Oceans 5 Blog

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Inclusion at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Every diver remembers that first breath underwater—a moment suspended between nerves and exhilaration. Learning to dive is a deeply personal journey. For some, it’s about mastering buoyancy or clearing a mask without panicking. For others, it’s learning to trust their equipment or push past a fear of deep water. But for people with physical disabilities, the path to becoming a diver can be even more complex—not just physically, but emotionally and logistically.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, a PADI Career Development Centre and the only PADI Adaptive Service Facility on the Gili Islands, that complexity is met with compassion, professionalism, and one core belief: Diving is for everyone.

A Dream Underwater: Patrick and Jonathan’s Journey

Recently, that philosophy came to life when two Irish athletes, Patrick and Jonathan, arrived at Oceans 5 to earn their PADI Open Water Diver certification. Both are elite Paralympic swimmers—Patrick represented Ireland in Tokyo 2023 and Jonathan in London 2012. Despite their impressive aquatic backgrounds, diving was a brand-new challenge. Patrick, born with spina bifida, uses a wheelchair full time, and Jonathan lives with cerebral palsy, affecting his legs and coordination.

But from day one, it was clear—they didn’t come to try. They came to succeed.

Adaptive Diving: Redefining What’s Possible

Swimming gave them ease in the water. Diving required something more: adaptation, support, and trust. Fortunately, Oceans 5 had the perfect team.

The course was led by Chelle, a certified PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty Instructor, supported by Yunus, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, and Adrian, a dedicated Divemaster candidate in the final stages of his internship. Together, they brought technical skill and heart to every moment of the course.

The training was delivered at a relaxed, personalized pace, tailored to the students’ needs. Some skills—like mask removal or fin pivots—needed modification. Others, like underwater navigation, required creative teaching methods and repetition. But every performance requirement of the PADI Open Water Diver course was met.

Chelle guided them with expertise and compassion, using custom underwater signals and support strategies. Yunus added calm and confidence to each dive. Adrian, observing and assisting throughout, learned lessons that no manual could teach: how to be present, adaptable, and truly inclusive as a future dive professional.

Real Support, Real Inclusion

From start to finish, it wasn’t just a few instructors making this journey possible. It was the entire team at Oceans 5.

When it came time to head out to the boat, there was no pushing a wheelchair through the sand. Patrick made his way to the shore, and with a smile and a lift, Yunus or one of the crew carried him aboard. From there, Patrick climbed into position himself—demonstrating his incredible upper body strength.

Backward rolls? No problem. The boat crew ensured the tanks were supported and helped lift legs for the entry. Getting out? Smooth and easy. No drama, no delay.

Neither diver ever asked for special treatment—but they received the respect, care, and support they deserved. Not once were they treated differently. They were divers. Full stop.

And yes, Ziki joined for Open Water Dive 3, just as he should. Compass navigation and buddy skills were shared among the team—because no one gets left out. Especially not Ziki. 🤗

Freedom at 18 Meters

As the course progressed from the training pool to the open ocean, the magic of diving unfolded. The ocean doesn’t care if you use a wheelchair or walk with assistance. Underwater, everyone is weightless. Everyone moves differently—and beautifully.

For Patrick and Jonathan, diving gave something even swimming never had: three-dimensional freedom. They glided through coral gardens, past turtles and tropical fish. They mastered buoyancy, navigation, and control. And on their final dive, they reached 18 meters—the full depth for PADI Open Water Divers.

The joy was written on their faces. Laughter replaced uncertainty. Fist bumps, not high fives, celebrated every milestone. And for Jonathan, that was just right. 🤜🤛

Why Adaptive Diving Matters

Adaptive diving isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about modifying techniques, understanding limitations, and unlocking potential. Oceans 5 Gili Air integrates this approach into every course. As the only adaptive facility on the Gili Islands, they lead by example, showing that inclusion is not a trend—it’s a practice.

Whether someone completes a full certification or participates in a Discover Scuba Dive, the goal is always the same: to create a safe, inclusive, empowering experience. Because diving can change lives.

Patrick said it best:

“The team there understands that making something accessible doesn’t mean a complete overhaul. It’s about small adjustments and an open mindset. They find the perfect balance between pushing you and helping you.”

And Jonathan added:

“Completing new movements and exercises always takes me longer. But with Oceans 5, every element was adapted at a human level. I’d recommend anyone—disabled or not—to dive here. You won’t regret it. HUPLA!”

Adrian’s Lesson in Leadership

For Adrian, the experience was transformational. Assisting an adaptive course taught him more than logistics—it taught him the true spirit of being a dive professional.

It’s easy to guide confident divers on scenic dives. But helping someone into gear, navigating their physical limitations, and celebrating each skill mastered—that’s when you understand what diving is really about.

Adrian saw firsthand how diving can be freedom, not just for students but for instructors too. A reminder of why we dive: not to prove something, but to feel something.

The Ocean Belongs to Everyone

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, it’s not just about teaching diving. It’s about building community, compassion, and confidence. It’s about ensuring that nobody is left out, and that every dream of exploring the underwater world is valid.

So the next time someone says diving is only for the physically fit—tell them about Jonathan and Patrick. Tell them about the 18 meters of freedom, about the joy, the teamwork, and the transformation.

Tell them that at Oceans 5 Gili Air, the ocean doesn’t exclude anyone.

HUPLA! You Did It.

To Patrick and Jonathan: thank you for inspiring everyone around you. You reminded us all that challenges are simply invitations to grow. And you showed us what diving can truly mean—a chance to be free.

We hope to see you again soon. The ocean is always waiting.

A Massive Success: Weekly Beach Cleanup at Oceans 5 Gili Air Collects 47 kg of Rubbish Despite Winds

Every Friday at 17:00, something extraordinary happens in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air. While many visitors to the island are wrapping up their diving adventures or heading off to enjoy the sunset, a group of dedicated divers, instructors, volunteers, and local supporters gather for one purpose: to clean the beach. This weekly beach cleanup is not just a routine—it’s a tradition deeply rooted in the values of Oceans 5 Gili Air, and this week’s event once again proved the power of community and conservation.

On Friday, at exactly 17:00, the dive center’s divemaster candidates took the lead as they do every week. With confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of responsibility, they distributed reusable gloves and large collection bags to the group of participants. Their task was clear: to clean the entire beach area directly in front of Oceans 5, which borders the harbor jetty where tourists first step onto the island. It’s not just any patch of sand—it’s the front yard of Gili Air and often the very first impression travelers get when arriving.

Despite strong winds blowing in from the northeast in the days prior, making the cleanup more challenging, the group managed to collect an impressive 47 kilograms of rubbish. From discarded plastic bags and food wrappers to broken glass, cigarette butts, and lost flip-flops, the beach was transformed from a littered shoreline to a welcoming, pristine stretch of sand.

Why This Beach Cleanup Matters

The beach in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air is not just a recreational area. It’s the island’s main arrival and departure zone. Every day, hundreds of tourists disembark at the jetty, their cameras ready, looking around for their first impressions of this idyllic island paradise. A clean, inviting beach sets the tone. A dirty one? It sends the wrong message and can easily become the subject of negative reviews and complaints online.

In today’s digital world, it only takes a few minutes—and a smartphone—for a disappointed traveler to share their dissatisfaction with thousands of potential visitors. Clean beaches are not just an environmental concern, but also a crucial aspect of the island’s tourism economy. That’s why Oceans 5 Gili Air has taken the responsibility to clean this beach every single week, regardless of the conditions.

“We believe the beach next to the harbor should be the cleanest part of the island,” says Chelle, Oceans 5’s Operational Director. “It’s the first thing tourists see. If we want to protect Gili Air’s image and reputation, this is where we start.”

Led by the Next Generation of Dive Professionals

One of the most inspiring aspects of the weekly beach cleanup is that it is organized and led by Divemaster candidates at Oceans 5 Gili Air. As part of their internship, these candidates are not only trained in guiding certified divers and assisting with courses—they also learn about marine conservation, leadership, and public engagement.

The cleanup offers them a chance to develop their public speaking skills, organizational abilities, and teamwork—all essential for their future roles as PADI professionals. They learn how to welcome volunteers, provide clear instructions, assign cleanup zones, and later thank everyone for their participation.

This week, the candidates performed flawlessly. After handing out gloves and bags, they led the volunteers to key collection zones, focusing not just on the obvious debris, but also on micro-trash like bottle caps, candy wrappers, and straws—small items that can have big consequences for marine life.

When the cleanup was done, the rubbish was weighed, sorted, and recorded—an important part of tracking the types of waste found and identifying long-term solutions for reduction. Volunteers were then treated to cold drinks and snacks back at Oceans 5, a chance to share stories, bond, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

The Role of the Wind and Ocean Currents

The last few days before the cleanup saw persistent winds from the northeast, which is a common weather pattern for this time of year. These winds stir up the ocean and can carry floating rubbish from neighboring islands, the mainland, or even far beyond. Often, trash that is not properly disposed of in coastal areas ends up in rivers, which then feed into the ocean. From there, currents carry it across the sea until it washes up on beaches like Gili Air’s.

While Gili Air doesn’t generate a significant amount of local waste compared to bigger islands, it receives a disproportionate amount of oceanborne rubbish. That’s why local cleanup initiatives are so critical—not just for aesthetics, but also for protecting marine ecosystems and wildlife.

Floating plastic is often mistaken for food by sea turtles, while bottle caps and straws pose a choking hazard to birds and fish. And when plastic breaks down into microplastics, it enters the food chain, affecting everything from plankton to large predators—and even humans.

A Community of Ocean Advocates

What makes the beach cleanups at Oceans 5 Gili Air unique is the community spirit. It’s not just about picking up trash—it’s about creating a culture of environmental responsibility. Volunteers are not only dive professionals and candidates, but also tourists, local residents, business owners, and even school children. Everyone is welcome.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve been on the island for years or if you arrived this morning,” says Waz, one of Oceans 5’s in-house PADI Course Directors. “If you want to help, we’ll put a pair of gloves in your hand and make you part of the team.”

Oceans 5 also uses these weekly cleanups as a platform to educate participants on marine conservation. Often, brief talks are given before or after the cleanup, explaining why certain types of rubbish are more dangerous than others, how to reduce single-use plastic consumption, and how marine protected areas like the Gili Matra Marine Park play a vital role in preserving Indonesia’s underwater heritage.

A Legacy of Conservation

Oceans 5 Gili Air has been running these cleanups since 2010, long before the words “eco-tourism” and “sustainability” became trendy. Over the past 15 years, thousands of kilograms of rubbish have been removed from the island’s beaches thanks to this consistent effort. Many other dive centers have followed suit, and today Gili Air has a growing community of environmentally conscious operators.

The beach cleanups are just one part of a larger environmental initiative at Oceans 5, which includes:

• A dedicated Conservation Department that runs 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day marine ecology courses
• A partnership with the University of Mataram for reef surveys and coral health monitoring
• Participation in Dive Against Debris programs and support for the PADI AWARE Foundation
• Strict adherence to Gili Matra marine park rules
• Teaching all dive skills neutral buoyant to prevent reef damage

What’s Next?

The success of this week’s cleanup has only strengthened Oceans 5 Gili Air’s commitment to keeping Gili Air beautiful, healthy, and welcoming. Next Friday at 17:00, another beach cleanup will take place, and everyone is invited to join. Whether you’re a divemaster candidate, a certified diver, a curious tourist, or someone who simply loves the ocean—your help is welcome and appreciated.

Volunteers are encouraged to arrive a little before 17:00 to sign up, grab gloves and a bag, and meet the team. The cleanup usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, followed by a casual debrief and refreshments. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, give back to the island, and do something truly meaningful with your Friday afternoon.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a beach might seem like a small act, but when done consistently and collectively, it becomes a powerful force for change. The 47 kilograms of rubbish collected this week won’t just make the beach look nicer. It will prevent injuries to marine animals, reduce plastic entering the ocean, and enhance the experience for tourists visiting Gili Air.

Oceans 5 Gili Air continues to lead by example—training the next generation of dive professionals not only to be skilled underwater guides, but also to be ambassadors of the ocean. Their weekly beach cleanups are not just about removing trash. They’re about creating awareness, building community, and protecting what we all love: the sea.

So if you’re planning a visit to Gili Air, or if you’re already here and looking for something meaningful to do—come down to Oceans 5 on Friday at 17:00. Bring your passion, your energy, and your love for the ocean. Together, we can make a difference—one cleanup at a time.

From Guest to Director: Chelle’s Unexpected Journey

Maybe you’ve received an email with her name at the bottom. Maybe you’ve spoken to her at the desk while booking your next dive. Or maybe you just saw her walking through the dive center, radiating calm in the middle of the organized chaos that is a busy diving resort. Her name is Chelle—and if you’ve ever stepped foot into Oceans 5 Gili Air, chances are you’ve felt the impact of her presence, even if you didn’t know it.

Arriving in 2018: A Life-Changing Decision

Chelle’s journey with Oceans 5 began in 2018, when she and her partner Waz arrived on the sandy shores of Gili Air. Back then, Chelle was on a mission: to become a PADI Instructor. Waz, meanwhile, was pursuing his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course. Like many, they came for the diving. But unlike most, they stayed—and ended up becoming two of the most important people behind the scenes at Oceans 5.

Stepping Up: From Dive Instructor to Manager

Nobody could have predicted just how much Chelle and Waz would grow into their roles. Chelle quickly took on responsibilities far beyond teaching scuba courses. Her natural leadership, attention to detail, and warm, solution-oriented approach made her the perfect candidate to help steer the dive shop through its busiest—and sometimes most challenging—times. She became the dive shop manager, and from that position, she kept everything running smoothly, day after day, year after year.

Post-Pandemic Recognition: Becoming Operational Director

Chelle’s defining moment came after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the dive industry was shaken to its core. Staff had to be let go, borders were closed, and the future was uncertain. But Chelle never wavered. She stood by Oceans 5 through the storm.

When the world reopened, she was still there—stronger, wiser, and even more committed. Recognizing her dedication, the owner of Oceans 5 promoted her to Operational Director, and even offered her shares in the dive resort. It was a reward that reflected her role not just in managing daily operations, but in building the heart and future of Oceans 5.

Managing the Team: 48 Staff, One Leader

Today, Chelle is responsible for coordinating 48 team members—from instructors and divemasters to housekeeping and garden staff. She ensures everyone is working in harmony to provide the best experience for every guest who walks through the gate.

It’s a job that requires patience, foresight, adaptability—and more than a little bit of magic. And somehow, Chelle makes it look easy.

The Go-To Person at Oceans 5

Chelle is the person who knows every schedule, every guest name, every room key, and every piece of gear. If you have a question about diving courses, bungalow bookings, island transport, or local activities, she either has the answer or will find it for you.

Whether you’re a nervous student on your first dive or a divemaster candidate looking for guidance, Chelle is the one who makes you feel confident, supported, and right at home.

A Power Couple: Waz and Chelle

While Chelle was shaping the daily operations of the dive center, her partner Waz was on his own upward path. This year, Waz became a PADI Course Director, officially taking over the role from Sander, the founder and original Course Director of Oceans 5.

It’s a full-circle moment for the couple—both of whom began as students in the very program they now help lead. Together, they are more than managers—they are the cornerstones of a thriving dive community.

Oceans 5 Without Chelle? Unimaginable.

So what is Oceans 5 Gili Air without Chelle?

Quite simply: a boat without a captain. The center may have its instructors, equipment, pool and ocean access, and a full schedule—but it is Chelle who ensures everything sails in the right direction.

Say Hello to Chelle

The next time you send an email, make a booking, or ask for advice at the front desk, take a moment to say thank you to Chelle. Because while you may be coming for the diving, the real magic of Oceans 5 often begins with her.