SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Why This Small Archipelago Is a Big Deal for Divers When people think about the Gili Islands, they often picture white sandy beaches, turquoise water, hammocks between palm trees, and spectacular sunsets. But beneath the surface, the real magic begins. With around 15 different dive sites …
Ramon and Warren (Waz) Join the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar Oceans 5 Gili Air is entering an exciting new era in its long and respected history of professional dive education. For the very first time, the renowned dive center is hosting an SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS)—a …
Choosing to become a scuba diving instructor is not only about passion for the ocean, teaching skills, or lifestyle freedom. It is also a professional business decision. How many courses you can teach, how flexible your teaching schedule is, how much income you can generate, and how sustainable your career will be over the long term are just as important as loving the underwater world.
One of the biggest advantages of becoming an SSI Instructor — and something many instructor candidates only realize after comparing training systems — is the number of instructor specialty ratings you automatically receive after passing the Instructor Evaluation.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to prepare candidates not only to pass the evaluation but to become employable, versatile, confident instructors who can start teaching immediately with a wide portfolio of courses. Instead of graduating with only one core instructor rating, SSI instructors step into the industry already equipped with multiple instructor certifications that open doors to more teaching opportunities, higher income potential, and a healthier long-term career.
Let’s look closely at what this really means.
After successfully completing the SSI Instructor Training Course and passing the Instructor Evaluation, candidates do not only become SSI Open Water Scuba Instructors. They automatically receive the following instructor specialty ratings:
In addition, SSI instructors can complete free online upgrades for the following Specialty Instructor certifications:
This means that from day one, a newly certified SSI Instructor can already teach far more than just beginner courses. Compared to many other training agencies where instructors need to invest significant extra money and time to add specialty ratings after certification, SSI provides an impressive package directly included in the instructor pathway.
For new instructors entering the job market, this is a game changer.
In the real world of dive operations, dive centers are not only looking for instructors who can teach Open Water courses. They are looking for instructors who can:
An instructor who can only teach beginner courses quickly becomes limited. During low season, there may not be enough Open Water students. During high season, teaching only entry-level courses can become physically and mentally exhausting. Having multiple specialty instructor ratings allows instructors to diversify their teaching schedule and income streams.
Instead of teaching the same course every day, instructors can rotate between:
This keeps the job interesting, protects the body from repetitive strain, and creates a healthier long-term career.
One of the most powerful advantages SSI offers is the free Enriched Air Nitrox Instructor specialty.
Nitrox is the number one specialty course worldwide. It is often the first specialty divers take after Open Water because it offers:
At most training agencies, becoming a Nitrox Instructor comes with extra costs: additional instructor training fees, materials, instructor application fees, and sometimes separate evaluations. For many instructors, this easily adds several hundred euros to their startup investment.
SSI takes a different approach.
Because SSI requires instructor candidates to already hold Enriched Air Nitrox 40 certification at participant level before entering the ITC, the instructor pathway automatically includes the Nitrox Instructor rating once the evaluation is passed.
This means:
For a new instructor, this directly increases employability and income potential from the first working day.
At a dive center like Oceans 5 Gili Air — where many certified divers continue into Nitrox training — this specialty creates immediate value for both the instructor and the dive center.
Perfect Buoyancy is no longer a luxury specialty — it has become a core expectation for quality dive operations.
Good buoyancy:
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, buoyancy control has always been a central philosophy in all training programs. SSI’s inclusion of Perfect Buoyancy as an automatic instructor specialty aligns perfectly with this approach.
Instead of treating buoyancy as something optional, SSI recognizes it as a fundamental diving skill that deserves structured education and professional instruction. New SSI instructors can immediately teach buoyancy workshops, helping certified divers improve their skills while generating additional revenue and improving overall dive quality.
Rescue skills are often underutilized in the recreational dive industry. Many divers complete their Rescue course once and rarely refresh these critical skills.
SSI instructors automatically receive the Diver Stress & Rescue Instructor rating, allowing them to teach stress recognition, prevention, and emergency response from day one.
This brings several advantages:
For professional development, teaching rescue programs also strengthens an instructor’s leadership skills, risk management awareness, and emergency preparedness — essential competencies for anyone planning a long-term career in diving.
The Science of Diving program allows instructors to teach divers deeper understanding of:
Not every diver wants to become technical or professional, but many divers enjoy expanding their theoretical knowledge. Having Science of Diving as an automatic instructor rating allows instructors to engage curious divers, divemasters, and future instructors.
This also supports a more educated diving community — something that aligns strongly with Oceans 5 Gili Air’s philosophy of creating thinking, responsible divers rather than just certificate collectors.
The Dive Guide / Divemaster Instructor rating enables SSI instructors to participate directly in professional-level training.
This opens the door to:
For instructors who enjoy coaching and mentoring rather than only teaching entry-level students, this pathway becomes very attractive and professionally rewarding.
SSI also offers free online upgrades for:
These upgrades expand teaching possibilities even further without additional course fees. Especially Marine Ecology fits perfectly with Oceans 5 Gili Air’s conservation-driven philosophy and partnerships with universities and environmental organizations.
Ecology education creates meaningful experiences for divers who want more than just underwater sightseeing — it creates ambassadors for marine protection.
One of the hidden risks in the dive industry is instructor burnout. Teaching the same course repeatedly, often under physical strain, in hot climates, with high seasonal pressure, can wear down even passionate professionals.
Having multiple instructor specialties allows instructors to:
More specialties also mean:
Instructors who diversify their teaching portfolio stay motivated longer and build more sustainable careers.
Becoming a dive instructor is an investment — in time, money, energy, and commitment. SSI’s system reduces unnecessary financial barriers while increasing professional output immediately after certification.
Instead of paying for multiple add-on instructor specialties later, SSI instructors start their career with a strong package already included. This improves return on investment and shortens the time needed to recover training costs.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, this philosophy fits perfectly with our goal of creating confident, capable, employable instructors — not just candidates who pass an evaluation.
If you are serious about building a professional diving career, not just collecting certifications, SSI offers a powerful advantage: more instructor ratings, more teaching opportunities, more income potential, and a healthier long-term career.
With specialties like Nitrox Instructor included for free, plus Perfect Buoyancy, Stress & Rescue, Science of Diving, professional leadership pathways, and free online upgrades, SSI instructors start strong from day one.
More tools.
More flexibility.
More value.
More future security.
Dive smart.
Become an SSI Instructor — at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
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 …