PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Oceans 5 Gili Air in 2025 Oceans 5 Gili Air has always believed that a dive centre should be more than a business operating on an island. From the very beginning, Oceans 5 has taken the position that respect from the local community is not …
A New Chapter for Oceans 5 Gili Air: Change, Growth, and the Same Heartbeat If you’ve seen our recent social media posts, heard whispers around the island, or caught a few rumors online, you might already know: after 15 incredible years, Oceans 5 Gili Air is …
For more than 15 years, Oceans 5 Gili Air has stood not only as a dive centre dedicated to high-quality training but also as a place deeply rooted in the local community. Since opening in 2010, the goal has always been simple yet powerful: create opportunities. Opportunities for education, opportunities for employment, and opportunities for Indonesians to grow into confident professionals in the global diving industry.
The 2025 Divemaster Internship Program for Indonesian Citizens is one of the clearest examples of this mission in action. This year, Oceans 5 offered 15 fully sponsored divemaster internships, giving Indonesian divers the chance to take their first steps into the world of professional diving without financial barriers. At the end of the selection period, seven talented Indonesians—Tegar, Ziki, Yani, Mul, Fajar, Zain, and Adrian—took the opportunity and committed to a three-month professional journey that will prepare them for a long, sustainable, and meaningful career in diving.
And their journey is only just beginning.
The diving industry in Indonesia is growing rapidly. From Bali to Komodo, from Raja Ampat to the Gili Islands, Indonesia has become one of the world’s most visited scuba destinations. But despite the booming tourism, many local divers struggle to access higher-level training. Professional courses are expensive, and many Indonesian divers simply never get the chance to continue beyond Rescue Diver level.
Oceans 5 believes that must change.
That is why the Divemaster Internship Program for Indonesian Citizens was created:
to remove financial obstacles, to transfer knowledge, to build confidence, and to prepare local divers for real careers—not just certifications.
In 2025, Oceans 5 committed to providing 15 fully sponsored divemaster programs, and seven motivated candidatesstepped forward. These candidates were not chosen based on financial need alone. They were chosen based on passion, willingness to learn, and a long-term vision of working in the diving world. This program was never about collecting certificates; it was about building professionals.
Each of the seven interns brought their own personality, dreams, and strengths to Oceans 5. Together, they formed a unique team—supporting one another, discovering new skills, and learning the standards that make a great divemaster.
Known for his calm nature and natural people-skills, Tegar quickly became a favourite among instructors and fun divers. His ability to connect with guests, stay focused under pressure, and organise tasks made him an excellent future divemaster.
Ziki is proof that passion can take you anywhere. His motivation and enthusiasm were visible every single day—whether on the boat, in the classroom, or assisting instructors. He has a natural instinct for the ocean and is ready for the next step in his professional journey.
Already familiar with boat work and water activities, Yani was one of the fastest learners underwater. He is technically strong, responsible, and focused—qualities that the industry truly appreciates.
Quiet but incredibly dedicated, Mul learned quickly and consistently. His discipline and respect for standards made him stand out. He is exactly the type of professional the Indonesian dive industry needs: responsible, patient, and detail-oriented.
With a strong work ethic and a deep love for the ocean, Fajar showed great progress throughout the program. His friendly personality and teamwork spirit made him a key part of the 2025 internship family.
Always smiling, always curious—Zain reminded everyone why people fall in love with diving. He is passionate, social, and has a true enthusiasm for learning. These qualities will take him far.
Calm, thoughtful, and highly committed, Adrian developed a strong understanding of both diving and customer service. He completed his internship as a confident and capable divemaster.
The goal of the internship was never to “produce divemasters.” The goal was to create opportunities. And this is exactly what is already happening.
Some of the 2025 interns have taken their skills far across Indonesia:
This is not the end of their training. This is the beginning of their professional lives.
Interns do not simulate tasks. They assist on real courses, real students, and real daily operations. This creates true readiness for work in any dive centre in Indonesia or abroad.
Becoming a divemaster is not something that happens in two weeks. The Oceans 5 internship lasts three full months, allowing enough time for deep learning, skill development, and personal growth.
This ensures personal attention, close supervision, and proper mentoring. Oceans 5 will never train large groups of interns at the same time.
Oceans 5 is known for high standards, structured teaching, and strict adherence to safety. Even after transitioning away from PADI in 2026, the teaching philosophy remains the same:
quality, safety, professionalism, and environmental respect.
This program does not receive external funding. Oceans 5 finances everything: instructor time, equipment, training materials, boat costs, and supervision—all because supporting local Indonesians is a core value of the company.
The success of the 2025 internship confirmed one thing:
the local community needs and deserves this opportunity.
That is why in 2026, Oceans 5 will continue to support Indonesian citizens by offering a new round of free divemaster internships.
The structure remains the same:
This program is perfect for Indonesians who dream of a career in the dive industry but do not have the financial means to reach the professional level. Oceans 5 wants Indonesians to be well represented in the diving world—not just as boat crew or snorkel guides, but as professional divemasters, instructors, conservation leaders, and managers.
Being located on Gili Air means being part of a small, close-knit community. Many of the island’s families rely on tourism for their livelihoods. By training Indonesians to become professional divers, Oceans 5 is contributing directly to long-term, sustainable income opportunities for local communities.
Indonesia should not only be the world’s top diving destination—it should also be home to the best Indonesian divers.
Oceans 5’s philosophy is simple:
And the results speak for themselves: graduates now working across the country, improving their families’ lives, and creating real futures in the marine tourism sector.
If you are an Indonesian citizen and want to start a career in the diving industry, this is your chance.
You must meet the following requirements:
To apply or ask questions:
📱 WhatsApp: +62 8533 339 7823
📧 Email: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed based on motivation, attitude, and long-term goals, not English level or previous experience in tourism.
The 2025 Indonesian Divemaster Internship Program has already changed lives. Tegar, Ziki, Yani, Mul, Fajar, Zain, and Adrian are the proof:
with opportunity, guidance, and mentorship, Indonesian divers can become world-class professionals.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is proud of each of them—and even more proud of the message this program sends:
Diving in Indonesia should be led by Indonesians.
The ocean belongs to everyone, but the opportunity to work professionally within it must be accessible to local communities first. Oceans 5 will continue to stand behind this principle—today, in 2026, and in every year ahead.
If you are ready to take the first step toward a career in the diving world, the next internship is waiting for you.
Your journey starts here. At Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Why Scuba Diving Is a Great Sport for Kids: A Lifelong Adventure Begins Underwater Family holidays often come with a familiar challenge: What can we do that is fun, meaningful, and unforgettable for the kids? While many families turn to beach games, snorkeling trips, or island activities, …
For many people, the Gili Islands bring to mind turquoise water, coral reefs alive with colour, and sunsets that paint the horizon in gold. What visitors often don’t see is the dedication and effort required to keep these islands clean and thriving. At the heart of that effort stands Oceans 5 Gili Air, a dive centre that has made conservation a core part of its philosophy from the moment it opened its doors. For well over a decade, Oceans 5 has organized weekly beach cleanups around the harbor of Gili Air, helping protect both the coastline and the reef that lies just offshore.
Last Friday, this tradition continued thanks to a passionate team of Divemaster and IDC candidates, supported by volunteers from the island community and travellers staying or diving with Oceans 5. Together they collected 48 kilograms of trash from the harbor area—an impressive amount, especially given that the rainy season has not yet fully arrived.
In about a month, the rainy season will start in earnest. Each year, the shift in weather brings a predictable and worrying challenge: rubbish washed from Lombok’s mainland rivers and coastlines rides the currents across the strait and lands on the beaches of Gili Air. Even now, at the tail end of the dry season, the occasional heavy rain shower is enough to push plastic, cans, nylon ropes, shoes, and other debris onto the island’s shoreline.
If these items are not picked up promptly, they do not simply disappear. A portion is blown inland, some is collected by informal waste pickers—but much of it is washed back into the sea. Once in the water, rubbish can sink and become trapped among corals, sponges, and rocks. In the harbor of Gili Air, just a few meters off the beach, lies a stunning coral reef, home to everything from juvenile reef fish to cuttlefish, shrimp, and pipefish. At night, one of the area’s most beloved creatures—the mandarin fish—can be seen emerging from the coral for its short, colourful mating routine.
Marine debris poses a serious threat to this delicate environment. Plastic bags can wrap around corals, depriving them of light and oxygen. Fishing lines and rope entangle marine life. Bottles can smother coral heads or create hazards for divers and snorkelers. What may look like a small piece of rubbish on the beach can have irreversible consequences underwater.
This is why the weekly cleanup is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a critical, practical action.
The harbor cleanup last Friday showed exactly how much can accumulate in just a short period. Under the coordination of Oceans 5’s divemaster trainees and instructor candidates, dozens of people joined forces to comb the shoreline, gather debris from the waterline, and separate recyclable items from general waste.
Gloves, refuse bags, and logistical support were provided by Oceans 5, as always, free of charge. Volunteers included tourists who had just finished dives, local shop owners, staff from other dive centres, and residents who understand the importance of protecting the beaches that support their livelihood. The atmosphere was energetic, positive, and purposeful. Children from the village watched curiously, some joining in for a short time, learning by example that caring for their island starts with something as simple as picking up a bottle or a piece of styrofoam.
By the time the sun began to set, 48 kilograms had been collected—an amount that would otherwise have dispersed throughout the marine park. It is a reminder that conservation is not an occasional campaign but an ongoing responsibility.
Oceans 5 Gili Air did not begin organizing cleanups in response to trends or public pressure. When the dive shop opened its doors, environmental commitment was already part of its foundation. Back in 2010, when there were few formal initiatives and almost no external funding for conservation in the Gilis, Oceans 5 launched weekly beach cleanups purely because it was the right thing to do.
Over the years, these cleanups have inspired countless individuals and organizations. Some dive shops and NGOs took their first steps in conservation after observing how Oceans 5 incorporated cleanup activities into their daily operations. Guests often arrived with the idea of diving or relaxing and left with a deeper understanding of marine protection and a desire to contribute.
This long-term consistency is what sets Oceans 5 apart. Their goal was never to launch a one-off event for publicity; instead, they built a culture of responsibility. Divemaster interns and IDC candidates are introduced to conservation not as an optional subject but as a professional expectation. They learn that protecting the environment is not separate from diving—it is part of being a competent dive professional.
The harbor of Gili Air is one of the busiest points of arrival and departure for boats. With constant movement of people and goods, it can be a magnet for trash. But what many don’t realise is how close the reef is to shore. In some parts, it begins just a few fin kicks from the beach. This is exactly where the mandarin fish live—bright, shy creatures whose colourful bodies contrast with the coral rubble where they hide during the day.
Without ongoing cleanup efforts, debris would quickly migrate to these sensitive zones. Once waste settles underwater, removal becomes far more difficult and resource-intensive. Preventing rubbish from entering the sea is simply the most effective strategy.
By combining beach cleanups with education and reef-awareness campaigns, Oceans 5 is safeguarding a habitat that divers treasure. Every Friday’s effort is effectively a coral reef protection mission dressed as a beach walk.
Oceans 5’s commitment extends far beyond the sand. Over the years they have worked with a range of partners—some local, some national, some international—to launch or support conservation initiatives. From marine data collection to coral restoration, from student training to plastic recycling projects, the dive centre has quietly helped other groups get started.
What makes this cooperation special is that Oceans 5 has never positioned itself as the hero of the story. Instead, it has acted as a platform, connecting people, organizations, and communities. Some partners focus on waste management, others on reef rehabilitation, marine research, or environmental education. Each one contributes to the bigger picture of protecting Gili Matra Marine Park.
In 2025, Oceans 5 will take another major step in public awareness by opening the first Conservation Exhibition Centre on the Gili Islands. The building, located close to the dive shop, is currently under renovation. Once completed, it will be open to both tourists and locals at no charge.
The concept is simple but powerful: provide a space where all of Oceans 5’s conservation partners can present their work, missions, methods, and successes. Each partner will have its own wall or display section to showcase its projects—whether that involves coral nurseries, waste recycling, marine park regulations, sea turtle monitoring, or school outreach.
This exhibition centre will serve several purposes:
For many tourists, it will be the first time they realize how much effort is required to protect the island they are enjoying. Instead of short signs or social media posts, they will have a full space to explore, ask questions, and discover ongoing projects.
One of the key messages Oceans 5 has always sent is that you do not need grants, sponsors, or external financing to begin positive environmental action. From the start, the weekly cleanups were self-funded and volunteer-driven. The dive shop contributed time, staff, gloves, bags, and logistics not because someone paid them to do so, but because they believe that every business in a marine park has a duty to act.
Their upcoming Conservation Exhibition Centre will follow the same philosophy: free to access, created in partnership, and focused on sharing knowledge rather than promoting a single brand.
The 48 kilograms removed last Friday were not posted on social media as a victory for likes. They were physically removed from the harbor to keep the reef safe. This practical, no-nonsense approach is typical of Oceans 5. While many organisations talk about sustainability, Oceans 5 demonstrates it every week through direct action, capacity-building of future dive professionals, and long-term partnerships.
The involvement of IDC and divemaster candidates is especially important. These trainees come from all over the world. When they return to their home countries or travel to their next job, they carry with them an experience of real conservation work in a marine park. This influences how they will guide divers, structure their courses, and engage with their own communities.
As the rainy season approaches, Oceans 5 will continue to organize beach cleanups every week. Volunteers—locals, tourists, and dive professionals—will keep showing up with bags and gloves, knowing that every piece of trash removed today prevents a problem tomorrow.
With the Conservation Exhibition Centre opening soon, the message will be louder and clearer than ever: conservation is not a trend, it is a responsibility. And on Gili Air, that responsibility is woven into the identity of Oceans 5.
The next time you walk across the harbor and see a group of people crouched in the sand with buckets and sacks, remember that this is not just tidying up. It is safeguarding a coastline. It is protecting a reef where the tiny mandarin fish performs its nightly dance. It is preserving the future of the Gili Islands, one cleanup at a time.
And thanks to the persistence, leadership, and example of Oceans 5 Gili Air, that future is not just possible—it is already being built, every Friday.
Fun Diving Around the Gili Islands: More Than a Training Ground When divers talk about Indonesia, their minds often jump to places like Komodo, Raja Ampat, or Lembeh. Yet, sitting quietly between Lombok and Bali lies a diver’s paradise that is as underestimated as it …
Supporting the Gili Matra Marine Park Many people who visit the Gili Islands are unaware that they are entering one of Indonesia’s most important marine parks. Gili Air, together with Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, is located within the Gili Matra Marine Park, officially designated by …
When you step onto the sandy shores of Gili Air, the first thing you notice is the island’s calm atmosphere and turquoise water stretching out toward Lombok’s towering mountains. But behind this postcard-perfect view lies a continuous battle to keep the island’s environment clean and thriving. Oceans 5 Gili Air has been at the forefront of this effort since opening its doors in 2010, organizing weekly beach cleanups that have become an integral part of the dive center’s philosophy—not a marketing gimmick, but a way of life.
This past week, Oceans 5’s divemaster candidates led another successful cleanup, collecting 18 kilograms of rubbish from the harbor area. The effort may seem small compared to the challenges facing marine parks worldwide, but on an island as compact as Gili Air, every piece of plastic removed from the beach is a victory for the environment.
When Oceans 5 was founded, its mission extended beyond teaching people to dive. The team wanted to foster respect for the ocean and ensure that future generations could enjoy the reefs of the Gili Matra Marine Park. Weekly cleanups were established right from the start.
Unlike some initiatives that appear only when it’s convenient for marketing campaigns, Oceans 5 has kept these events running consistently—week after week, year after year. The team never saw cleanups as a tool to attract tourists but rather as a community responsibility. And over the years, this steady commitment has earned respect from locals, volunteers, and divers worldwide.
At Oceans 5, beach cleanups aren’t just another optional activity. They’re woven into the divemaster course itself. Divemaster candidates are tasked with organizing the cleanup: promoting the event, preparing the gloves and bags, leading volunteers to the cleanup site, and ensuring the collected rubbish is sorted and weighed.
This hands-on approach turns a simple cleanup into an educational experience. Candidates learn what kinds of trash are most common on the island, think critically about where it comes from, and consider how human behavior can be changed to prevent it in the first place. It’s a powerful lesson that goes beyond diving skills—transforming future dive professionals into ambassadors for the ocean.
As one candidate recently put it:
“I knew pollution was a problem before coming here, but until you spend an hour filling bag after bag with flip-flops, cigarette butts, and food wrappers, you don’t realize just how much impact even a small group can make in such a short time.”
While Oceans 5 continues to lead by example, the island also faces a growing challenge: development that prioritizes profit over sustainability. Over the past decade, Gili Air has seen a construction boom, with villas, restaurants, and beach bars popping up to meet the increasing demand for tourism.
Unfortunately, not all of these projects follow environmental regulations. Some investors build permanent sea walls that alter natural currents and accelerate beach erosion. Others install fixed structures too close to the waterline, damaging turtle nesting grounds and reducing beach space. Water management systems are often overlooked, leading to flooding during the rainy season.
These short-term decisions might generate quick returns for investors, but they come at a cost for the island’s long-term health. Oceans 5’s beach cleanups often collect waste originating from construction activities—cement bags, plastic wrapping, and discarded building materials. The message is clear: without proper planning and accountability, Gili Air’s natural beauty could be compromised for future generations.
One of the more frustrating aspects of organizing weekly cleanups is the lack of participation from other foreign-owned businesses on the island. Oceans 5 cleans up the main harbor area—exactly where tourists arrive. Every dive shop, hotel, and restaurant benefits from a clean beach and a welcoming first impression, yet very few contribute manpower or resources.
Even when Oceans 5 advertises the cleanups on social media and island promotion pages, foreign investors rarely show up. “Maybe they are too busy counting money,” one local joked after last week’s event. It’s a telling comment. Community engagement is a two-way street, and protecting Gili Air’s environment requires collaboration, not just the efforts of a single dive center.
Despite the challenges, the latest cleanup was a success. Divemaster candidates, volunteers, and staff collected a total of 18 kilograms of trash. Most of it consisted of plastic packaging, fishing lines, cigarette butts, and discarded flip-flops—items that could easily end up in the ocean and threaten marine life if left on the beach.
At the end of the cleanup, everyone gathered for a small social moment. Volunteers were rewarded with a free drink, and the team shared stories about what they found and how the waste might have ended up there. This social aspect is just as important as the cleanup itself—it builds a sense of community and reminds everyone why they are fighting to protect Gili Air.
Oceans 5 doesn’t stop with one event. Next week, they are hosting a special Conservation Weekend.
The only requirement to join the reef cleanup is that participants must be Advanced Open Water certified, as some sites involve deeper dives. For both events, Oceans 5 provides all the necessary equipment, including gloves and rubbish bags.
This proactive approach turns conservation into an engaging, hands-on experience for locals and tourists alike. It shows that protecting the island can be fun, social, and deeply rewarding.
Beach cleanups might seem like a small step, but they have ripple effects across the island’s ecosystem. Clean beaches mean healthier reefs, safer nesting sites for sea turtles, and a better experience for the thousands of tourists who visit Gili Air each year.
Furthermore, these events raise awareness. Tourists who participate often return home inspired to make changes in their daily lives—reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable businesses, and educating others about the importance of conservation.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s commitment to weekly cleanups sets a powerful example for other businesses. It proves that environmental responsibility and tourism can go hand in hand. By investing just one hour per week, the dive center has kept its corner of the island clean for more than a decade.
The challenge now is to inspire other businesses to follow suit. Imagine the impact if every hotel, restaurant, and dive shop organized its own cleanup or contributed volunteers to a shared initiative. Gili Air could become a model for sustainable island tourism in Indonesia.
If you are on Gili Air and want to participate, you are welcome to join the next event.
For more information or to register:
📱 WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
📧 Email: [email protected]
Bags and gloves are provided—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to help protect one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands.
Beach cleanups are not glamorous, but they are deeply meaningful. They remind us that protecting the ocean is everyone’s responsibility. Oceans 5 has shown that with consistency, dedication, and community spirit, it is possible to make a real difference.
Gili Air’s charm lies in its balance of tourism and nature. If the island is to remain a paradise, businesses and visitors must work together to protect it. The next time you arrive at the harbor and step onto a clean beach, remember the divemaster candidates and volunteers who made that first impression possible. Better yet—join them next Friday and be part of the change.
Choosing the Right Dive Center on Gili Air When it comes to scuba diving around the Gili Islands, Gili Air stands out as a favorite destination for divers from all over the world. This small, charming island offers an impressive variety of dive centers to …
