PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Upcoming PADI Instructor Development Courses at Oceans 5 Gili Air: Book Your Spot Now If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a full-fledged career, there’s no better place to do it than Oceans 5 Gili Air, one of the top PADI …
The Cat Clinic on Gili Air: LUNI Lombok’s Vital Work for Island Animals This October, Gili Air welcomed back LUNI Lombok for a two-week cat clinic that brought hope and care to the island’s feline population. With nearly 300 cats receiving medical attention, sterilization, and …
Gili Air, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant underwater life, has always been a paradise for divers and nature lovers. Yet, like many beautiful places, it faces the growing challenge of pollution, particularly plastic waste. Amid this problem, a young local hero named Rama has emerged, leading a grassroots movement to tackle trash in his community while creating a sustainable business.
At just 23 years old, Rama’s story is one of inspiration, resourcefulness, and the power of local action in the fight against environmental degradation. Starting with a simple desire to help his island, he has grown into a key figure in the community, showing that individual initiative can lead to impactful change.
Rama’s journey started at Oceans 5 Gili Air, a well-known dive center and conservation hub on the island. Oceans 5 organizes weekly beach cleanups, an initiative that aims to reduce the pollution washing up on the island’s shores. Like many concerned locals, Rama joined the beach cleanup efforts to do his part in keeping his home island clean.
As Rama participated in these weekly cleanups, he became more aware of the types of waste that were collected. Plastic bottles and metal cans were a common sight, not only on the beaches but also scattered throughout the village. While many volunteers focused on clearing the beaches, Rama saw an opportunity beyond just picking up trash. He realized that these materials had potential value and could be recycled if properly managed.
Driven by this realization, Rama decided to take matters into his own hands. He started by separating plastic bottles and metal cans from the general rubbish collected by the beach cleanup volunteers. What began as a small effort quickly expanded as Rama discovered that the problem was much larger than just the beaches. Gili Air’s village, home to residents, businesses, and tourists alike, was also inundated with plastic and metal waste.
Recognizing an opportunity to turn this environmental challenge into a business, Rama began dedicating his afternoons to collecting bottles and cans, not just from the beaches but also from the village. Every day at 1:00 PM, he sets out to gather waste, spending 4-5 hours meticulously collecting bottles and cans from various locations. By the end of his day, he often has rice bags filled with recyclables, ready to be transported to the mainland for processing.
Rama’s initiative didn’t stop at just collecting waste from public spaces. Understanding that local businesses also contribute to the island’s waste, he started making deals with restaurants and bars around Gili Air. He established regular pickup schedules, offering to collect their plastic bottles and metal cans. This partnership not only helps the businesses manage their waste but also ensures that more recyclables are diverted from landfills or the ocean.
His hard work and consistency have earned him the respect and support of the community. Restaurants and bars are eager to collaborate with Rama, knowing that their waste is being responsibly handled. This collaboration has become a win-win for both parties: the businesses reduce their environmental footprint, and Rama gains a steady source of materials for his recycling efforts.
Once a week, Rama’s rice bags full of plastic bottles and metal cans are transported to Lombok, the main island, where they can be properly recycled. Gili Air, like many small islands, lacks the infrastructure to process recyclables, so sending them to Lombok is the best option. By facilitating this transportation, Rama ensures that the waste collected on Gili Air doesn’t simply end up in a landfill or, worse, back in the ocean.
This effort is no small feat. Transporting recyclables to Lombok requires time, coordination, and resources. However, Rama’s determination to see the waste repurposed and recycled motivates him to keep pushing forward, despite the challenges.
Rama’s initiative is an inspiring example of how a young person can start a business with minimal resources and a strong vision. What began as a simple act of volunteering has grown into a full-fledged waste collection and recycling operation, benefiting both the environment and the local economy.
Rama’s business is still in its early stages, but his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving his community are clear. He not only addresses the immediate problem of waste management but also demonstrates the potential for local solutions to global issues like plastic pollution.
Looking ahead, Rama hopes to expand his waste collection network further across the island and even inspire others to follow in his footsteps. He envisions a cleaner Gili Air, where plastic bottles and metal cans are routinely collected and sent for recycling, significantly reducing the island’s overall waste.
There is also potential for his business to grow beyond just recycling. As more people become aware of the environmental issues facing Gili Air, Rama could expand into other areas of waste management, perhaps even creating educational programs for locals and tourists about the importance of reducing plastic use and recycling.
Rama’s story is a testament to the power of individual action. His efforts on Gili Air show that even in a small community, one person can make a significant difference. By turning waste collection into a business, Rama has not only helped clean up his island but also created a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local economy.
At just 23 years old, Rama is a true local hero, proving that with determination and creativity, anyone can be a force for positive change. His journey is far from over, and as his business grows, so too will his impact on Gili Air and beyond.
For many divers, the dream of becoming a PADI Instructor represents the ultimate achievement in their scuba diving journey. However, not all dive centers offer the seamless transition from Divemaster to Instructor. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we provide a unique internship to fulfill this …
Oceans 5 Gili Partners with University of Mataram We are thrilled to announce a new and exciting partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air and the University of Mataram, set to make waves in the field of marine conservation! This partnership aims to deepen the understanding …
Becoming a PADI Instructor is a significant achievement, but to truly stand out in the diving industry, adding specialty instructor certifications to your resume is key. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the PADI Specialties Instructor Course offers a comprehensive way to enhance your teaching portfolio, providing you with the skills and knowledge to teach a range of specialized diving courses. Whether you’re passionate about marine conservation, technical diving, or simply want to offer your students a broader range of experiences, this course is designed to take your instructing abilities to the next level.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s PADI Course Director offers a wide array of specialty instructor certifications, including but not limited to:
These specialties not only allow you to broaden your teaching horizons but also enable you to meet the diverse interests and needs of your students. Whether it’s guiding them through the intricacies of deep diving or teaching them how to safely navigate currents during a drift dive, these certifications equip you with the tools to deliver high-quality, specialized instruction.
After each Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Oceans 5 Gili Air, there is a dedicated week of Instructor Specialty Training. This intensive week is designed to provide newly certified instructors, as well as seasoned professionals looking to expand their skill set, with the in-depth knowledge and practical experience required to teach these specialties.
During this week, the Course Director will guide you through the PADI instructor manual for each specialty, ensuring you understand the specific standards, skills, and requirements needed to teach each course effectively. This theoretical knowledge is then paired with practical training, where you’ll perform the required ocean dives associated with each specialty.
Each diving specialty has its own unique requirements and challenges, and the training provided at Oceans 5 Gili Air is tailored to meet these needs. For instance:
While Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a broad range of specialties, it’s important to note that currently, the dive center does not have the required equipment for teaching the Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) and Dry Suit specialties. However, for all other specialties, the center is fully equipped to provide comprehensive training.
Adding specialty instructor certifications to your qualifications not only enhances your appeal to potential employers but also allows you to offer a wider range of courses to your students. This versatility can be a significant advantage, especially in competitive diving markets. Moreover, specialties like Shark Conservation and Dive Against Debris align with Oceans 5 Gili Air’s commitment to marine conservation, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to environmental protection efforts while teaching.
The specialties instructor course at Oceans 5 Gili Air is more than just an opportunity to add certifications to your resume—it’s a chance to grow as a diving professional. The hands-on training, combined with the extensive experience and knowledge of the Course Director, ensures that you’re not just meeting the minimum standards but exceeding them.
By the end of the week, you’ll have a deeper understanding of each specialty and the confidence to teach them effectively. Whether you’re looking to specialize in technical diving, marine conservation, or simply want to offer a broader range of courses, the specialties instructor course at Oceans 5 Gili Air provides the perfect platform to advance your diving career.
Investing in specialty instructor training at Oceans 5 Gili Air is a strategic move for any PADI Instructor looking to elevate their career. With a wide range of specialties available, experienced instruction, and a focus on both theoretical and practical training, this course is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to teach specialized diving courses that will make a lasting impact on your students.
Celebrating New PADI Instructors: A Journey of Passion and Dedication at Oceans 5 Gili Air with PADI IDC Gili Islands The sun had just begun to set over the tranquil waters surrounding Gili Air when four passionate individuals—Kristi, Katy, Ditte, and Brett—emerged from the ocean, …
5 Main Reasons to Start Your PADI Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air—and Why Paying for It Is Worth Every Penny Choosing where to start your journey as a PADI Divemaster is a decision that can shape your entire diving career. While there are …
For many certified divers, the underwater world holds a special place in their hearts. The vibrant coral reefs, the tranquil beauty of marine life, and the weightless freedom that diving offers are experiences like no other. However, life on land can sometimes get in the way, and before you know it, months or even years have passed since your last dive. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those diving with you. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we strongly recommend that any diver who hasn’t been in the water for six months or more enroll in a refresher course.
Diving is an activity that requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and muscle memory. Like any skill, if you don’t use it, you can lose it. While you may still hold a certification, the time away from diving can lead to a decline in your comfort and competence underwater. A refresher course is designed to help you regain your confidence and refresh your memory on the essential aspects of diving, ensuring that you can dive safely and enjoyably.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our refresher course is more than just a review; it’s an opportunity to re-familiarize yourself with the procedures and equipment, as well as to update yourself on any changes in diving practices. Our goal is to ensure that you feel completely comfortable before you embark on your next underwater adventure.
The refresher course at Oceans 5 Gili Air is conducted by experienced PADI Instructors who are dedicated to providing personalized attention to each diver. We understand that every diver is unique, with varying levels of experience and time away from the sport. That’s why our refresher course is tailored to meet your individual needs, ensuring that you get the most out of the experience.
1. Knowledge Review:
The day begins with a thorough review of diving theory. This includes key concepts such as dive planning, buoyancy control, safety procedures, and how to handle potential underwater challenges. Our instructors will go over any areas where you might feel uncertain, ensuring that you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals before moving on to the practical aspects.
2. Pool Session:
After the knowledge review, you’ll move on to the pool session. This is where you’ll get hands-on practice with the essential skills that every diver needs to master. You’ll practice setting up and checking your equipment, performing basic underwater maneuvers, and rehearsing emergency procedures. The controlled environment of the pool allows you to rebuild your skills at your own pace, with the guidance of a PADI Instructor who will provide feedback and tips to help you regain your confidence.
3. Open Water Dive:
Once you’re comfortable in the pool, it’s time to take your refreshed skills into the open water. You’ll embark on a guided dive at one of the serene and beautiful dive sites around the Gili Islands. These sites are perfect for getting back into the swing of things, with calm waters and abundant marine life. During this dive, you’ll have the chance to practice your buoyancy control and other skills in a real-world setting, all while enjoying the breathtaking underwater scenery. It’s not uncommon to spot graceful sea turtles and a variety of colorful fish during this dive, making it both a valuable learning experience and a delightful reintroduction to the underwater world.
4. Debriefing:
The day concludes with a debriefing session, where your instructor will review the dive and discuss what you’ve accomplished. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions and receive personalized advice on how to continue improving your diving skills. Our instructors will provide you with feedback on your performance, highlighting areas where you’ve done well and offering tips for further refinement.
The refresher course is not only about ensuring your safety but also about protecting the safety of your dive buddies. Diving is a team activity, and your actions underwater can affect those around you. By taking the time to refresh your skills, you minimize the risk of accidents and help create a safer diving environment for everyone.
Moreover, a refresher course can reignite your passion for diving. The confidence you gain from brushing up on your skills can make your dives more enjoyable and stress-free, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
If you’re ready to start diving again after a break, don’t dive in unprepared. Sign up for a refresher course at Oceans 5 Gili Air and ensure that you’re fully equipped to enjoy your underwater adventures safely. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from the pool to the open water, and beyond. Reconnect with the underwater world and make your return to diving a memorable and safe experience.
Discover the PADI Courses at Oceans 5 Gili Air: A Premier Dive Center Experience Nestled on Gili Air’s serene shores, Oceans 5 is the island’s only PADI Career Development Centre. Awarded in 2014, this prestigious title reflects Oceans 5’s commitment to high-quality diving education and …