SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
The Invisible Backbone of Oceans 5 Gili Air When guests walk into Oceans 5 Gili Air, they’re greeted by smiles at the reception, warm welcomes from instructors, and the buzz of divers prepping gear. The boats depart with excitement, the instructors guide students through their …
From Guest to Director: Chelle’s Unexpected Journey Maybe you’ve received an email with her name at the bottom. Maybe you’ve spoken to her at the desk while booking your next dive. Or maybe you just saw her walking through the dive center, radiating calm in …
Every Saturday afternoon, just as the sun starts to soften over the waters of Gili Air, a dedicated team of divers gears up for a mission. But this isn’t just another fun dive, nor a training session. It’s part of something much bigger—something that reflects a deep commitment to conservation, responsibility, and the protection of our marine ecosystems. It’s the weekly reef clean-up dive organized by Oceans 5 Gili Air, the island’s leading eco-conscious dive shop.
While beach clean-ups have long been a signature of Oceans 5’s environmental efforts—drawing tourists, locals, and conservation enthusiasts together every Friday—the Saturday reef clean-ups are a more intimate, focused initiative. Reserved exclusively for the Oceans 5 family, including Divemaster candidates, IDC (Instructor Development Course) participants, newly certified instructors, current students, and fun divers, these reef clean-ups are a powerful symbol of what Oceans 5 stands for: protecting the ocean not for show, but because it’s simply the right thing to do.
Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air has never been a marketing trend or something that’s highlighted only when convenient. Instead, it’s embedded into the dive shop’s DNA. Since 2010, Oceans 5 has been pioneering conservation on Gili Air, long before sustainability became the industry buzzword it is today. Over the years, they’ve hosted weekly beach clean-ups, partnered with conservation organizations, supported research through the University of Mataram, and mentored dozens of local Indonesians into becoming professional divers and stewards of the sea.
Now, with the addition of a weekly reef clean-up, Oceans 5 is taking its commitment even further. This isn’t a public event for social media photos—this is hands-on marine conservation for those actively involved in the Oceans 5 training and diving ecosystem. It’s about education, awareness, and most importantly, action.
The reef surrounding Gili Air is not just a dive site—it’s a living organism, a biodiverse ecosystem, and a critical part of the local economy. Unfortunately, like many coral reefs across the globe, it faces constant pressure from human activity.
Plastic pollution, fishing gear, glass, discarded personal items, and even construction materials find their way into the water. Some float in from other islands; others are left behind by careless tourists. Some are washed in during the rainy season from mainland Lombok. Regardless of the source, the impact is devastating: coral smothered by plastic bags, marine life entangled in fishing lines, or microplastics breaking down and entering the food chain.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s weekly reef clean-up dives directly combat this growing problem.
On the latest clean-up dive, divers collected a staggering 65 kilograms of rubbish from the reef in front of the island. Among the debris were everyday items like plastic bottles, cups, straws, and bags, but also surprising and unusual objects such as carpets, street marking signs, clothing, and even metal scraps.
Every reef clean-up starts with a comprehensive briefing by one of the Oceans 5 Divemaster Candidates. The dive is carefully planned based on the ocean conditions, tides, and current. Safety is a priority, but so is maximizing the positive impact. Divemaster candidates and IDC students are taught how to collect trash in a way that doesn’t damage the coral, ensuring that the act of cleaning doesn’t create more harm than good.
Divers are paired into buddy teams, each equipped with mesh bags, cutting tools for tangled fishing lines, and gloves for handling sharp or hazardous materials. There’s a silent camaraderie among the team underwater. Everyone knows they’re not just picking up trash—they’re protecting their future dive sites, and setting an example for responsible diving worldwide.
Upon surfacing, the collected rubbish is sorted, weighed, and recorded. Items that can be recycled are separated, while others are responsibly disposed of. The data is added to Oceans 5’s ongoing environmental records, helping to track the most common types of pollution and informing future clean-up strategies.
What sets Oceans 5 apart is that conservation isn’t an afterthought or an extra-curricular activity—it’s integrated directly into their professional training programs.
Divemaster candidates at Oceans 5 don’t just assist on courses and learn dive theory—they actively participate in conservation workshops, beach clean-ups, and now, reef clean-ups. These sessions are more than environmental actions; they’re leadership opportunities, helping candidates develop skills in event coordination, group management, and public speaking. Instructors in training learn how to teach with minimal impact, practicing neutral buoyancy from day one and avoiding the outdated practice of kneeling on the sea floor.
And even after candidates pass their IDC, they are encouraged to remain involved in the clean-up initiatives. Many ex-IDC students who have stayed on the island—or returned to visit—continue to join these reef clean-ups. It’s a sign that the conservation philosophy taught at Oceans 5 truly stays with people.
What makes this initiative unique isn’t just the organization or the number of participants—it’s the motivation behind it. In an age where “eco” can be just another buzzword, Oceans 5 Gili Air refuses to treat conservation as a branding strategy.
Owner and Course Director Sander Buis has long been outspoken about the importance of protecting the marine environment—not because it sells dive courses, but because it’s the ethical foundation on which the dive shop was built. The reef is his team’s office. And like any responsible professional, they believe it’s their duty to keep it clean.
Sander and his team have always invested their own resources into these efforts—without relying on outside funding, sponsorships, or temporary “green campaigns.” It’s not about likes or shares—it’s about action and responsibility. For them, every plastic bottle removed is a small win for the reef.
Though the Saturday reef clean-up is limited to Oceans 5’s community, the effect is far-reaching. Tourists who witness the post-dive sorting on the beach ask questions, become curious, and often return on Friday to join the weekly beach clean-up. Students who participate in the reef clean-up often continue their conservation journey, choosing to pursue PADI AWARE courses, or even specialize in marine conservation with Oceans 5’s eco internship programs.
By being consistent and genuine in their conservation efforts, Oceans 5 sets the standard not just for Gili Air, but for dive shops across Indonesia.
As the reef clean-up divers surface each Saturday, bags of waste in hand, they carry with them more than debris—they carry hope. Hope that the reef will thrive again. Hope that divers around the world will treat the ocean with the care it deserves. Hope that by educating just a few more divers each week, the ripple will become a wave.
The reef in front of Gili Air may not be the biggest or the most famous. But it’s home—to coral gardens, schools of fish, octopus, nudibranchs, and even turtles. And it’s home to Oceans 5 Gili Air. Protecting it isn’t just a program. It’s a promise.
If you’re already part of the Oceans 5 family, you’re likely already diving with a purpose. But if you’re planning to join a course, start your Divemaster or Instructor journey, or simply fun dive while staying on Gili Air—know that you’ll be joining a team that puts conservation first.
Come on a Friday for the beach clean-up. Stay for the Saturday reef clean-up. Be part of a community where protecting the ocean is just another day at the office.
Because at Oceans 5 Gili Air, we don’t just dive—we dive for a better future.
For more information about joining Oceans 5’s Divemaster internships, Instructor Development Courses, or conservation workshops, contact:
📧 [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
🌍 www.oceans5dive.com
Oceans 5 Gili Air – Where Conservation Meets Professional Dive Training.
Your Discover Scuba Diving Program In today’s highly competitive dive industry, many dive centers are racing against each other—sometimes not to be better, but simply to be cheaper or faster. The focus often shifts from education and experience to volume and turnover. Price cuts and …
Is Scuba Diving Dangerous? Understanding the Risks, Realities, and Safety of Diving at Oceans 5 Gili Air One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Oceans 5 Gili Air is, “Is scuba diving dangerous?” And it’s a fair question—when people imagine diving, they often think …
Are you ready to elevate your scuba diving career and become an exemplary PADI Instructor? Oceans 5 Gili Air invites aspiring dive professionals to join the upcoming Instructor Development Course (IDC), beginning on July 2nd, 2025, guided by the expert mentorship of renowned PADI Course Director Warren Beyers, affectionately known as Waz. This is not just an IDC; it is your gateway to becoming a true ocean ambassador in one of Indonesia’s most pristine marine parks—Gili Matra.
Located within the protected marine park of Gili Matra, Oceans 5 Gili Air holds the prestigious distinction of being the only PADI IDC center on the Gili Islands actively advocating and practicing neutral buoyancy instruction during open water training sessions. This approach isn’t merely an instructional style; it is a profound commitment to marine conservation and responsible diving practices that Oceans 5 has seamlessly integrated across all of its diving courses.
Guiding you through your IDC journey will be Warren Beyers—Waz—whose charismatic teaching style, extensive diving experience, and dedication to marine conservation set him apart as one of Indonesia’s most respected PADI Course Directors. With years of dive instruction experience, including technical and recreational diving, Waz believes deeply in cultivating instructors who not only master PADI standards but also embody ocean stewardship.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, buoyancy control is far more than a fundamental skill—it’s a core value. Diving within the marine-protected area of Gili Matra means that divers and snorkelers pay an entry fee specifically contributing towards the conservation and maintenance of this underwater paradise. As such, dive professionals bear the critical responsibility of acting as ocean ambassadors. Through impeccable buoyancy control and responsible dive practices, instructors set visible examples for new divers to emulate, safeguarding coral reefs from potential harm.
Neutral buoyancy instruction at Oceans 5 Gili Air means that from day one of your PADI IDC Indonesia, you will learn how to perform and teach dive skills without touching the bottom or disturbing marine life. This practice ensures that instructor candidates understand how to maintain precise control underwater, an invaluable skill that their future students will emulate.
The methodology involves:
The PADI IDC at Oceans 5 doesn’t just produce instructors who can teach diving—it develops marine ambassadors who passionately share conservation values. Course Director Waz emphasizes that students will inevitably mirror their instructor’s behaviors underwater. If an instructor regularly contacts the reef or seabed, students will perceive such behavior as acceptable. By teaching and demonstrating skills in perfect neutral buoyancy, IDC candidates set standards that foster long-term environmental respect among their future students.
Starting July 2nd, IDC candidates at Oceans 5 will engage in a structured, immersive 20-day learning experience, purposefully designed to reduce stress while maximizing learning outcomes. The course integrates classroom theory, confined water practice, and open water sessions seamlessly, ensuring candidates have ample opportunity to refine their skills in a supportive and highly professional environment.
The IDC at Oceans 5 covers essential topics such as:
Throughout this intensive program, candidates receive personalized mentorship, continuous feedback, and ample opportunities to practice and perfect their teaching presentations and dive skills.
Following the IDC, candidates undertake the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), scheduled conveniently on-site at Oceans 5, subject to having at least four candidates. This ensures comfort and familiarity, significantly reducing exam anxiety and fostering optimal performance.
Additionally, Oceans 5 offers a unique, free-of-charge instructor internship to newly certified instructors. This immersive internship provides invaluable real-world teaching experience under supervision, allowing new instructors to fine-tune their skills, manage real courses, and build their confidence.
Choosing Oceans 5 Gili Air for your IDC means selecting:
Gili Air, nestled within the stunning Gili Matra Marine Park, offers a serene yet vibrant backdrop for your IDC. With crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and a relaxed island atmosphere, the location provides the perfect balance for intensive learning and enjoyable downtime. Between IDC sessions, candidates can recharge with activities like yoga, freediving, or simply relaxing on the beach watching unforgettable sunsets.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the philosophy is clear: instructors trained here become advocates of change. As a graduate of this program, you won’t just instruct new divers—you’ll inspire them to cherish and preserve the oceans. Through your impeccable buoyancy and responsible diving practices, you’ll set new standards for diving education globally.
Ready to elevate your diving career and become part of the next generation of ocean ambassadors? The July IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air, led by Course Director Waz, awaits you. Spots fill quickly, so don’t miss this opportunity to be trained at one of the world’s most conscientious and celebrated dive centers.
Become a dive instructor who not only teaches skills but instills a lifelong respect and love for the ocean. Join Oceans 5 Gili Air and transform your passion into your profession. Contact Oceans 5 today to reserve your place for the upcoming IDC starting July 2nd, 2025.
Jellyfish—graceful, translucent drifters of the ocean—can bring a moment of wonder when spotted underwater. But for many divers and swimmers, an encounter with a jellyfish is far from magical. A sting from these gelatinous creatures can lead to anything from a mild itch to a …
A Mission Beneath the Surface It was an amazing evening in the harbor of Gili Air. As the sun began to set and painted the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, a dedicated team of divers gathered for a mission that went beyond …
Embarking on a Divemaster internship marks the first major step toward becoming a dive professional, transforming your passion for diving into a rewarding career. Choosing the right dive center to undertake this internship is crucial for your professional growth, skill enhancement, and future career opportunities. Oceans 5 Gili Air stands out prominently as a superior option for aspiring Divemasters due to its exceptional training environment, real-life experience opportunities, and seamless progression towards becoming a PADI Instructor.
Located in the picturesque Gili Islands of Indonesia, Oceans 5 Gili Air is renowned for its commitment to excellence, high safety standards, environmental sustainability, and professional diving education. As a PADI Career Development Centre (CDC), Oceans 5 provides the ideal environment to develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge required to thrive as a Divemaster and beyond.
While free divemaster internships may sound appealing, Oceans 5 firmly believes in a paid internship model. The rationale behind a paid internship ensures that each candidate receives thorough, high-quality training, personalized mentorship, and access to top-tier equipment and facilities. Paying for your internship ensures your instructors are properly compensated, motivated, and dedicated to providing the highest quality training possible.
Oceans 5 maintains small group sizes for its Divemaster Internship programs, which typically range from 4 to 6 candidates. This intimate group size guarantees personalized attention, enhanced mentorship, and the opportunity for each intern to actively participate in real training sessions with actual students. Smaller groups foster stronger team cohesion, camaraderie, and greater individual attention from instructors, ensuring you receive the maximum benefit from your training.
One of the standout features of Oceans 5’s Divemaster Internship is the commitment to authentic, real-world training. Interns at Oceans 5 are not subjected to simulated scenarios but gain invaluable experience assisting instructors with actual students. This exposure to real situations enhances your confidence, problem-solving abilities, and capacity to manage diverse diving scenarios efficiently and safely.
Unlike other dive centers that simulate scenarios, Oceans 5 prioritizes training Divemasters using genuine student interactions. Interns assist with courses ranging from Discover Scuba Diving to Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and specialty courses. This ensures interns experience a variety of real-life diving conditions, student personalities, and challenges.
This hands-on, practical approach prepares you comprehensively for a career in diving by teaching essential skills like student management, effective communication, risk assessment, and underwater leadership. You graduate from the internship not just knowledgeable, but also confident and competent.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s busy schedule ensures continuous exposure to diverse diving courses and scenarios. Regularly assisting courses broadens your skill set, enriches your understanding of dive logistics, and sharpens your capacity to manage students of varying skill levels and backgrounds.
One significant advantage of doing your Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 is the seamless transition into the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). Oceans 5 Gili Air is one of Indonesia’s most reputable PADI CDCs, hosting monthly IDCs. Completing your Divemaster training at the same location where the IDC is offered simplifies your progression, giving you direct and convenient access to advanced professional training.
Oceans 5’s regular monthly IDCs offer unmatched flexibility and convenience for Divemaster candidates looking to quickly and smoothly advance their diving careers. With frequent IDCs, candidates can effortlessly enroll in an Instructor Development Course immediately following the completion of their internship, ensuring continuous professional growth without interruption.
Starting your IDC at the same dive center where you completed your Divemaster internship has profound benefits. You are already familiar with the facilities, dive sites, staff, and logistical procedures. This continuity significantly reduces stress and allows you to fully concentrate on mastering advanced instructor-level skills without adjusting to new environments or operations.
Oceans 5’s prestigious status as a PADI CDC is highly advantageous for Divemaster interns. CDCs represent the highest level of professional diver training recognized by PADI, guaranteeing excellence in standards, training quality, and instructor proficiency.
Training at a CDC like Oceans 5 ensures exposure to the latest teaching techniques and diving practices endorsed by PADI. CDC status means strict adherence to high standards, providing you with the most current diving education methodologies and a solid foundation in safety, risk management, and environmental protection.
Completing your Divemaster Internship at a renowned CDC significantly enhances your employability. Dive operators worldwide recognize CDCs as institutions of exceptional quality. Graduates from CDCs, especially those with hands-on experience like those trained at Oceans 5, find it easier to secure positions in top-tier dive operations globally.
Oceans 5 is dedicated to marine conservation and environmental awareness, embedding these principles into every aspect of its training. This commitment prepares interns not only as skilled dive professionals but also as ambassadors for marine protection.
Interns at Oceans 5 learn sustainable diving practices, coral reef protection techniques, and actively participate in regular beach and underwater clean-ups. This environmental focus equips you to advocate for sustainable practices throughout your diving career, making you highly desirable in eco-conscious dive centers worldwide.
Oceans 5 boasts world-class facilities including spacious classrooms, dedicated training pools, modern equipment, and exceptional logistical support. These facilities ensure interns learn in an optimal environment conducive to developing professional diving skills.
Oceans 5’s multiple, purpose-built training pools are specifically designed for diver education. These pools allow Divemaster candidates to thoroughly practice and master essential diving skills in a safe, controlled environment before progressing to open water scenarios.
Reliable, high-quality equipment is paramount in dive training. Oceans 5 maintains its equipment to the highest standards, ensuring interns train with equipment representative of professional diving environments worldwide.
Joining Oceans 5 means becoming part of a vibrant, supportive community. The dive center’s family-like atmosphere encourages strong relationships between interns, instructors, and the wider dive community. This network provides valuable connections for future employment and ongoing professional development.
During your internship, you have regular interactions with industry professionals, visiting instructors, and IDC candidates. These interactions are invaluable, allowing you to build relationships that could lead to employment opportunities and collaborations throughout your diving career.
Choosing Oceans 5 Gili Air for your Divemaster Internship offers significant professional, educational, and personal advantages. From receiving personalized, real-world training in small groups to smoothly transitioning into a PADI IDC at a prestigious CDC, the benefits are extensive. Oceans 5’s emphasis on sustainability, exceptional facilities, and a supportive community further solidifies its status as the ideal location to begin your professional diving journey. Starting your Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air is not just about obtaining certification; it is about preparing for a successful, rewarding, and impactful career in scuba diving.
The Newest Development on Gili Air: A Safe Haven for Island Cats The tranquil island of Gili Air is often praised for its white sand beaches, welcoming locals, and laid-back atmosphere—but beneath the postcard-perfect surface lies a growing movement of sustainability, community care, and compassion. …