A New Chapter for Oceans 5 Gili Air
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 landmark event that reflects both the growth of the center and its commitment to developing the highest level of diving professionals. Among the candidates taking part in this prestigious program are Ramon and Warren “Waz”, two experienced educators whose journey now brings them to the threshold of becoming SSI Instructor Trainers.
This historic seminar marks a major step forward for Oceans 5, reinforcing its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s leading dive training facilities and positioning it firmly on the global stage of professional dive education.
Oceans 5 Hosts Its First SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar
For many years, Oceans 5 Gili Air has been known as a place where divers evolve into professionals—where instructors are shaped through experience, mentorship, and a deep respect for teaching excellence. Hosting an SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is the natural next step in that evolution.
This 10-day intensive course brings together seven highly experienced candidates who are ready to transition from instructor-level leadership to the highest educational role within the SSI system: Instructor Trainer. Once certified, these professionals will be qualified to train and certify future SSI Instructors, directly shaping the next generation of dive educators.
The seminar is conducted under the guidance of Ronny Kain, whose experience and leadership ensure that the course meets the highest international standards. Supporting the seminar is a strong instructional team that includes Surbyiendranath, Jaka (IC), Cédric, Woody (IC), Leo, Pedro, Ramon, and Waz—a diverse and highly skilled group representing years of global diving and teaching expertise.
Transforming Experience into Mastery
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is not simply another course. It is a demanding professional transformation. Over the course of ten intense days, the candidates are challenged academically, practically, and mentally as they refine their teaching philosophy, leadership style, and evaluation skills.
The goal is clear: to transform seven experienced professionals into confident, capable, and inspiring SSI Instructor Trainers.
Throughout the seminar, candidates are evaluated on:
- Teaching presentations at instructor-level depth
- Academic knowledge and standards mastery
- Confined and open water evaluations
- Leadership, mentoring, and assessment skills
- Professional conduct and decision-making
By the end of the program, those who successfully meet the standards will earn the right to shape the future of dive education—not only at Oceans 5, but anywhere in the world.
World-Class Facilities Supporting World-Class Training
One of the key reasons Oceans 5 was selected to host this seminar is its exceptional infrastructure, specifically designed to support high-level professional training.
The facilities include:
- A spacious, purpose-built classroom, ideal for in-depth theory sessions, presentations, and evaluations
- Two swimming pools, allowing simultaneous confined water training and assessments without compromise
- Two fully equipped equipment rooms, ensuring smooth logistics and professional gear management throughout the course
These facilities allow candidates to focus fully on learning and teaching without distractions—an essential factor in a program as demanding as an Instructor Trainer Seminar.
For many participants, training in an environment that mirrors the standards expected of an Instructor Training Center is both motivating and inspiring. Oceans 5 provides exactly that.
Ramon and Waz: Stepping Into the Role of Instructor Trainer
Among the seven candidates, Ramon and Warren “Waz” stand out as key figures in Oceans 5’s future.
Both have built strong reputations as educators, mentors, and leaders within the dive industry. Their participation in the ITS represents not only personal professional growth, but also a long-term investment in Oceans 5’s training capacity.
If they successfully complete the Instructor Trainer Seminar, Ramon and Waz will officially become SSI Instructor Trainers at Oceans 5 Gili Air—a major achievement for both individuals and the dive center.
This will allow Oceans 5 to conduct more advanced professional programs internally, ensuring consistency, quality, and continuity in instructor education.
Waz to Conduct the First SSI Instructor Training Course
One of the most exciting outcomes of this seminar is already scheduled. Waz will conduct the first SSI Instructor Training Course at Oceans 5 starting on the 13th of February.
This marks a historic moment: the transition from hosting an Instructor Trainer Seminar to actively running Instructor Training Courses (ITCs) under Oceans 5’s own Instructor Trainers.
For aspiring instructors, this means the opportunity to complete their professional journey—from entry-level diver to SSI Instructor—within one of the most established training environments in Indonesia.
And Where Is Sander?
Many people familiar with Oceans 5 may be wondering: where is Sander, the owner of Oceans 5 Gili Air?
Sander remains deeply involved in the long-term vision of the dive center. While he is not conducting this specific Instructor Training Course, he will be leading another course later in the year. His continued involvement ensures that Oceans 5 maintains its strong leadership identity while expanding its instructional team.
This strategic approach allows Oceans 5 to grow sustainably, empowering new leaders while maintaining the core values that have defined the center for years.
A Milestone Moment: Becoming an SSI Instructor Training Center
The Instructor Trainer Seminar represents more than just a course—it is a milestone.
Within a few weeks, Oceans 5 Gili Air is expected to be officially recognized as an SSI Instructor Training Center. This status confirms that the dive center meets the highest standards in facilities, staffing, instructional quality, and professional integrity.
Becoming an Instructor Training Center places Oceans 5 among a select group of dive centers worldwide authorized to shape instructors from the ground up. It is a recognition earned through years of dedication, consistent quality, and a deep commitment to education.
Looking Ahead
As Ramon, Waz, and their fellow candidates continue through this demanding 10-day journey, the atmosphere at Oceans 5 is one of focus, motivation, and pride. This seminar symbolizes growth—not only for the individuals involved, but for the entire Oceans 5 community.
With world-class facilities, experienced leadership, and a clear vision for the future, Oceans 5 Gili Air is once again setting the standard for professional dive education.
The transformation happening during this Instructor Trainer Seminar will ripple outward for years to come—through future instructors, their students, and the global diving community.
And for Oceans 5, this is only the beginning of a bold new chapter.