SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
A New Chapter Starts on 13 February On the 13th of February, Oceans 5 Gili Air will officially start a new chapter in its long history of professional dive education: the first SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC). After more than a decade as a leading …
The Gili Islands Just off the northwest coast of Lombok lies a small cluster of islands that feels like a different world altogether: the Gili Islands. For many travelers, the Gilis represent what they imagine a tropical island holiday should be—white-sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs …
Maybe you have already heard some rumors.
Maybe you noticed subtle changes on our website, on social media, or around the dive resort itself.
Or maybe you are reading this as a returning guest, a future student, or simply someone who cares about the future of diving on the Gili Islands.
Today, Oceans 5 Gili Air officially announces that from the 1st of January, we will continue our journey as an SSI dive center.
After 15 years as a proud PADI member, this decision marks an important new chapter in the history of Oceans 5 Gili Air. It is a decision made with care, reflection, and a clear vision for the future—not only for our dive center, but also for our students, staff, local community, and the marine environment we depend on.
Before looking forward, it is important to look back.
Oceans 5 Gili Air would like to sincerely thank PADI for 15 years of cooperation, support, and shared history. Over the past decade and a half, Oceans 5 grew from a small dive operation into an internationally recognised dive resort, known for:
These foundations were built during our years as a PADI dive center, and they deserve recognition.
The decision to switch organizations is not about conflict, criticism, or comparison.
And certainly, a day after Christmas is not the day to “throw dirt”—nor is there any reason to do so at all.
This change is about growth, alignment, and the future direction of Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Fifteen years is a long time in any industry—especially in diving. During this period, Oceans 5 Gili Air evolved far beyond being “just” a dive shop. We became:
As our role expanded, so did our expectations of a training organization. Over time, it became clear that the philosophy, digital structure, and long-term flexibility offered by SSI align more closely with where Oceans 5 is heading.
This does not mean abandoning what we stand for.
It means strengthening it.
For many of you, the most important question is simple:
“Will my experience change?”
The honest answer is: no—at least not in the way that matters.
We will continue to focus on:
The only visible changes you will notice are:
Underwater, and in the classroom, Oceans 5 remains Oceans 5.
One of the strongest signals behind this transition is unity.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, all divemasters and instructors are crossing over at the same time as the dive center itself. There is no fragmentation, no confusion, and no split identity.
This ensures:
For anyone who has already booked a course—or is planning to—this means peace of mind. Your training continues exactly as expected, delivered by the same experienced professionals.
One of the most exciting developments following the crossover is the expansion of professional training opportunities.
After the SSI Instructor Training Seminar in January, Oceans 5 Gili Air will not have one or two—but three SSI Instructor Trainers in-house. This is a major milestone and a clear statement of intent.
Starting February, Oceans 5 will begin conducting SSI Instructor Training Courses (ITC) directly from Gili Air.
What does this mean for future instructors?
This builds on Oceans 5’s long-standing reputation for producing confident, capable, and employable instructors.
Switching training agencies does not weaken our conservation mission—it strengthens it.
Oceans 5 Gili Air will continue to play an active role as a partner of BKKPN, defending and supporting the Gili Matra Marine Park. Our involvement goes far beyond words or marketing slogans.
It includes:
In 2026, Oceans 5 will also expand its scientific contribution.
One of the most important announcements tied to this transition is our continued—and expanded—commitment to education and science.
In 2026, Oceans 5 Gili Air will provide space for 12 Indonesian students to participate in a scientific research program, in partnership with the University of Mataram.
This program allows students to:
At the same time, Oceans 5 will continue its free Divemaster Internship program for local Indonesians, a project that reflects our belief that long-term sustainability starts with empowering local communities—not importing short-term solutions.
Whether you are:
This transition is designed to be seamless for you.
Your course structure, safety standards, group sizes, and learning environment remain exactly what Oceans 5 has been known for over the past 15 years.
The difference is not about logos—it is about long-term vision.
Crossing over to SSI is not an ending.
It is a continuation—with renewed focus, stronger alignment, and bigger ambitions.
Oceans 5 Gili Air remains:
The dive industry is changing. Marine parks are under pressure. Education needs to evolve. And dive centers must choose paths that allow them to act responsibly, independently, and sustainably.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air, this step reflects who we already are—and who we want to be for the next 15 years.
Same people.
Same philosophy.
Same passion.
Just a new logo on the wall—and a clear direction forward.
Running Together Across the Gili Islands On the 13th of December, something special happened in the heart of the Gili Matra Marine Park. Before most of the islands were awake, 86 runners—a mix of local residents and international participants—gathered with one shared goal: to take part in the Tri-Isla-Thon, a …
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 …
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 officially transitioning to a new international diving organization.
And yes—the rumors are true.
But before any panic, assumptions, or misunderstandings begin to spread, here is the full story.
This isn’t the time yet to reveal the name of the new agency. That announcement will come around 1 January 2026, once our team has completed the final steps of the transition. But today, we want to give you the clarity and reassurance you deserve.
Let’s clear up the biggest rumor immediately.
Oceans 5 Gili Air remains fully owned and operated by Sander—just as it has been for the last 15 years.
Nothing in the ownership, leadership, mission, or management structure is changing.
This transition to a new diving organization is a strategic upgrade, a deliberate choice, and a move we believe will make Oceans 5 stronger for the next decade and beyond.
Another worry we’ve heard:
“Will there be new instructors?”
“Are the old faces leaving?”
Absolutely not.
Every single professional at Oceans 5 will cross over to the new agency.
That includes:
In total, 15 people with professional certifications are transitioning with us.
That means when you walk into the dive center tomorrow, next month, or next year, you will see the same familiar faces, the same smiles, the same personalities, the same passionate divers who know your name, your certification history, and your favorite dive sites.
This is the question most guests and students ask:
“Will the courses stay the same?”
And the answer is simple:
The quality of a course does not come from the logo printed on the certification card. It comes from:
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, that philosophy has never changed—and it will never change:
We have taught this way since day one. We will continue to teach this way tomorrow.
There will be some visible changes, of course—but cosmetic ones:
You might notice new colors, a new agency name, some new logos around the shop.
But behind the scenes?
Same instructors. Same systems. Same training structure. Same safety standards. Same heart.
For many of you, our Instructor Development Courses have been the highlight of Oceans 5 Gili Air.
That doesn’t change either.
There will be one Instructor Training Courses every month.**
Just like before, our future instructor candidates will train under:
Oceans 5 Gili Air will continue to be a leader in professional dive training in Indonesia—just under a new banner.
That story will be shared soon.
For now, what you need to know is this:
We chose this change because we believe deeply in improving the future of diving on Gili Air.
We want to offer our divers and future instructors:
This change is not a reaction.
It is a long-thought-out, carefully planned step into the next chapter.
If you take one message from this article, let it be this:
You do not need to worry about your course, your certification, your training, or your fun diving holiday.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is here, stronger than ever, preparing for a new era.
Thank you—for the trust, the questions, the curiosity, and the love you’ve shown us over the last 15 years.
This next chapter is exciting.
It is positive.
And it allows Oceans 5 Gili Air to grow even deeper roots on the island and in the diving community.
So stay tuned.
On January 1st, 2026, we will officially announce the new organization, new branding, and our monthly Instructor Course schedule.
Until then, the ocean is waiting.
And so are we—same team, same spirit, same Oceans 5.
Divemaster Internship Program for Indonesian Citizens 2025: Empowering Local Talent at Oceans 5 Gili Air 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 …
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, …
Did you know that Oceans 5 Gili Air has a modern, fully equipped gym at the back of its spacious premises?
While most divers finish their dives and relax with a coconut or coffee by the pool, some guests and professional divers take advantage of the opportunity to stay fit during their dive holiday. But that leads to an important question: how do you safely combine gym workouts with daily scuba diving?
Many divers are unsure whether they can train before diving, after diving, or if they should wait a few hours like they do for surface intervals. Understanding how exercise affects the body — especially after being exposed to pressure underwater — is key to staying healthy, preventing decompression sickness (DCS), and keeping your diving performance at its best.
This article will guide you through:
Hidden behind the dive shop’s peaceful courtyard, Oceans 5 Gili Air’s gym offers a bright, air-conditioned training space equipped with:
It’s a perfect complement to the dive center’s holistic approach to health and professionalism. Whether you’re a fun diver, divemaster candidate, or instructor in training, the gym provides a safe environment to maintain or improve your physical condition.
However, diving and working out place different kinds of stress on the body. Understanding how they interact helps you use the gym effectively without compromising your safety underwater.
Exercising before a dive can be both beneficial and risky — depending on the type and intensity of your workout.
Gentle stretching, yoga, or a short warm-up routine can improve flexibility, breathing, and circulation before you gear up. For example:
This type of light activity can actually reduce the risk of decompression sickness because it helps blood circulate smoothly and prepares muscles for movement.
On the other hand, high-intensity training — such as heavy weightlifting, long-distance running, or HIIT — just before diving increases your metabolic rate, produces micro-trauma in muscles, and causes dehydration. These effects can potentially increase the risk of nitrogen bubble formation during a dive.
When your muscles are fatigued or sore, they also have poorer circulation, which makes it harder for your body to off-gas nitrogen after a dive.
In short:
If you want to work out before diving, keep it light and gentle. Save intense workouts for non-diving days.
The timing of post-dive exercise is critical. After a dive, your body still contains excess dissolved nitrogen from breathing compressed air. It takes time — your “surface interval” — to eliminate that gas safely.
Most dive medicine experts recommend waiting at least six hours after diving before engaging in strenuous physical activity. For deep or repetitive dives, waiting longer (8–12 hours) is even better.
Why? Because intense exercise can:
During the first few hours post-dive, it’s better to focus on recovery-based movement such as:
Later in the evening, after several hours and a good meal, moderate gym sessions are usually fine.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, many professional divers train in the evening after completing all dives for the day, allowing plenty of surface interval time before the next day’s dives.
If you are on a divemaster internship or an IDC program, you might dive almost every day. Planning your fitness routine then becomes even more important.
Here’s how to balance it:
A steady, moderate training routine will make you a better diver without compromising safety.
Being physically fit doesn’t just make you look good on the beach — it significantly improves your safety, comfort, and longevity as a diver. Let’s look at why fitness matters underwater.
A fit diver breathes more efficiently. Stronger cardiovascular conditioning allows your heart and lungs to deliver oxygen with less effort, reducing your breathing rate.
Better breathing equals longer dives, less fatigue, and calmer reactions to stress underwater. It also improves your buoyancy control, since you can use your breath more effectively for fine adjustments.
Scuba tanks, weights, and gear can easily exceed 20 kg. Loading boats, climbing ladders, or walking across the beach can strain your back and shoulders.
Strength training — particularly core and leg exercises — makes these movements easier and safer. It also helps prevent injuries during daily dive operations, especially for instructors and divemaster trainees who handle equipment every day.
A strong core and flexible lower back make it easier to maintain a streamlined horizontal position underwater. You’ll kick more efficiently and use less energy.
Exercises such as planks, Pilates, and yoga are excellent for developing this kind of functional stability. That’s why you’ll often see Oceans 5 Gili Air’s staff divers combining yoga or stretching routines with their dive preparation.
Muscle fitness and flexibility help prevent cramps during long dives or surface swims. Fit muscles have better circulation, which means they also eliminate nitrogen more effectively after dives.
When you stay hydrated and keep your muscles supple, you’ll recover faster from repetitive diving days — and enjoy every dive without soreness or stiffness.
Diving is not only physical; it’s mental. Unexpected situations underwater — a mask flood, a strong current, a missing buddy — require calm decision-making.
Regular physical activity reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins, and enhances focus. A fit diver is often a calm diver, which is essential for safety and for setting a professional example if you’re working in the diving industry.
Not all exercises have equal benefits for scuba divers. The most effective training combines strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance — the same elements required for safe and efficient diving.
Here are some top recommendations for divers using the Oceans 5 Gili Air gym:
Focus on exercises that strengthen your abdomen, lower back, and hips:
These help you maintain perfect trim and buoyancy underwater.
Strong legs mean powerful, controlled fin kicks:
Avoid going to muscular failure on leg days if you’re diving soon after — tired legs can cramp underwater.
Your shoulders stabilize your gear and control your arms while swimming. Focus on:
Diving is a low-intensity endurance activity. Build cardiovascular health with:
Combine cardio with breathing control exercises, such as pranayama or diaphragmatic breathing, to strengthen your lungs and improve air management underwater.
Always finish with stretching or yoga. Oceans 5’s spacious open areas are ideal for post-workout relaxation. Flexibility reduces risk of injury and helps with donning gear or performing rescue exercises smoothly.
When combining diving and gym sessions, don’t forget the two biggest allies of performance and decompression safety: hydration and nutrition.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, healthy meal options and refreshing drinks are available right next to the dive center — perfect for keeping your body fueled throughout the day.
Even the most disciplined diver-athletes need rest. Skip the gym if you experience:
Remember, recovery is part of training. Rest days are vital, especially during intensive dive courses such as the PADI Divemaster Internship or PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) offered at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Since opening in 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has believed in a holistic approach to diving: environmental awareness, safety, and personal well-being.
The on-site gym is an extension of that philosophy. It allows guests, staff, and students to build healthy habits that support their underwater lifestyle.
By promoting fitness alongside dive education, Oceans 5 Gili Air ensures divers not only learn skills and standards but also develop the physical and mental strength to handle real-world situations confidently.
For professional divers — instructors, guides, or conservation specialists — maintaining fitness is part of career longevity. Healthy divers are safer divers, and safer divers protect both themselves and the marine environment they love.
So, can you use the gym while diving every day? Absolutely — as long as you train smart.
Combining diving with fitness at Oceans 5 Gili Air’s modern gym can make you a stronger, more efficient, and safer diver.
You’ll not only feel better underwater — you’ll also be ready for any adventure the ocean throws at you.
So next time you surface from a dive and walk past the gym at the back of Oceans 5, remember: your next great dive might start with a good stretch, a mindful workout, and a healthy respect for your body’s limits.
Oceans 5’s Weekly Harbor Cleanups and a Growing Culture of Conservation 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 …