SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
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 …
Another Major Advantage of Becoming an SSI Instructor: More Instructor Ratings from Day One Choosing to become a scuba diving instructor is not only about passion for the ocean, teaching skills, or lifestyle freedom. It is also a professional business decision. How many courses you …
On the 13th of February, Oceans 5 Gili Air will officially start a new chapter in its long history of professional dive education: the first SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC). After more than a decade as a leading instructor development center on the Gili Islands, Oceans 5 is expanding its professional training pathway and aligning itself with the changing reality of the dive industry in Indonesia and worldwide.
In the coming days, Warren “Waz” Beyers will join the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar. Once he successfully completes this seminar and receives his SSI Instructor Trainer rating, he will immediately begin delivering Oceans 5’s first SSI ITC. The course is scheduled to start on the 13th of February and marks the beginning of a new professional training era on Gili Air.
For Oceans 5, this is not simply a change of agency logo on the wall. It is a strategic move based on years of observing the market, employment trends on the Gili Islands, operational efficiency, instructor costs, and long-term sustainability for dive professionals. The philosophy remains exactly the same: small groups, personal attention, realistic teaching techniques, strong environmental awareness, and producing confident instructors who are ready for real-world teaching — not just for passing an evaluation.
Waz is well known within Oceans 5 and far beyond as an experienced instructor trainer who has guided hundreds of instructor candidates through professional programs over the years. His decision to attend the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar reflects both personal professional growth and Oceans 5’s long-term commitment to staying aligned with industry developments.
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar focuses on modern instructor education methodology, digital learning integration, consistent quality control, and standardized evaluation procedures. Once Waz passes the seminar, he will be authorized to conduct full SSI Instructor Training Courses independently at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
This ensures continuity for candidates: the same familiar teaching style, the same high expectations, and the same mentoring approach — but now within the SSI training framework. Candidates who have trained with Waz in the past already know his emphasis on clarity, structure, safety, real-life teaching scenarios, and strong in-water control. Those elements remain unchanged.
One of the most exciting announcements surrounding the first SSI ITC is the special onboarding deal for former PADI IDC candidates who trained at Oceans 5 in the past.
For many years, Oceans 5 has trained hundreds of instructor candidates who are now working worldwide. Many of them remain connected to the dive center and follow the developments on Gili Air. For those former candidates, this year offers a unique opportunity to cross over to SSI at a significantly reduced price.
Normally, the onboarding (cross-over) fee is €1,000 per candidate. For former Oceans 5 IDC candidates, the special price is only €750 per person.
This onboarding fee does not include SSI digital learning materials and certification fees, which are standard worldwide and paid directly to SSI:
This cross-over program allows former candidates to quickly integrate into the SSI system while benefiting from Oceans 5’s familiar teaching environment, facilities, and mentoring approach.
For many professionals who are planning to work on the Gili Islands or elsewhere in Southeast Asia, this onboarding pathway makes strong financial and career sense.
The decision to become an SSI Instructor is not only about certification — it is about employability, long-term costs, and professional sustainability. On the Gili Islands especially, three advantages stand out clearly.
The total cost of becoming an SSI Instructor is significantly lower than completing a PADI Instructor Development Course and Examination on the Gili Islands. When all mandatory agency fees, materials, and evaluations are compared, the difference easily approaches €1,000 or more.
For young professionals, career changers, or instructors building their first professional experience, this lower entry cost reduces financial pressure and allows candidates to invest more in practical experience, equipment, or extended internships rather than administrative fees.
Lower upfront investment does not mean lower quality. The training standards, evaluation rigor, and professional expectations remain high. The difference lies in how the training structure and digital systems are organized.
The diving landscape on the Gili Islands has shifted noticeably over the past years. While the islands were historically dominated by PADI dive centers, more and more operations have transitioned to SSI. Today, there are more SSI dive centers on the Gili Islands than PADI dive centers.
This directly impacts employment opportunities. As a newly certified SSI Instructor, candidates have a broader range of potential employers locally. This increases flexibility, seasonal job opportunities, and long-term career stability within the region.
For instructors who plan to stay in Indonesia or Southeast Asia, aligning with the dominant agency in the region improves employability and reduces dependency on a limited number of operators.
SSI operates a cashback and professional reward system that allows instructors to earn credits based on certifications issued. In many cases, active instructors are able to cover their annual membership renewal fully through these earned rewards.
For instructors working consistently on busy destinations like the Gili Islands, this often means a free professional renewal for the following year. In practical terms, instructors who remain active may not need to pay their 2027 membership fee out of pocket.
Over several years, this represents significant long-term savings and improves overall career sustainability.
While agency choice matters, the quality of the training center matters even more. Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a unique environment for professional development that goes far beyond standard course delivery.
Oceans 5 has been conducting professional-level training for many years and has consistently focused on producing confident instructors rather than simply achieving pass rates. Small group sizes, individual coaching, realistic scenario training, and flexible pacing ensure that candidates develop true teaching competence.
The same educational philosophy now applies to the SSI ITC.
Oceans 5 offers some of the best training facilities on the Gili Islands:
This infrastructure allows training to run smoothly, safely, and efficiently — without compromises or rushed scheduling.
Candidates do not train in isolation or artificial scenarios. Oceans 5 operates year-round with real students, real courses, and real operational challenges. This allows instructor candidates to gain exposure to authentic teaching environments, customer interaction, time management, safety supervision, and teamwork dynamics.
Graduates leave with practical confidence rather than theoretical readiness.
Environmental responsibility remains one of the core pillars of Oceans 5. Instructor candidates are trained to teach neutral buoyancy, reef awareness, conservation principles, and responsible diving behavior from the very first confined-water session.
Ongoing partnerships with local conservation organizations, marine research institutions, and weekly clean-up initiatives reinforce the role of instructors as environmental ambassadors — not only as educators.
Oceans 5 benefits from a long-term, stable instructor and management team. Many staff members have been part of the organization for years, creating consistency in training quality, mentoring culture, and operational standards.
Candidates benefit from exposure to different teaching styles, operational perspectives, and leadership approaches — all within a supportive and professional environment.
The first SSI Instructor Training Course starting on 13 February is not only an important milestone for Oceans 5 — it is an opportunity for divers and professionals who want to position themselves strategically for the future of the dive industry on the Gili Islands.
For former IDC candidates, the special onboarding offer provides an affordable pathway to expand qualifications and employability. For new candidates, the SSI ITC offers a modern, cost-efficient, and career-oriented instructor pathway supported by one of the most experienced training centers in the region.
The combination of lower investment, higher local employability, long-term membership savings, and Oceans 5’s proven training quality makes this a compelling opportunity.
The future of professional dive training on Gili Air is evolving — and Oceans 5 is proud to lead that transition.
If you are ready to take the next step in your diving career, this is your moment.
The Gili Islands Just off the northwest coast of Lombok lies a small cluster of islands that feels like a different world altogether: the Gili Islands. For many travelers, the Gilis represent what they imagine a tropical island holiday should be—white-sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs …
Oceans 5 Gili Air Maybe you have already heard some rumors.Maybe you noticed subtle changes on our website, on social media, or around the dive resort itself.Or maybe you are reading this as a returning guest, a future student, or simply someone who cares about …
On the 13th of December, something special happened in the heart of the Gili Matra Marine Park. Before most of the islands were awake, 86 runners—a mix of local residents and international participants—gathered with one shared goal: to take part in the Tri-Isla-Thon, a unique endurance run that connects Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno into one continuous journey of approximately 17 kilometers.
This was not a race defined by podiums, medals, or finishing times. Instead, the Tri-Isla-Thon stood for community, fitness, connection, and support for local education on Gili Air. Among the runners was Oceans 5 Gili Air Instructor Irene, who embraced the challenge—an experience she describes as demanding, inspiring, and deeply rewarding.
The Gili Islands—Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno—are best known for their white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and relaxed island lifestyle. Together they form the Gili Matra Marine Park, a protected area that balances tourism, conservation, and local community life.
The Tri-Isla-Thon offers a completely different way to experience these islands. Instead of viewing them from a boat or underwater, runners explore the entire coastline on foot, feeling the changing terrain, the humidity of the early morning air, and the gradual rise of the sun over the Lombok Strait.
Running across all three islands in one morning is no small achievement. Each island has its own rhythm, surface conditions, and atmosphere—making the Tri-Isla-Thon as mentally engaging as it is physically demanding.
The day began early—very early. At 5:00 a.m., while most of Gili Air was still quiet, runners assembled at the starting point. The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the temperature was still forgiving, offering the most comfortable conditions of the entire run.
Starting on Gili Air set the tone for the event. Known for its community feel and laid-back pace, the island provided a welcoming and encouraging start. Locals waved, fellow runners exchanged smiles, and conversations flowed easily in the first kilometers.
For many participants, including Instructor Irene, this early stage was about finding rhythm rather than speed. The sound of footsteps on sandy paths, the occasional call of morning birds, and the sight of fishing boats preparing for the day created a calm yet energizing atmosphere.
After completing the loop around Gili Air, the runners continued toward Gili Trawangan, the largest and busiest of the three islands. The transition marked a noticeable change in both energy and environment.
Gili Trawangan’s wider paths and longer stretches allowed runners to open their stride. At the same time, the island was beginning to wake up—bicycles appeared, staff prepared restaurants, and early-morning beach walkers offered encouragement from the sidelines.
Despite being known for its nightlife, Gili T showed a different face that morning: one of sport, health, and community engagement. The mix of local and international runners was especially visible here, reflecting how sport can bring together people from very different backgrounds around a shared experience.
Instructor Irene later shared that this middle section felt strong and motivating. The group energy helped maintain pace, and the sense of running “together” rather than competing made the kilometers pass quickly.
The final leg of the Tri-Isla-Thon led runners to Gili Meno, the quietest and most tranquil of the three islands. By the time participants arrived, the clock was moving toward 8:00 a.m., and the sun was fully up.
According to Instructor Irene, this was where the run truly became challenging.
“The last island was the most tiring,” she explained. “The heat and the sun really started to kick in.”
Gili Meno’s peaceful nature means fewer distractions—no busy streets, no crowds—just long stretches of path, open sky, and rising temperatures. Fatigue set in, legs felt heavier, and hydration became critical.
Yet this final section also embodied the spirit of the Tri-Isla-Thon. Runners encouraged each other, slowed down together when needed, and made sure no one was left behind. The focus remained firmly on finishing as a group, not on finishing first.
At around 8:30 a.m., the run came to an end on Gili Meno—smiles, tired legs, and a strong sense of accomplishment all around.
What makes the Tri-Isla-Thon special is its philosophy. This event is not about competition. There were no elite categories or prize money. Instead, the emphasis was on:
In a destination often associated with holidays and leisure, the Tri-Isla-Thon reminds everyone—locals and visitors alike—that the islands are also home to real communities with real needs and shared responsibilities.
By linking sport with social impact, the event gives running a deeper purpose. Every step taken around the islands contributes not just to personal health, but to the future of local children and educational opportunities on Gili Air.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors are known not only for their diving skills, but also for leading by example above water. Instructor Irene’s participation in the Tri-Isla-Thon reflects exactly that mindset.
As a dive professional, Irene promotes an active, balanced lifestyle—one that includes fitness, mental resilience, and community involvement. Completing a 17-kilometer multi-island run shows the same determination and preparation that she brings to her work underwater.
Her experience also highlights an important message: you don’t need to be a professional athlete to take part. With training, motivation, and the right mindset, challenges like the Tri-Isla-Thon become achievable and enjoyable.
Irene has already set her sights on the future.
She is looking forward to the next Tri-Isla-Thon and has already started training for next year’s run—proof that the event doesn’t just end at the finish line, but inspires long-term commitment to health and fitness.
For many participants, the Tri-Isla-Thon offered a completely new perspective on the Gili Islands. Running the full circumference of each island reveals details that are often missed:
It’s an experience that connects people more deeply to the place they live in—or are visiting—transforming familiar islands into a shared challenge and achievement.
With 86 runners taking part this year, the Tri-Isla-Thon is clearly growing. The mix of local and international participants shows strong community support and increasing awareness of the event’s goals.
As more people become interested in combining sport, social connection, and positive impact, the Tri-Isla-Thon has the potential to become a fixed highlight on the Gili Islands calendar—something people train for, look forward to, and return for year after year.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air and its team, seeing instructors like Irene actively participating reinforces the dive center’s broader philosophy: being part of the island means contributing beyond your own business, supporting health, education, and community initiatives whenever possible.
The Tri-Isla-Thon is more than a 17-kilometer run. It’s a reminder that movement brings people together, that community grows through shared effort, and that even in paradise, meaningful challenges have a place.
As the sun rose over Gili Meno and the last runners crossed the finish point, one thing was clear: this wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of training, planning, and anticipation for next year’s Tri-Isla-Thon.
And if Instructor Irene’s enthusiasm is anything to go by, many familiar faces will be back at the starting line at 5:00 a.m., ready once again to run the islands together.
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Family holidays often come with a familiar challenge: What can we do that is fun, meaningful, and unforgettable for the kids? While many families turn to beach games, snorkeling trips, or island activities, there is one option that stands far above the rest—scuba diving. Not only is it exciting and adventurous, but it is also one of the most educational and empowering experiences a child can have.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we see every week how scuba diving transforms young people. Children grow in confidence, they discover a deeper understanding of the natural world, and they return from dives with stories that light up their faces. And the best part? Kids can start their Open Water Diver certification from just 10 years old, giving them access to a sport that can stay with them for life.
Below, we explore why scuba diving is such a great sport for kids—and why their first breaths underwater may just be the highlight of your holiday.
Many parents are surprised to learn that scuba diving is not just for adults. Recreational diving agencies allow children to join the full Open Water Diver Course from the age of 10. This is not a “watered-down” version of the adult course—it’s the actual certification, adapted with kid-friendly equipment, teaching methods, and safety ratios.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we run Open Water Courses every day, and we have specially sized equipment designed for younger divers. Small BCDs, shorter wetsuits, lightweight tanks, and masks that fit children’s faces make the experience comfortable and fun. Our instructors who teach children are selected specifically because they love working with young divers and know how to keep the program safe, relaxed, and enjoyable.
The result? Children don’t just learn to dive—they do it confidently and safely from the very first day.
Diving is one of the most complete learning experiences for kids. Over the course of 3–4 days, they develop:
Kids learn why pressure affects the body, how buoyancy works, how to communicate underwater, and what equipment does. For many young divers, it is the first time they see science not as a classroom lesson but as something practical, fascinating, and useful.
From assembling equipment to controlling buoyancy, diving requires fine motor skills, balance, focus, and body awareness. Kids learn to move underwater in a controlled, graceful way—something that helps them in all areas of life, from swimming and sports to concentration at school.
Every dive includes exercises: clearing a mask, recovering a regulator, staying neutrally buoyant. These tasks teach kids to stay calm, follow steps, and solve challenges safely. Many parents tell us later that these skills show in their children’s behaviour long after the holiday ends.
One of the most powerful gifts diving gives children is a real, personal understanding of the natural world.
Underwater, kids see ecosystems in action—corals feeding, turtles resting, fish hiding, cleaner wrasses helping larger fish. It’s the first time many children realize how delicate and interconnected everything is. No textbook or documentary can compare to the moment a child sees a reef alive with colour and movement.
And from that moment, something changes.
Kids begin to ask questions:
Why is this coral broken? Why is there plastic in the ocean? Why is this fish scared?
These questions guide them naturally toward environmental awareness. During the Open Water course, instructors explain how reefs grow, why we don’t touch marine life, how buoyancy protects the reef, and why keeping our oceans clean matters.
This is not just a diving lesson—it is a life lesson that shapes how kids think about their world.
Becoming a diver comes with responsibility—and children take that very seriously. They learn:
Parents often tell us that their children become more disciplined and mature after the course. Diving requires focus and respect for the environment, and kids naturally rise to the level expected of them.
They also develop a unique relationship with the ocean. When a child sees what lies beneath the surface, they instantly become more protective of it. They understand why we avoid stepping on corals, why we reduce plastic, and why small actions matter. That sense of responsibility stays with them forever.
One of the beautiful side effects of kids learning to dive is that they talk about it. A lot.
Kids love telling others about:
In this way, young divers become messengers. They share their excitement, and with it, they spread awareness. Many of our young divers return home and inspire their classmates to recycle, use less plastic, or learn about the ocean. Some even give school presentations using their underwater photos.
Diving doesn’t just teach kids—it empowers them to teach others.
The Open Water Course is more than a class. It is a social event where kids meet:
In this positive environment, kids quickly learn to interact with strangers, work with a buddy, cooperate during skills, and celebrate their achievements with others.
For shy children, diving can be transformative. Many of them become more confident and comfortable speaking to new people. For outgoing children, diving gives them a group to connect with—friends from all over the world.
Whether they are sharing stories, practicing skills, or looking at fish ID books together, the social side of diving is one of the best parts of the experience.
One of the greatest benefits of getting certified young is that the Open Water certification never expires. Even if a kid completes the course at 10 years old, they will be certified forever.
Of course, if they haven’t been diving for a while, we recommend a refresher—but the certification itself stays valid.
This means your child can:
It opens the door to a lifetime of adventure—both recreationally and professionally.
Some of our instructors at Oceans 5 started diving when they were kids themselves. Their passion began with a single Open Water course, just like the one your child might take during your holiday.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we create the ideal environment for young divers:
Families arriving on any date can start within 24 hours.
Small tanks, children’s masks, small BCDs, and lighter gear to make everything comfortable.
Not every instructor is suited to teaching children. We choose instructors who are patient, fun, gentle, and safety-focused.
The Gili Islands offer calm conditions, good visibility, shallow reefs, and plenty of marine life—perfect for kids.
We teach in small groups, without rushing, and always at the pace of the child.
From assembling equipment to making their first descent, kids gain confidence every step of the way.
If you’re on holiday and wondering what you can do for your kids that is meaningful, exciting, and unforgettable, scuba diving might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s not just a sport—it’s a complete learning experience that shapes how children see the world.
Scuba diving helps kids:
And with a certification that lasts for life, the adventure doesn’t end when the holiday ends—it is just beginning.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we are ready every day to guide young divers on this journey. With kid-specialized equipment, calm dive sites, and instructors who love teaching children, we ensure the experience is safe, joyful, and unforgettable.
Give your children the gift of discovery beneath the surface—and watch how it changes them forever.
