SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
15 Years of Aqualung Rental Equipment at Oceans 5 Gili Air When you walk into the equipment room at Oceans 5 Gili Air, there’s something that immediately stands out—every BCD and regulator carries the trusted Aqualung name. This is no coincidence. For the past 15 years, Oceans …
A Massive Success: Weekly Beach Cleanup at Oceans 5 Gili Air Collects 47 kg of Rubbish Despite Winds Every Friday at 17:00, something extraordinary happens in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air. While many visitors to the island are wrapping up their diving adventures or …
When people imagine a dive center, they often picture instructors teaching skills, divemasters guiding guests through vibrant reefs, or staff preparing gear on the beach. Rarely do they think about the quiet professionals steering the boats—the captains who ensure every diver reaches the site safely and returns with nothing but memories and smiles. At Oceans 5 Gili Air the soul of the dive center doesn’t lie only in its classrooms or compressor room. It pulses on the ocean, where four dedicated boat captains—Yani, Fajar, Yudi, and Kian—carry the responsibility of navigating the turquoise waters of the Gili Matra Marine Park.
Operating three dive boats year-round, Oceans 5 requires a team of seasoned, trustworthy captains. These are not just boat drivers—they are guardians of the sea, keepers of safety, and often the first to spot dolphins, mantas, or changing currents. Each captain brings a unique story, years of experience, and a quiet professionalism that makes Oceans 5 what it is: a dive center built on teamwork, trust, and passion for the ocean.
Yudi’s story is a testament to ambition and transformation. Long before he took the helm of a dive boat, Yudi began his journey behind the scenes, working in the compressor room of Blue Marlin on Gili Trawangan. Surrounded by the hum of machines and the hiss of pressurized air, he developed a foundational understanding of how a dive center operates—how crucial clean, safe air is to every dive, and how important unseen roles are in diving logistics.
But Yudi’s heart was set on the ocean. When he joined Oceans 5 Gili Air, he saw an opportunity not just for a job change but for a dream to unfold. Supported by the Oceans 5 team, he gradually shifted from land-based tasks to marine operations. Over time, he proved himself a reliable and capable hand on deck, earning the chance to become a full-time captain.
Today, Yudi navigates the waters of Gili Matra with calm precision. He knows the reefs by heart, can read the tide like a book, and understands the rhythm of diving operations. Divers who board Yudi’s boat often note how smoothly their day goes—on time, safely, and often accompanied by Yudi’s warm smile.
Kian is more than just a captain; he’s part of a legacy. The son of Tim Tam, the Divemaster Manager at Oceans 5 Gili Air, Kian has diving in his blood and salt water in his soul. He started working during the uncertain times of COVID, when the world was quiet, and dive boats sat moored for weeks on end. For many, it was a time of retreat. For Kian, it was a time to grow.
Learning from the ground up, Kian began his journey helping with anchoring, gear handling, and boat maintenance. Slowly but surely, he earned his place behind the wheel. With his father’s years of experience guiding him, Kian absorbed not only the technical skills but also the ethos of professionalism and responsibility that define Oceans 5.
Now, Kian is one of the youngest captains at the dive center—but you’d never guess that from the way he operates. Confident, respectful, and with an instinctive feel for the sea, he represents the next generation of local leadership in marine tourism. He’s already proven himself capable of handling everything from morning dives at Shark Point to late afternoon pickups at the harbor.
For Kian, every trip is a chance to honor his father’s legacy and build his own. In a place where many dive professionals are transient, his long-term commitment stands out. Oceans 5 is not just his workplace; it’s his home, his history, and his future.
Fajar is the definition of quiet strength. With a calm demeanor and a deep respect for the ocean, he is the kind of captain who doesn’t need to speak much to be heard. His leadership is shown in action—in how he prepares the boat before sunrise, checks the anchor line, and coordinates with instructors without missing a beat.
Before joining Oceans 5, Fajar worked at another dive center alongside Yani. The two became a well-oiled team, trusted by colleagues and divers alike. When Fajar moved to Oceans 5, it was a natural step forward. His knowledge of the dive sites, weather patterns, and local currents made him an instant asset.
But what sets Fajar apart is his quiet sense of duty. He remembers who prefers to enter the water backward roll or giant stride. He adjusts boat positions for easier pick-ups after drift dives. And when things get a little rough—high tide, changing winds, or last-minute site changes—Fajar remains a steady presence.
Among the other captains, Fajar is a natural mentor. Newer crew members watch how he handles situations, how he reads the waves, and how he places diver safety above all else. In the water, you can feel the result of his experience: smooth boat rides, accurate timing, and zero stress.
Yani is the most recent addition to the Oceans 5 captain team, but he’s already making waves—both figuratively and literally. What makes Yani unique is not just his skills behind the wheel, but his drive to learn everything about the dive world, not just the surface.
In 2024, Yani decided to take his diving journey further. While working as a full-time captain, he enrolled in the Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air, becoming one of the few captains on the island actively training to become a professional diver. Balancing work with education isn’t easy, especially when your day starts before the sun and ends only after the last diver is back on land. But Yani does it with dedication and humility.
By learning diving theory and assisting instructors underwater, Yani deepens his understanding of what his passengers experience below the surface. This makes him an even better captain. He now understands the importance of site orientation, current direction, and surface interval times from both a boat and diver perspective.
Colleagues at Oceans 5 often comment on Yani’s positive energy and willingness to help, whether it’s loading tanks, fixing a fin strap, or assisting with dive briefings. For him, being a captain is more than driving a boat—it’s being part of the full dive journey.
With three dive boats operating every day, Oceans 5 Gili Air depends on a flexible, knowledgeable team of captains. Weather, tides, equipment logistics, and group schedules mean that having just one or two captains would never be enough. Having four experienced captains provides not only coverage but consistency.
Each captain brings something unique to the table. Yudi with his mechanical knowledge and warm approach, Kian with his next-gen energy and family legacy, Fajar with his steady hand and deep site knowledge, and Yani with his hybrid perspective as both captain and divemaster candidate. Together, they create a seamless system that allows Oceans 5 to deliver high-quality diving experiences daily.
Their collaboration goes beyond boat driving. They inspect safety equipment every morning, brief the divemasters about boat conditions, check marine park permits, and coordinate with the office when weather shifts. They are also trained in emergency procedures, oxygen administration, and diver recovery.
Safety is the cornerstone of diving—and the captains at Oceans 5 know this better than anyone. Every boat trip begins with a roll call, confirming the names, nationalities, and marine park status of each diver. This procedure isn’t a formality—it’s a critical step to ensure that every person who boards a boat returns safely.
Once on the water, captains monitor the sea for changes in tide and wind. If an unexpected current or condition appears, they quickly contact the office to adjust the dive plan. During dives, they stay on alert, watching bubbles, noting diver entry and exit points, and always keeping an eye on the drift lines.
In many ways, the captains are the silent supervisors of the entire operation. They’re the last ones to leave the dock and the first to respond when something doesn’t go as planned. Without them, no dive would begin, and no diver would surface in comfort and confidence.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is located within the Gili Matra Marine Park, a protected area that requires all operators and visitors to follow strict conservation and safety rules. Every diver must pay a marine park fee, and every boat must operate under regulations enforced by the Indonesian government and local marine authorities.
The captains of Oceans 5 play a key role in upholding these regulations. Each morning, before departure, they receive the official roll call form from the office—complete with names, nationalities, and marine park fee confirmations. This is sent directly to BKKPN Bangsal, the governing marine authority, ensuring full transparency and compliance.
Their commitment to operating within these rules not only protects the marine park but also strengthens Oceans 5’s reputation as a responsible and environmentally aware dive center.
When a diver surfaces smiling, it’s easy to credit the instructor, the dive site, or the marine life. But behind every successful dive is a captain who positioned the boat perfectly, managed surface conditions, and was ready for anything.
Yani, Fajar, Yudi, and Kian might not give briefings or teach courses, but they are the backbone of daily operations at Oceans 5 Gili Air. They make sure tanks are loaded, schedules are met, divers are safe, and the boats return home like clockwork. They are often the first to arrive at the dive center and the last to leave.
As Oceans 5 continues to grow, innovate, and expand its offerings—from conservation programs to instructor development courses—it’s these captains who keep the heart of the operation running. They may not always be in the photos or on social media, but every diver who steps onto one of Oceans 5’s boats owes their unforgettable experience, in large part, to these four captains.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the captains are more than boat drivers. They are safety officers, mentors, environmental stewards, role models, and friends. Whether it’s guiding a boat through challenging swells or helping a nervous diver find their courage, they do it all with humility, skill, and passion.
So, the next time you gear up for a dive, take a moment to thank the person at the helm. Because without Yani, Fajar, Yudi, and Kian, Oceans 5 wouldn’t be the same.
They are the captains of the ocean—and the silent heroes of every dive.
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 …