What’s Next After Becoming a PADI Instructor at Oceans 5 Gili Air?

What’s Next After Becoming a PADI Instructor?

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.

1. Join the Free PADI IDC Internship

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.

2. Complete Instructor Specialty Training and Become an MSDT

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:

• Deep Diver
• Wreck Diver
• Drift Diver
• Fish ID
• Peak Performance Buoyancy
• Shark Conservation
• Digital Underwater Photography
• Emergency Oxygen Provider
• Enriched Air (Nitrox)
• Night Diver
• Underwater Naturalist
• Search and Recovery
• Delayed SMB

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.

3. Start Working as a Dive Instructor

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.

4. Continue Your Education Toward IDC Staff Instructor or Tech Diving

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.

5. Stay Involved in Conservation and Community

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:

• Weekly beach and reef cleanups
• Coral monitoring and surveys with university students
• Marine awareness talks and educational outreach
• Collaborations with the Gili Matra Marine Park and BKKPN Kupang

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.

6. Enjoy Island Life While Building Your Career

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.

Final Thoughts

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.