PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Dive Organizations When people think about learning to dive, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Which certification is better—PADI, SSI, RAID, NAUI, CMAS, NOB?” It’s an understandable question. Each dive organization has its own logo, course materials, and system of rules. But here’s the …
A Philosophy Rooted in Conservation and Community Since opening its doors in 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has embraced a philosophy that goes far beyond teaching scuba diving. From the very beginning, conservation and community have been at the heart of its operations. Oceans 5 …
Gili Air is more than just a tropical paradise for divers and holidaymakers—it’s a small, close-knit island where the environment, the community, and local businesses are deeply connected. Life here depends on a delicate balance: the health of the ocean draws visitors, the warmth of the local community makes them stay, and tourism supports livelihoods. But with opportunity comes responsibility.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we believe that every business operating here should give something back—whether through environmental protection, community initiatives, or both. Our own journey in this commitment has been ongoing since we opened in 2010, and it continues to grow stronger every year.
From the very beginning, Oceans 5 made environmental protection part of our DNA. We are located in the Gili Matra Marine Park, an area that should be preserved for generations to come. Our conservation work includes:
Unlike many conservation programs that depend on donations or external grants, Oceans 5 finances its environmental and community initiatives entirely from its own operations. The revenue from our diving courses and resort services allows us to allocate a dedicated annual budget to these projects—without asking guests to pay extra or relying on outside funding.
This model ensures stability: whether or not donations are available, our cleanups, education programs, and research support will continue. We see it as a responsibility, not a seasonal project or a marketing campaign.
We don’t expect every business to do exactly what we do—after all, a restaurant can’t run reef cleanups in the same way a dive shop can. But every business can contribute in its own way:
On a small island like Gili Air, where resources are limited and the environment is fragile, every little bit counts. The combined effect of many small actions can be as powerful as a single large project.
It’s easy to forget that without the local community, there would be no Gili Air as we know it. The warm smiles that greet visitors, the knowledge passed from fisherman to dive guide, the hospitality that keeps tourists returning—these all come from the people who call this island home.
If you run a business here and make your living from the beauty and culture of this place, it’s only fair to give something back. This isn’t just about charity—it’s about respect, sustainability, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same Gili Air we love today.
Oceans 5 will continue to do our part—cleaning beaches and reefs, supporting marine science, and teaching environmentally responsible diving. But our hope is that every business, big or small, joins in. It doesn’t have to be costly or complicated; it just has to be consistent.
Because when everyone contributes, Gili Air thrives—not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing community in harmony with the ocean that surrounds it.
Community in Action: 65kg of Rubbish This week, a massive beach cleanup took place at the harbor of Gili Air, organized by Oceans 5 Gili Air’s very own divemaster, Zain. With the wind picking up in the afternoons and the swell carrying more and more …
From Divemaster to Dive Instructor After 20 days of dedication, growth, and hard work, Jo, Dania, Nata, and Filippo have officially become PADI Instructors. Their journey at Oceans 5 Gili Air started with passion and ambition, and it ended with the successful completion of the …
Becoming a PADI Instructor is a milestone achievement — the result of weeks (or even months) of dedication, study, and training. For those who complete their Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Oceans 5 Gili Air, the journey doesn’t end with passing the PADI Instructor Examination (IE). In fact, it’s just the beginning of a world filled with new opportunities, further development, and real-life teaching experiences. So, what’s next?
Here’s a look at what newly certified instructors can do after completing their IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
One of the most popular next steps at Oceans 5 Gili Air is the Free PADI IDC Internship. This optional 2–3 week program allows new instructors to assist experienced instructors with real PADI courses. It’s a valuable bridge between training and employment, giving instructors hands-on experience under the mentorship of Oceans 5’s senior team.
During this internship, you’ll assist with Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and even Divemaster courses. You’ll gain insight into how different instructors teach, how to manage students, organize logistics, and handle the unexpected — all in a supportive environment.
This internship helps new instructors build confidence, fine-tune their teaching methods, and gain references for future jobs.
After becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), many candidates choose to take the next step toward becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT).
Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a Specialties Instructor Training Week after every IDC. This is your chance to learn how to teach up to five or more PADI Specialties under the direct supervision of one of the in-house Course Directors. Options include:
Becoming a specialty instructor gives you access to a broader range of students and makes you more attractive to potential employers. Once you’ve taught 25 certifications and have five specialties, you can apply for your MSDT rating.
With a PADI Instructor certification in hand, you’re now ready to teach your own PADI courses — anywhere in the world. But what if you’d rather not leave just yet?
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, it’s not uncommon for former IDC candidates to stay on as instructors, especially during high season. With its consistent flow of students and reputation for quality, Oceans 5 is an ideal place to start your career. Many instructors have taught their very first Open Water, Advanced, or Rescue Diver course right where they were trained.
Even if no teaching positions are currently available, Oceans 5 is well connected to dive centers across Indonesia and globally. Your Course Director and mentor can help guide you in the right direction or provide job recommendations.
For those already thinking long-term, becoming an IDC Staff Instructor is a fantastic way to grow. This allows you to assist on future IDCs, mentor new instructor candidates, and deepen your understanding of PADI’s educational system.
Oceans 5 offers this course under the direct mentorship of its Course Directors. You’ll learn how to evaluate IDC candidates in confined water, classroom, and open water sessions, and play a direct role in their development.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in expanding your limits underwater, Oceans 5 also offers TDI Technical Diving courses. This includes specialties like sidemount, decompression procedures, and other tech diving certifications that are ideal for instructors who want to dive deeper into their career — literally.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, diving isn’t just about teaching — it’s about making a difference. Many new instructors choose to get involved in the dive center’s conservation projects, such as:
By staying active in these programs, you’re not only giving back to the ocean but also enhancing your professional profile as a conservation-minded instructor — something highly valued in today’s dive industry.
And finally, don’t forget to enjoy the tropical island life you’ve worked so hard for. Life on Gili Air is a unique blend of community, nature, and simplicity. Many new instructors take a few weeks to relax, do fun dives, explore Lombok, or just enjoy sunsets with their fellow divers.
At Oceans 5, there’s a strong family atmosphere — many IDC graduates remain connected long after their course ends. Whether you stay on the island or head off for your next dive job, you’ll always have a home base and a support system at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Becoming a PADI Instructor is just the beginning. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the path after your IDC is filled with opportunity — from gaining teaching experience through the free internship, to becoming a Specialty Instructor, MSDT, or even taking your first paid teaching job. You’ll be supported every step of the way by experienced professionals who care about your growth.
So, what can you do after your IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air? The better question might be: what can’t you do? Your diving future starts here — and the ocean is waiting.
The Gili Matra Marine Park The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — are more than just stunning tropical getaways with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. They are located within one of Indonesia’s top ten marine parks, the Gili Matra Marine Park, …
The Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air The Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air is more than just another box to tick on your path to becoming a dive professional — it’s an investment in quality training, fair employment, and a sustainable future …
If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping your office chair for a wetsuit and turning your passion for the ocean into a rewarding career, now is the time to take the plunge. Oceans 5 Gili Air is excited to announce its next PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs), with start dates on August 6th and September 10th. These programs are led by PADI Course Director Waz, whose reputation for shaping confident, adaptable, and environmentally conscious dive instructors has attracted candidates from all over the world.
Whether you’re a freshly minted divemaster ready to step up or a diver returning to the water to chase a dream, the IDC at Oceans 5 offers far more than just a certification — it’s a full transformation.
Unlike some busy training centers where IDCs can feel rushed or crowded, Oceans 5 Gili Air purposefully limits each IDC to a small group of candidates — usually no more than six. This ensures every participant gets meaningful one-on-one time with Course Director Waz and the instructor team. Here, your individual challenges and goals shape the course, not the other way around.
Passing the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) is important, but it’s not the end goal at Oceans 5. The PADI IDC goes beyond ticking boxes: candidates develop the practical skills, communication tools, and teaching mindset they need to thrive in real dive shops, with real students, in real conditions. From day one, emphasis is placed on realistic training scenarios, problem-solving, and creating safe, confident divers — the same philosophy the Oceans 5 team lives by.
At Oceans 5, you’re not only learning how to teach diving — you’re learning to be an ambassador for the ocean. Buoyancy control, eco-friendly dive practices, and conservation knowledge are woven into every part of the program. Candidates often participate in weekly beach and reef cleanups, and conservation workshops are part of the curriculum, giving you the mindset and tools to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.
When you join the IDC at Oceans 5, you’re more than just a candidate — you become part of a small community. The team prides itself on creating a supportive, family-like atmosphere. Candidates often build friendships that last well beyond the course, whether sharing theory tips in the classroom, debriefing skills at the poolside, or enjoying a sunset barbecue on the beach after a long day.
Choosing where to do your IDC is just as important as choosing who trains you — and Gili Air stands out for many reasons.
Unlike Gili Trawangan, which is famous for its nightlife, or Gili Meno, known for its seclusion, Gili Air strikes the perfect balance. It has a laid-back island vibe but still offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and local shops to make your stay comfortable and sociable. After a day of studying and diving, you can relax with a fresh coconut at a beach bar or unwind with live music under the stars.
Gili Air is surrounded by the protected Gili Matra Marine Park, home to stunning coral reefs, abundant marine life, and iconic dive sites — from calm sandy slopes perfect for training to thrilling drift dives and fascinating wrecks. Training in these waters means you graduate with real experience in a variety of conditions.
One of the best things about Gili Air is how compact it is — you can walk or cycle everywhere. No cars, no motorbikes, just sandy paths lined with coconut trees and ocean views. The Oceans 5 dive shop is right by the harbor, so you’re only ever a short stroll from your accommodation, your classroom, the boats, and your favorite local warung for a post-dive snack.
If you’re ready to become a dive instructor — and you want to do it in a place where the training is personal, the standards are high, and the environment is inspiring — mark your calendar for August 6th or September 10th. With only a handful of places available per IDC, spots fill up quickly.
Come to Oceans 5 Gili Air and start your journey to becoming a confident PADI Instructor in a place where the ocean is your office, the island is your backyard, and your classmates often become lifelong dive buddies.
For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Oceans 5 Gili Air:
📧 [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +6285333397823
The Gili Matra Marine Park When you hear the name “Gili Islands”, your mind probably conjures images of palm-fringed beaches, turquoise water, and a laid-back tropical vibe. But for scuba divers, the true treasure of these islands lies beneath the surface — in the vibrant, …