SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
A New Chapter Starts on 13 February 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 …
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 …
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 the future of diving on the Gili Islands.
Today, Oceans 5 Gili Air officially announces that from the 1st of January, we will continue our journey as an SSI dive center.
After 15 years as a proud PADI member, this decision marks an important new chapter in the history of Oceans 5 Gili Air. It is a decision made with care, reflection, and a clear vision for the future—not only for our dive center, but also for our students, staff, local community, and the marine environment we depend on.
Before looking forward, it is important to look back.
Oceans 5 Gili Air would like to sincerely thank PADI for 15 years of cooperation, support, and shared history. Over the past decade and a half, Oceans 5 grew from a small dive operation into an internationally recognised dive resort, known for:
These foundations were built during our years as a PADI dive center, and they deserve recognition.
The decision to switch organizations is not about conflict, criticism, or comparison.
And certainly, a day after Christmas is not the day to “throw dirt”—nor is there any reason to do so at all.
This change is about growth, alignment, and the future direction of Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Fifteen years is a long time in any industry—especially in diving. During this period, Oceans 5 Gili Air evolved far beyond being “just” a dive shop. We became:
As our role expanded, so did our expectations of a training organization. Over time, it became clear that the philosophy, digital structure, and long-term flexibility offered by SSI align more closely with where Oceans 5 is heading.
This does not mean abandoning what we stand for.
It means strengthening it.
For many of you, the most important question is simple:
“Will my experience change?”
The honest answer is: no—at least not in the way that matters.
We will continue to focus on:
The only visible changes you will notice are:
Underwater, and in the classroom, Oceans 5 remains Oceans 5.
One of the strongest signals behind this transition is unity.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, all divemasters and instructors are crossing over at the same time as the dive center itself. There is no fragmentation, no confusion, and no split identity.
This ensures:
For anyone who has already booked a course—or is planning to—this means peace of mind. Your training continues exactly as expected, delivered by the same experienced professionals.
One of the most exciting developments following the crossover is the expansion of professional training opportunities.
After the SSI Instructor Training Seminar in January, Oceans 5 Gili Air will not have one or two—but three SSI Instructor Trainers in-house. This is a major milestone and a clear statement of intent.
Starting February, Oceans 5 will begin conducting SSI Instructor Training Courses (ITC) directly from Gili Air.
What does this mean for future instructors?
This builds on Oceans 5’s long-standing reputation for producing confident, capable, and employable instructors.
Switching training agencies does not weaken our conservation mission—it strengthens it.
Oceans 5 Gili Air will continue to play an active role as a partner of BKKPN, defending and supporting the Gili Matra Marine Park. Our involvement goes far beyond words or marketing slogans.
It includes:
In 2026, Oceans 5 will also expand its scientific contribution.
One of the most important announcements tied to this transition is our continued—and expanded—commitment to education and science.
In 2026, Oceans 5 Gili Air will provide space for 12 Indonesian students to participate in a scientific research program, in partnership with the University of Mataram.
This program allows students to:
At the same time, Oceans 5 will continue its free Divemaster Internship program for local Indonesians, a project that reflects our belief that long-term sustainability starts with empowering local communities—not importing short-term solutions.
Whether you are:
This transition is designed to be seamless for you.
Your course structure, safety standards, group sizes, and learning environment remain exactly what Oceans 5 has been known for over the past 15 years.
The difference is not about logos—it is about long-term vision.
Crossing over to SSI is not an ending.
It is a continuation—with renewed focus, stronger alignment, and bigger ambitions.
Oceans 5 Gili Air remains:
The dive industry is changing. Marine parks are under pressure. Education needs to evolve. And dive centers must choose paths that allow them to act responsibly, independently, and sustainably.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air, this step reflects who we already are—and who we want to be for the next 15 years.
Same people.
Same philosophy.
Same passion.
Just a new logo on the wall—and a clear direction forward.
Running Together Across the Gili Islands 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 …
Oceans 5 Gili Air in 2025 Oceans 5 Gili Air has always believed that a dive centre should be more than a business operating on an island. From the very beginning, Oceans 5 has taken the position that respect from the local community is not …
If you’ve seen our recent social media posts, heard whispers around the island, or caught a few rumors online, you might already know: after 15 incredible years, Oceans 5 Gili Air is officially transitioning to a new international diving organization.
And yes—the rumors are true.
But before any panic, assumptions, or misunderstandings begin to spread, here is the full story.
This isn’t the time yet to reveal the name of the new agency. That announcement will come around 1 January 2026, once our team has completed the final steps of the transition. But today, we want to give you the clarity and reassurance you deserve.
Let’s clear up the biggest rumor immediately.
Oceans 5 Gili Air remains fully owned and operated by Sander—just as it has been for the last 15 years.
Nothing in the ownership, leadership, mission, or management structure is changing.
This transition to a new diving organization is a strategic upgrade, a deliberate choice, and a move we believe will make Oceans 5 stronger for the next decade and beyond.
Another worry we’ve heard:
“Will there be new instructors?”
“Are the old faces leaving?”
Absolutely not.
Every single professional at Oceans 5 will cross over to the new agency.
That includes:
In total, 15 people with professional certifications are transitioning with us.
That means when you walk into the dive center tomorrow, next month, or next year, you will see the same familiar faces, the same smiles, the same personalities, the same passionate divers who know your name, your certification history, and your favorite dive sites.
This is the question most guests and students ask:
“Will the courses stay the same?”
And the answer is simple:
The quality of a course does not come from the logo printed on the certification card. It comes from:
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, that philosophy has never changed—and it will never change:
We have taught this way since day one. We will continue to teach this way tomorrow.
There will be some visible changes, of course—but cosmetic ones:
You might notice new colors, a new agency name, some new logos around the shop.
But behind the scenes?
Same instructors. Same systems. Same training structure. Same safety standards. Same heart.
For many of you, our Instructor Development Courses have been the highlight of Oceans 5 Gili Air.
That doesn’t change either.
There will be one Instructor Training Courses every month.**
Just like before, our future instructor candidates will train under:
Oceans 5 Gili Air will continue to be a leader in professional dive training in Indonesia—just under a new banner.
That story will be shared soon.
For now, what you need to know is this:
We chose this change because we believe deeply in improving the future of diving on Gili Air.
We want to offer our divers and future instructors:
This change is not a reaction.
It is a long-thought-out, carefully planned step into the next chapter.
If you take one message from this article, let it be this:
You do not need to worry about your course, your certification, your training, or your fun diving holiday.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is here, stronger than ever, preparing for a new era.
Thank you—for the trust, the questions, the curiosity, and the love you’ve shown us over the last 15 years.
This next chapter is exciting.
It is positive.
And it allows Oceans 5 Gili Air to grow even deeper roots on the island and in the diving community.
So stay tuned.
On January 1st, 2026, we will officially announce the new organization, new branding, and our monthly Instructor Course schedule.
Until then, the ocean is waiting.
And so are we—same team, same spirit, same Oceans 5.
Why Scuba Diving Is a Great Sport for Kids: A Lifelong Adventure Begins Underwater 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, …
For many people, the Gili Islands bring to mind turquoise water, coral reefs alive with colour, and sunsets that paint the horizon in gold. What visitors often don’t see is the dedication and effort required to keep these islands clean and thriving. At the heart of that effort stands Oceans 5 Gili Air, a dive centre that has made conservation a core part of its philosophy from the moment it opened its doors. For well over a decade, Oceans 5 has organized weekly beach cleanups around the harbor of Gili Air, helping protect both the coastline and the reef that lies just offshore.
Last Friday, this tradition continued thanks to a passionate team of Divemaster and IDC candidates, supported by volunteers from the island community and travellers staying or diving with Oceans 5. Together they collected 48 kilograms of trash from the harbor area—an impressive amount, especially given that the rainy season has not yet fully arrived.
In about a month, the rainy season will start in earnest. Each year, the shift in weather brings a predictable and worrying challenge: rubbish washed from Lombok’s mainland rivers and coastlines rides the currents across the strait and lands on the beaches of Gili Air. Even now, at the tail end of the dry season, the occasional heavy rain shower is enough to push plastic, cans, nylon ropes, shoes, and other debris onto the island’s shoreline.
If these items are not picked up promptly, they do not simply disappear. A portion is blown inland, some is collected by informal waste pickers—but much of it is washed back into the sea. Once in the water, rubbish can sink and become trapped among corals, sponges, and rocks. In the harbor of Gili Air, just a few meters off the beach, lies a stunning coral reef, home to everything from juvenile reef fish to cuttlefish, shrimp, and pipefish. At night, one of the area’s most beloved creatures—the mandarin fish—can be seen emerging from the coral for its short, colourful mating routine.
Marine debris poses a serious threat to this delicate environment. Plastic bags can wrap around corals, depriving them of light and oxygen. Fishing lines and rope entangle marine life. Bottles can smother coral heads or create hazards for divers and snorkelers. What may look like a small piece of rubbish on the beach can have irreversible consequences underwater.
This is why the weekly cleanup is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a critical, practical action.
The harbor cleanup last Friday showed exactly how much can accumulate in just a short period. Under the coordination of Oceans 5’s divemaster trainees and instructor candidates, dozens of people joined forces to comb the shoreline, gather debris from the waterline, and separate recyclable items from general waste.
Gloves, refuse bags, and logistical support were provided by Oceans 5, as always, free of charge. Volunteers included tourists who had just finished dives, local shop owners, staff from other dive centres, and residents who understand the importance of protecting the beaches that support their livelihood. The atmosphere was energetic, positive, and purposeful. Children from the village watched curiously, some joining in for a short time, learning by example that caring for their island starts with something as simple as picking up a bottle or a piece of styrofoam.
By the time the sun began to set, 48 kilograms had been collected—an amount that would otherwise have dispersed throughout the marine park. It is a reminder that conservation is not an occasional campaign but an ongoing responsibility.
Oceans 5 Gili Air did not begin organizing cleanups in response to trends or public pressure. When the dive shop opened its doors, environmental commitment was already part of its foundation. Back in 2010, when there were few formal initiatives and almost no external funding for conservation in the Gilis, Oceans 5 launched weekly beach cleanups purely because it was the right thing to do.
Over the years, these cleanups have inspired countless individuals and organizations. Some dive shops and NGOs took their first steps in conservation after observing how Oceans 5 incorporated cleanup activities into their daily operations. Guests often arrived with the idea of diving or relaxing and left with a deeper understanding of marine protection and a desire to contribute.
This long-term consistency is what sets Oceans 5 apart. Their goal was never to launch a one-off event for publicity; instead, they built a culture of responsibility. Divemaster interns and IDC candidates are introduced to conservation not as an optional subject but as a professional expectation. They learn that protecting the environment is not separate from diving—it is part of being a competent dive professional.
The harbor of Gili Air is one of the busiest points of arrival and departure for boats. With constant movement of people and goods, it can be a magnet for trash. But what many don’t realise is how close the reef is to shore. In some parts, it begins just a few fin kicks from the beach. This is exactly where the mandarin fish live—bright, shy creatures whose colourful bodies contrast with the coral rubble where they hide during the day.
Without ongoing cleanup efforts, debris would quickly migrate to these sensitive zones. Once waste settles underwater, removal becomes far more difficult and resource-intensive. Preventing rubbish from entering the sea is simply the most effective strategy.
By combining beach cleanups with education and reef-awareness campaigns, Oceans 5 is safeguarding a habitat that divers treasure. Every Friday’s effort is effectively a coral reef protection mission dressed as a beach walk.
Oceans 5’s commitment extends far beyond the sand. Over the years they have worked with a range of partners—some local, some national, some international—to launch or support conservation initiatives. From marine data collection to coral restoration, from student training to plastic recycling projects, the dive centre has quietly helped other groups get started.
What makes this cooperation special is that Oceans 5 has never positioned itself as the hero of the story. Instead, it has acted as a platform, connecting people, organizations, and communities. Some partners focus on waste management, others on reef rehabilitation, marine research, or environmental education. Each one contributes to the bigger picture of protecting Gili Matra Marine Park.
In 2025, Oceans 5 will take another major step in public awareness by opening the first Conservation Exhibition Centre on the Gili Islands. The building, located close to the dive shop, is currently under renovation. Once completed, it will be open to both tourists and locals at no charge.
The concept is simple but powerful: provide a space where all of Oceans 5’s conservation partners can present their work, missions, methods, and successes. Each partner will have its own wall or display section to showcase its projects—whether that involves coral nurseries, waste recycling, marine park regulations, sea turtle monitoring, or school outreach.
This exhibition centre will serve several purposes:
For many tourists, it will be the first time they realize how much effort is required to protect the island they are enjoying. Instead of short signs or social media posts, they will have a full space to explore, ask questions, and discover ongoing projects.
One of the key messages Oceans 5 has always sent is that you do not need grants, sponsors, or external financing to begin positive environmental action. From the start, the weekly cleanups were self-funded and volunteer-driven. The dive shop contributed time, staff, gloves, bags, and logistics not because someone paid them to do so, but because they believe that every business in a marine park has a duty to act.
Their upcoming Conservation Exhibition Centre will follow the same philosophy: free to access, created in partnership, and focused on sharing knowledge rather than promoting a single brand.
The 48 kilograms removed last Friday were not posted on social media as a victory for likes. They were physically removed from the harbor to keep the reef safe. This practical, no-nonsense approach is typical of Oceans 5. While many organisations talk about sustainability, Oceans 5 demonstrates it every week through direct action, capacity-building of future dive professionals, and long-term partnerships.
The involvement of IDC and divemaster candidates is especially important. These trainees come from all over the world. When they return to their home countries or travel to their next job, they carry with them an experience of real conservation work in a marine park. This influences how they will guide divers, structure their courses, and engage with their own communities.
As the rainy season approaches, Oceans 5 will continue to organize beach cleanups every week. Volunteers—locals, tourists, and dive professionals—will keep showing up with bags and gloves, knowing that every piece of trash removed today prevents a problem tomorrow.
With the Conservation Exhibition Centre opening soon, the message will be louder and clearer than ever: conservation is not a trend, it is a responsibility. And on Gili Air, that responsibility is woven into the identity of Oceans 5.
The next time you walk across the harbor and see a group of people crouched in the sand with buckets and sacks, remember that this is not just tidying up. It is safeguarding a coastline. It is protecting a reef where the tiny mandarin fish performs its nightly dance. It is preserving the future of the Gili Islands, one cleanup at a time.
And thanks to the persistence, leadership, and example of Oceans 5 Gili Air, that future is not just possible—it is already being built, every Friday.
Fun Diving Around the Gili Islands: More Than a Training Ground When divers talk about Indonesia, their minds often jump to places like Komodo, Raja Ampat, or Lembeh. Yet, sitting quietly between Lombok and Bali lies a diver’s paradise that is as underestimated as it …
