Learning to become a dive professional
A Divemaster internship develops diving ability, leadership and an understanding of how a dive centre operates. Candidates learn to look beyond their own dive and consider the needs of other divers.
Oceans 5 Gili Air offers two pathways: a paid internship for international candidates and a tuition-free programme for selected Indonesian citizens. Both combine SSI professional training with supervised practical experience.
The main differences are programme duration, eligibility and training costs. Both require candidates to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professional conduct needed for certification.
Two internship options
International Divemaster internship
Duration: approximately 6–8 weeks.
This paid programme combines theory, pool workshops, ocean diving and supervised experience alongside the dive team. Rental scuba equipment is included; additional costs should be checked in the current programme details.
Indonesian Divemaster internship
Duration: approximately four months.
Selected Indonesian citizens receive tuition-free training. Candidates pay for SSI digital materials, professional registration and membership, as well as personal equipment, travel and living expenses.
Read about eligibility, selection and costs , or view the information in Bahasa Indonesia .
Training duration alone does not determine qualification. Candidates must complete the applicable SSI requirements and demonstrate readiness for their professional responsibilities.
Developing control and awareness underwater
As candidates progress, attention expands from personal skills to the divers and environment around them. They practise observing group position, communicating clearly and recognising when someone needs assistance.
Buoyancy and trim are central to this development. At Oceans 5, underwater skills are taught with neutral buoyancy rather than dependence on kneeling or resting on the seabed.
Learn more about our buoyancy training and diving around the Gili Islands .
Practical experience above and below the water
Professional diving includes preparation, organisation and communication. Candidates observe the team and gradually practise suitable responsibilities under supervision.
Diving knowledge
Theory study connects dive planning with equipment, physiology, decompression and the aquatic environment.
Practical skills
Workshops develop navigation, rescue skills, demonstrations and surface marker buoy procedures.
Dive organisation
Candidates learn about equipment preparation, briefings, boat procedures and keeping track of participating divers.
Working with people
Observation, supervised assistance and feedback help candidates understand different diver needs and communicate with the team.
Daily life during the internship
Days may include boat diving, pool practice, independent study, workshops and assisting the team. The schedule depends on training progress, weather, sea conditions and dive-centre activities. Diving is not guaranteed every day.
Mentor feedback helps candidates identify a practical goal for their next session. Progress requires preparation, participation and a willingness to work on skills that need improvement.
Read more about daily life as a Divemaster intern .
Conservation as part of professional development
Dive leaders influence how visitors behave around reefs and marine animals. Candidates practise setting an example through buoyancy, careful equipment positioning and giving wildlife space.
Interns also participate in conservation activities, including our weekly beach clean-up. These activities connect diving with responsibility for the wider island environment.
Explore our marine conservation guide and the programmes on Gili Conservation Dive .
Preparing for an internship
Before choosing dates, candidates should have their certifications, logged dives and underwater hours reviewed. Emergency training, medical documentation and relevant diving experience also need checking against current entry requirements.
Recognised qualifications from other agencies can be reviewed for equivalency. The international programme page and Indonesian programme page explain the respective requirements.
Rental equipment is available during training. Before completion, candidates need their own dive computer, compass, SMB and reel.
Further learning after Divemaster
Some graduates focus on developing their dive leadership; others continue towards instructor training or explore additional diving skills. A qualification is one stage of professional development, and further opportunities depend on experience and the requirements of the intended role.