer communication
  • Environmental awareness
  • Professional dive-center operations

You will also develop something that cannot simply be downloaded from a digital manual:

professional judgment.

When should a dive plan be changed?

How can you recognize that a diver is uncomfortable?

What should you do when the current is different from what you expected?

Where should you position yourself while guiding a group?

How do you manage divers with different levels of experience?

How do you make a dive enjoyable while still maintaining safety and control?

These are the details that separate someone who simply holds a Divemaster certification from someone who is genuinely ready to work as a professional Divemaster.

Train at an SSI Instructor Training Center

Oceans 5 Gili Air is an SSI Instructor Training Center, which means professional education is an important part of our daily operation.

Divemaster candidates train in an environment where future SSI instructors are also educated.

This creates an atmosphere where teaching, professional development and continuing education are part of everyday life.

Candidates have opportunities to observe experienced Divemasters, instructors and instructor trainers.

You are therefore not only learning how to become a Divemaster. You are surrounded by people at different stages of the professional diving pathway.

For candidates who eventually want to become instructors, this can be extremely valuable.

From Divemaster Training to Employment

Getting certified is one thing.

Finding your first job is another.

Oceans 5 Gili Air therefore also tries to help Indonesian Divemaster graduates make the transition from training into employment.

When suitable opportunities become available, we are happy to help connect our graduates with dive centers looking for professional Indonesian Divemasters.

And the results of the program are something we are extremely proud of.

In 2025, 10 Indonesian candidates became Divemasters through Oceans 5 Gili Air.[3]

In 2026, we have already welcomed another eight Indonesian candidates into the pathway, with two more candidates graduating today.[3]

Our former candidates are now working in some of Indonesia’s most famous diving destinations.

Oceans 5 graduates have found opportunities in Raja Ampat, Komodo and the Gili Islands.[3]

The two Indonesian candidates graduating today have already found Divemaster positions here on Gili Air.[3]

That is exactly what we want this program to achieve.

Training should create opportunities.

Your Divemaster Certification Belongs to You

There is another important principle behind the Oceans 5 Indonesian Divemaster Internship.

Once you have successfully completed your training, you are free to work wherever you want.

There is no obligation to stay at Oceans 5.

There is no employment contract requiring you to work for us because we provided your training scholarship.

You can look for opportunities on Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat or elsewhere, subject to the professional and employment requirements applicable to the position.

We are proud when former candidates find jobs at other dive centers.

For us, that means the program is succeeding.

Creating More Indonesian Dive Professionals

Indonesia does not only have some of the world’s best diving. It also has something international divers can never bring with them: local knowledge.

Indonesian Divemasters understand their country, culture, communities and marine environment.

Developing more highly trained Indonesian dive professionals strengthens the Indonesian diving industry.

It creates employment opportunities and career pathways.

Today’s Indonesian Divemaster could become tomorrow’s instructor, instructor trainer, dive-center manager or business owner.

Professional education can therefore have an impact far beyond a single certification.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we believe the future of diving in Indonesia should include strong Indonesian professionals at every level of the industry.

Divemaster Doesn’t Have to Be the End

For some candidates, becoming an SSI Divemaster is the ultimate goal.

For others, it is only the beginning.

After working as a Divemaster, you may discover that you enjoy helping and teaching other divers.

Your next ambition could then be becoming an SSI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

As an SSI Instructor Training Center, Oceans 5 Gili Air can help suitable Divemasters understand the next steps toward instructor-level training.[1]

But there is no need to rush.

First, become an excellent Divemaster.

Gain experience.

Work with real divers.

Develop your confidence.

Learn from experienced professionals.

Then, when you are ready for your next step, we can help you explore the pathway toward becoming a dive instructor.

Who Can Apply for the Free Indonesian Divemaster Internship?

The Oceans 5 Gili Air scholarship is specifically designed for Indonesian citizens who are serious about developing a professional career in diving.

Candidates should already hold a Rescue Diver certification or recognized equivalent and meet the applicable SSI Divemaster entry requirements.[1]

But qualifications are only part of what we are looking for.

Attitude matters.

We want people who genuinely want to learn.

Being a professional Divemaster means accepting responsibility. It requires reliability, communication skills, professionalism, attention to safety and a willingness to continue learning.

You don’t have to arrive at Oceans 5 as the perfect diver.

That is why you are joining a training program.

But you should arrive motivated to become the best dive professional you can be.

What Does “Free Divemaster Internship” Actually Mean?

We want to be completely transparent about the word free.

Oceans 5 Gili Air does not charge Indonesian scholarship candidates a Divemaster course/training fee for the four-month internship.

Candidates are responsible for paying the required SSI Divemaster digital training materials and applicable SSI professional registration/membership fees.[1]

There are no additional hidden Oceans 5 Divemaster course fees suddenly added halfway through the program.

The purpose of the scholarship is not to make money from Indonesian Divemaster candidates.

The purpose is to educate them.

Become Part of the Next Generation of Indonesian Dive Professionals

Imagine where your Divemaster certification could take you.

Today you might be a Rescue Diver wondering whether a professional career in diving is realistic.

Four months later, you could be an SSI Divemaster preparing for your first professional job.

You could eventually find yourself guiding divers through the reefs of the Gili Islands, working in Komodo, exploring Raja Ampat or continuing your professional education toward becoming an SSI Instructor.

Oceans 5 Gili Air has already helped Indonesian divers make that transition.

Ten Indonesian candidates became Divemasters with us in 2025.[3] Eight more have already joined the pathway this year, and today two more Indonesian candidates are graduating and preparing to work professionally on Gili Air.[3]

Maybe the next success story will be yours.

Are you an Indonesian citizen?

Are you already a Rescue Diver?

Would you like to turn your passion for scuba diving into a professional career?

Then the four-month free SSI Divemaster Internship scholarship at Oceans 5 Gili Air could be your opportunity.

Come to Gili Air.

Train properly.

Gain real experience.

Become a professional.

And become part of the next generation of Indonesian dive professionals.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the SSI Divemaster Internship really free for Indonesian citizens?

Yes. Oceans 5 Gili Air waives the Divemaster course/training fee for accepted Indonesian scholarship candidates. Candidates still need to pay the required SSI Divemaster digital learning materials and applicable SSI professional registration/membership fees.[1]

2. How long is the Indonesian Divemaster Internship?

The scholarship program lasts approximately four months. We deliberately provide a longer training period because our goal is not simply to complete certification requirements. We want candidates to gain practical experience and develop into confident and employable dive professionals.

3. Do I need to be an Indonesian citizen?

Yes. This particular free Divemaster scholarship is specifically designed for Indonesian citizens.

4. What certification do I need before applying?

You should already hold a Rescue Diver certification or recognized equivalent and meet the current SSI Divemaster entry requirements.[1] Your previous certification does not necessarily have to be from SSI if it is recognized as an equivalent qualification.

5. Is this work in exchange for a Divemaster certification?

No. This is a professional training program. Candidates participate in dive-center activities because learning how a professional dive operation functions is part of becoming a Divemaster. The purpose of the internship is education and professional development, not obtaining free labor in exchange for certification.

6. Do I have to work for Oceans 5 after becoming a Divemaster?

No. Once you successfully complete your program, you are free to look for work wherever you want. There is no obligation to work for Oceans 5 Gili Air.

7. Does Oceans 5 help graduates find jobs?

Where possible, yes. We are happy to help connect successful graduates with opportunities in the Indonesian diving industry. Previous Oceans 5 Indonesian Divemaster candidates have gone on to work in destinations including Raja Ampat, Komodo and the Gili Islands.[3]

8. Can I become a dive instructor afterwards?

Yes. Becoming a Divemaster can be an important step in a professional diving career. Oceans 5 Gili Air is an SSI Instructor Training Center, so candidates interested in continuing their professional education can discuss the pathway toward becoming an SSI Instructor.[1]

9. Why should I do my Divemaster training at Oceans 5 Gili Air?

The four-month program gives you time to gain experience instead of rushing through the certification. You train in a professional dive-center environment alongside experienced Divemasters, instructors and instructor trainers while experiencing real diving conditions around the Gili Islands.

10. How can I apply?

Indonesian Rescue Divers interested in the scholarship can contact Oceans 5 Gili Air and introduce themselves, explain their diving experience and provide information about their current certifications.

WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
Email: [email protected]


References

[1] Scuba Schools International (SSI) – SSI Training Standards, professional training requirements, Divemaster pathway, digital learning and professional education information. Current SSI standards and requirements should always be consulted when determining eligibility and certification requirements.

[2] Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) – Information on the Coral Triangle, marine biodiversity and the importance of Indonesia within one of the world’s most biologically diverse marine regions.

[3] Oceans 5 Gili Air internal training records (2025–2026) – Indonesian Divemaster scholarship participation, graduate numbers and employment destinations referenced in this article.

SSI training standards, fees and professional registration requirements can change. Candidates should contact Oceans 5 Gili Air for the latest requirements and costs before enrolling.

Special 10-Day Instructor Crossover at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Special 10-Day Instructor Crossover at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Become an SSI Dive Instructor Already a dive instructor with another training agency and thinking about adding SSI to your professional qualifications? This August, Oceans 5 Gili Air is offering a special opportunity. Starting 20 August 2026, Oceans 5 Gili Air will organize a special 10-day SSI 

Diving for Everyone: Why Scuba Diving Is More Accessible Than Most People Think

Diving for Everyone: Why Scuba Diving Is More Accessible Than Most People Think

Diving for Everyone For many people, scuba diving looks like an activity reserved for athletes, adventurous travelers, or people in perfect physical condition. Movies often portray diving as an extreme sport involving sharks, deep wrecks, or dangerous caves. As a result, one of the most 

Why All Dive Guides at Oceans 5 Gili Air Are Certified Local SSI Divemasters

Why All Dive Guides at Oceans 5 Gili Air Are Certified Local SSI Divemasters

Certified Local SSI Divemasters

When you join a dive at Oceans 5 Gili Air, one thing immediately stands out: every certified diver is guided by a local Indonesian SSI Divemaster. This is not a coincidence, nor is it simply a company preference. It is a conscious decision based on three important principles: complying with Indonesian law, supporting the local community, and providing guests with highly trained professionals who know the Gili Islands better than anyone else.

Many visitors to Indonesia are surprised to learn that foreign dive guides are generally not permitted to work as recreational dive guides. While foreign instructors can obtain the correct permits to teach scuba diving courses, Indonesian immigration and manpower regulations do not provide a work permit specifically for foreigners to work as recreational dive guides.[1][2] As a result, responsible dive centers follow these regulations by employing qualified Indonesian Divemasters to guide certified divers.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we have embraced this philosophy from the very beginning. Every guide is an Indonesian SSI Divemaster who has completed extensive professional training, knows the local environment intimately, and plays an important role in protecting the marine ecosystem surrounding Gili Air.

Why Are All Our Guides Certified SSI Divemasters?

Some dive centers around the world use experienced recreational divers or Divemaster trainees to guide certified divers. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we believe every guide should be a certified dive professional.

An SSI Divemaster is not simply someone with many logged dives. Becoming a Divemaster requires completing a professional-level training program that includes:

  • Dive leadership
  • Risk management
  • Dive planning
  • Emergency procedures
  • Rescue techniques
  • Marine conservation awareness
  • Customer service
  • Professional ethics
  • Dive site management
  • Environmental responsibility

By completing this training, SSI Divemasters become capable of supervising certified divers safely while creating enjoyable underwater experiences.

Our guests can therefore relax knowing that every guided dive is led by a trained professional who meets international SSI professional standards.[3]

Local Knowledge Makes a Huge Difference

The Gili Islands are famous for their crystal-clear water, turtles, coral reefs and drift dives. However, currents around Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan can change significantly throughout the day.

Local Divemasters understand:

  • Seasonal current changes
  • Tidal movements
  • Entry and exit points
  • Marine life behaviour
  • Weather patterns
  • Boat traffic
  • Safe ascent locations
  • Protected coral areas

Many of our Divemasters have spent hundreds—often thousands—of dives in these waters.

That experience simply cannot be replaced by reading a dive map.

Because they grew up in the area or have worked here for many years, they know where turtles usually sleep, where juvenile reef sharks can be found, when certain macro species appear, and how changing currents influence each dive site.

Supporting the Local Community

Tourism should benefit the people who live where tourism takes place.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we strongly believe that local people should have opportunities to build long-term careers within the dive industry.

Employing local Divemasters means:

  • Creating skilled employment
  • Developing professional careers
  • Keeping tourism income within Indonesia
  • Building future instructors and trainers
  • Encouraging environmental stewardship

Many of our Divemasters started as beginner divers before progressing through Open Water Diver, Advanced Adventurer, Rescue Diver and finally Divemaster.

Several have continued their education to become SSI Open Water Instructors and now teach new generations of divers.

Understanding Indonesian Immigration Rules

Occasionally guests ask:

“Why is our dive guide Indonesian while the instructor teaching a course may be from another country?”

The answer lies in Indonesian immigration and manpower regulations.

Foreign nationals can obtain the appropriate work permits for specific professional positions, such as scuba instructor or instructor trainer, provided all legal requirements are met.[1][2]

However, guiding certified recreational divers is considered a position intended for Indonesian workers, and there is no standard work permit category allowing foreigners to work solely as dive guides.

This regulation has two important goals:

  1. Protect employment opportunities for Indonesian citizens.
  2. Ensure foreign workers are employed only in positions where their expertise is specifically required.

Responsible dive centres respect these regulations rather than attempting to circumvent them.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, compliance with Indonesian law is a fundamental part of how we operate.

Professional Instructors and Professional Guides

This does not mean foreign professionals cannot work in Indonesian diving.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our international SSI instructors focus on what they are specifically qualified and permitted to do:

  • Teaching beginner courses
  • Conducting advanced training
  • Delivering specialty courses
  • Training Divemasters
  • Running Instructor Training Courses
  • Maintaining educational standards

Once divers are certified, they are guided by our experienced Indonesian SSI Divemasters.

This creates a professional division of responsibilities while fully respecting Indonesian regulations.

Why This Benefits Our Guests

Some visitors initially assume they would prefer a guide from their own country.

After a few dives, most discover the opposite.

Our local Divemasters often know every rock, coral bommie and cleaning station on each dive site.

They know where turtles usually rest.

They know where frogfish hide.

They know where octopus emerge during different tides.

They know how to avoid stronger currents while still visiting the most exciting parts of a reef.

This local knowledge creates safer and more enjoyable dives.

Small Groups Mean Better Diving

Another important advantage at Oceans 5 Gili Air is our commitment to small dive groups.

Rather than placing large numbers of divers together, we organise groups according to:

  • Experience level
  • Air consumption
  • Interests
  • Photography
  • Nitrox certification
  • Current conditions

This allows our Divemasters to focus on every diver while protecting the reef and ensuring everyone enjoys the dive at a comfortable pace.

Environmental Protection

Our Divemasters are also ambassadors for marine conservation.

During every dive they encourage responsible underwater behaviour, including:

  • Excellent buoyancy control
  • No touching coral
  • No chasing turtles
  • Respecting marine life
  • Proper finning techniques
  • Safe distances from animals

These practices help protect the reefs surrounding Gili Air for future generations.

Many of our Divemasters also participate in beach clean-ups, reef conservation initiatives and marine education programs organised by Oceans 5 Gili Air.

Career Opportunities for Indonesians

One of the things we are most proud of is helping Indonesian divers become dive professionals.

Many talented young Indonesians dream of working in the dive industry but cannot afford the tuition required for professional training.

To help overcome this barrier, Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a unique opportunity.

Free SSI Divemaster Internship for Indonesian Citizens

Indonesian citizens who meet the entry requirements can join our SSI Divemaster Internship without paying course tuition.

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Hold an SSI Rescue Diver certification or an equivalent certification from another recognised training agency.
  • Have a minimum of 40 logged dives.
  • Meet the medical requirements for professional diving.

Instead of paying course fees, candidates only cover the mandatory SSI professional costs:

  • SSI Divemaster Digital Learning Kit.
  • SSI Professional Membership Fee.

This allows aspiring professionals to receive comprehensive training while keeping the financial barrier as low as possible.

Throughout the internship, candidates develop real-world experience by working alongside our instructional team, assisting courses, guiding under supervision, improving dive skills, learning equipment maintenance, enhancing customer service, and gaining the confidence needed for a successful career in the diving industry.

Many graduates continue into the SSI Instructor Training Course and go on to work throughout Indonesia and internationally.

Investing in Indonesia’s Diving Industry

Indonesia is home to some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity. Developing local dive professionals helps ensure that this incredible natural heritage is protected by the people who know it best.

By investing in Indonesian Divemasters today, we are investing in the future of sustainable diving.

Our professional training philosophy focuses not only on producing excellent dive leaders but also on developing future instructors, conservation advocates and ambassadors for Indonesia’s underwater world.

Experience the Difference

When you dive with Oceans 5 Gili Air, you are diving with professionals who combine internationally recognised SSI training with local knowledge that can only come from years of experience in the Gili Islands.

Our certified Indonesian Divemasters know these reefs intimately, understand the changing conditions, care deeply about protecting the marine environment, and are passionate about sharing the beauty of Gili Air with divers from around the world.

For us, employing local SSI Divemasters is about much more than following regulations. It is about creating opportunities, supporting the community, protecting Indonesia’s reefs, and delivering the safest and most enjoyable diving experience possible.

Whether you are joining your first fun dive after certification or returning for another unforgettable underwater adventure, you can be confident that you are in capable hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all dive guides at Oceans 5 Gili Air certified?

Yes. Every guide leading certified divers is a fully certified SSI Divemaster or higher-level SSI professional.

Why are all the dive guides Indonesian?

Indonesian immigration and manpower regulations reserve recreational dive guiding positions for Indonesian citizens. Oceans 5 fully complies with these regulations by employing qualified local professionals.[1][2]

Can foreign Divemasters work as guides in Indonesia?

In general, foreigners cannot obtain a standard work permit solely to work as recreational dive guides. Foreign professionals may work in other approved roles, such as scuba instructors, if they meet all legal requirements.[1][2]

What are the requirements for the free Indonesian Divemaster Internship?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent), have a minimum of 40 logged dives, and meet the medical requirements for professional diving.

Is the Divemaster Internship really free?

Course tuition is free for eligible Indonesian citizens. Candidates only pay the mandatory SSI Digital Learning Kit and SSI Professional Membership fees.

Can graduates become instructors?

Yes. Many of our Divemaster graduates continue into the SSI Instructor Training Course and build successful careers in the diving industry.

Why should certified divers choose Oceans 5 Gili Air?

Because every dive is led by experienced local SSI Divemasters, groups are kept small, safety standards are high, and guests benefit from exceptional local knowledge of the Gili Islands.

Interested in Becoming an SSI Divemaster?

If you are an Indonesian citizen with a Rescue Diver certification and at least 40 logged dives, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information about our Free SSI Divemaster Internship, contact Oceans 5 Gili Air:

WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
Email: [email protected]

References

  1. Republic of Indonesia – Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.
  2. Republic of Indonesia – Regulations governing the employment of foreign workers (RPTKA and work permit requirements administered by the Ministry of Manpower).
  3. SSI International – SSI Training Standards and Professional Programs.
  4. SSI International – Divemaster Program Standards and Performance Requirements.
  5. Divers Alert Network (DAN). Professionalism and Risk Management in Recreational Diving.
  6. Indonesian Ministry of Tourism – Sustainable Tourism and Community-Based Tourism Guidelines.
Why Every Divemaster Candidate Should Add the Deep Diver and Enriched Air Nitrox Specialties

Why Every Divemaster Candidate Should Add the Deep Diver and Enriched Air Nitrox Specialties

Becoming a Divemaster is much more than collecting a professional certification. It is about developing the confidence, experience, and knowledge to guide certified divers safely in a wide range of underwater environments. While the Divemaster internship itself provides an enormous amount of practical experience, combining 

Tech Diving at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Tech Diving at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Take Your Diving Beyond the Recreational Limits For many scuba divers, earning an Open Water certification is just the beginning of an incredible underwater journey. After completing Advanced Adventurer, Deep Diving, Nitrox, or Rescue Diver, many divers start wondering what lies beyond the recreational limits. 

Become an SSI Instructor in Just 10 Days – Special Instructor Crossover Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Become an SSI Instructor in Just 10 Days – Special Instructor Crossover Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Special Instructor Crossover Course

Starts: 20 August
Instructor Trainer: Warren “Waz” Beyers
Location: Oceans 5 Gili Air, Indonesia

Already a certified dive instructor with another training agency? Then this course has been designed specifically for you.

Instead of completing the full 16-day Instructor Training Course (ITC), Oceans 5 Gili Air is offering a special 10-day SSI Instructor Crossover Course. It is the fastest way to become an SSI Open Water Instructor while learning one of the world’s fastest-growing scuba training systems.[1][2]

Even better, you can join one week of free diving before the course starts, allowing you to become familiar with the dive sites, currents, procedures and the Oceans 5 team before your crossover begins.

If you’ve been thinking about expanding your career opportunities, there has never been a better time.


Why Cross Over to SSI?

The scuba industry has changed enormously during the last decade. Dive centres around the world are increasingly choosing SSI because of its flexible teaching philosophy, modern digital learning platform and strong support for dive professionals.[1][2]

As an instructor, becoming agency-independent makes you considerably more employable. Many dive centres today prefer instructors who can teach multiple training systems or specifically require SSI instructors.

An SSI crossover is not about saying one organisation is better than another. It is about giving yourself more career opportunities.

Whether you dream of working in Indonesia, Thailand, the Maldives, Egypt, the Caribbean or Australia, having an SSI instructor certification opens many additional doors.[2]


Why Right Now?

Timing is everything.

Every year, hundreds of dive centres prepare for upcoming high seasons by recruiting new instructors. Completing your crossover now means you’ll be ready before many recruitment periods begin.[2]

Indonesia in particular has seen a huge increase in SSI dive centres over recent years. The Gili Islands themselves have become one of the strongest SSI communities in Southeast Asia.

Instead of waiting until you need an SSI certification for a job, why not get certified before the opportunity arrives?


Why Oceans 5 Gili Air?

Choosing where you complete your instructor crossover matters.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructor development isn’t about simply passing an Instructor Evaluation. It’s about becoming a better educator, safer diver and more employable professional.

Small Groups

Unlike large instructor factories, Oceans 5 limits professional courses to small groups. This gives every candidate plenty of individual coaching and personal feedback throughout the course.

You won’t disappear into a class of twenty instructor candidates.

Instead, you’ll work closely with SSI Instructor Trainer Warren “Waz” Beyers, who will personally guide you through every aspect of the crossover.


Sixteen Years of Professional Training Experience

Oceans 5 has been training dive professionals for over 16 years.

During that time, thousands of divers have completed recreational and professional training at the centre, while numerous Divemasters and Instructors have started successful careers throughout the diving industry.

The experience of the teaching team allows them to focus on much more than simply completing standards.


Learn to Teach, Not Just Pass

Many instructor programmes focus almost entirely on preparing candidates to pass the examination.

At Oceans 5, the emphasis is different.

The course concentrates on:

  • Student organisation
  • Teaching efficiency
  • Neutral buoyancy while teaching
  • Risk management
  • Demonstration quality
  • Professional communication
  • Real-world problem solving
  • Creating confident instructors

These are the skills employers actually look for.


Dive Before the Course—for Free

One of the biggest advantages of this crossover programme is the opportunity to dive free for one week before the course starts.

This allows you to:

  • Become familiar with local dive sites
  • Understand Gili Island currents
  • Meet the Oceans 5 team
  • Relax before the course
  • Improve your buoyancy
  • Refresh your diving skills

By the first day of the course, you’ll already feel part of the team.


Why SSI?

SSI has become one of the world’s leading diver training organisations by combining modern technology with flexible education.[1]

Every student receives digital learning materials that can be accessed from almost any device.

For instructors, this means:

  • Less paperwork
  • Better student preparation
  • Modern digital certification
  • Lifetime digital access for students
  • Continuous professional development opportunities

SSI also allows instructors to teach through affiliated dive centres with strong quality assurance and educational support.[1][2]


Course Information

Start Date: 20 August

Duration: 10 Days

Instructor Trainer: Warren “Waz” Beyers

Course Costs

ItemPrice
SSI Instructor Crossover Course€750
SSI Open Water Instructor Digital LearningIDR 6,000,000
SSI Professional Registration & Initial Year MembershipIDR 2,000,000
Instructor PackageIDR 1,000,000
Instructor Evaluation (IE) Fee€550

Bonus: Free diving for one week before the course.


What You’ll Learn

During the crossover you will learn:

  • SSI teaching philosophy
  • SSI standards and procedures
  • Digital teaching platform
  • Academic presentations
  • Pool teaching techniques
  • Open water teaching
  • Student evaluation
  • Risk management
  • Professional development
  • How to become successful within the SSI system

Why Train on Gili Air?

The Gili Islands are famous for calm conditions, warm water, excellent visibility and abundant marine life.[3]

During your training you can expect to see:

  • Green turtles
  • Hawksbill turtles
  • Reef sharks
  • Colourful coral reefs
  • Huge schools of tropical fish

Outside the classroom, Gili Air offers relaxed cafés, beachfront restaurants, live music and one of Indonesia’s most enjoyable island lifestyles.

It is a fantastic place to spend ten days improving your career.


Build Your Future

An instructor certification is more than another card in your wallet.

It is an investment in your future.

Whether you want to work around the world, teach more students or simply expand your professional qualifications, becoming an SSI Instructor gives you another valuable opportunity.

With experienced coaching, small groups, free diving before the course and one of Indonesia’s most respected professional training centres, this crossover programme offers outstanding value.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment…

This is it.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the crossover course?

Any active scuba instructor from another recognised recreational training organisation who meets SSI crossover prerequisites.


How long is the course?

The crossover lasts 10 days, significantly shorter than the standard 16-day SSI Instructor Training Course.


Who conducts the programme?

The course is conducted by SSI Instructor Trainer Warren “Waz” Beyers.


What is included in the €750 course fee?

The crossover training itself and one week of free diving before the course.

SSI digital materials, professional registration, instructor package and the Instructor Evaluation fee are separate costs.


Why is SSI becoming so popular?

SSI combines flexible digital education, high-quality teaching materials, strong dive centre support and continuous instructor development, making it attractive for both dive centres and instructors.[1][2]


Why choose Oceans 5?

Because of its experienced training team, personalised coaching, small instructor groups, excellent facilities, and over 16 years of professional diver education.


Can I work immediately after passing?

Once you successfully complete the Instructor Evaluation, activate your professional membership and affiliate with an SSI Dive Centre, you can teach SSI programmes in accordance with SSI standards.[1]


How do I reserve my place?

Contact Oceans 5 Gili Air:

WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823

Email: [email protected]

Places are limited to ensure every candidate receives individual attention.


References

[1] SSI (Scuba Schools International). SSI Training Standards & Professional Programmes.

[2] SSI. Professional Pathways, Instructor Training and Digital Learning Resources.

[3] Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) & Gili Matra Marine Recreation Park information on the Gili Islands’ marine environment and protected waters.

10 Reasons Why the SSI Instructor Training Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air Is One of Indonesia’s Best

10 Reasons Why the SSI Instructor Training Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air Is One of Indonesia’s Best

SSI Instructor Training Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air Choosing where to complete your Instructor Training Course (ITC) is one of the most important decisions of your diving career. Becoming an SSI Open Water Instructor is about much more than passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE).