SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
The Gili Matra Marine Park The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — are more than just stunning tropical getaways with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. They are located within one of Indonesia’s top ten marine parks, the Gili Matra Marine Park, …
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 …
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 of the deep blue sea, unfamiliar marine life, and the reliance on equipment to breathe underwater. To someone new to the underwater world, it may seem like an inherently risky activity.
But here’s the truth: like any adventure sport, scuba diving comes with inherent risks. However, when practiced correctly, within training limits, and following established safety procedures, scuba diving is statistically one of the safest adventure sports in the world.
Let’s explore this topic in-depth and show you how professional training, safety awareness, and responsible diving practices—especially those emphasized here at Oceans 5 Gili Air—can make diving not only safe but life-changing.
Adventure sports—from skiing to paragliding, rock climbing to scuba diving—are all about exploring the extraordinary. They offer a thrill that comes from stepping outside the everyday and immersing yourself in the unknown. This unknown, however, is also what introduces a level of risk.
Scuba diving is no different. You’re entering a completely foreign environment where you can’t breathe without the help of gear, and you have to manage variables like depth, time, and buoyancy. Yet, what sets diving apart is that divers are thoroughly trained before ever descending into the ocean.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, a SSI ITC Dive Resort, safety is embedded in everything we do—because we understand that great diving experiences begin with proper education and responsible practices.
Let’s start with the good news. Statistically speaking, scuba diving has a lower injury rate than activities like running, soccer, or even golf. The Divers Alert Network (DAN), a globally recognized dive safety organization, reports that the rate of fatalities in recreational scuba diving is around 1 in every 200,000 dives—a remarkably low figure when compared with other sports.
So what makes scuba diving safe?
The foundation of dive safety is laid during your SSI Open Water Course. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we emphasize not just checking the boxes for certification but truly understanding and mastering the essential skills. Here are just a few life-saving techniques you will learn:
These aren’t just checkmarks on a course form—they’re real-world skills that prepare divers to handle emergencies confidently.
One of the most common problems we see at the dive shop is certified divers wanting to push beyond their training. An Open Water Diver wanting to descend to 30 meters without having taken the Advanced Open Water Course, or someone without deep diving experience requesting dives to wrecks and walls far below their qualification level.
We always use this analogy: Just because someone has a driver’s license doesn’t mean they should race a Formula 1 car.
Training exists for a reason. It prepares you not just in terms of what to do, but also how to react calmly under pressure. Diving beyond your training is not only illegal under SSI standards—it’s dangerous. Deeper dives involve:
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we make sure every diver is matched to a dive appropriate for their certification. And if you’re interested in going deeper, we encourage you to enroll in the Advanced Open Water Course, which includes deep and navigation dives and expands your diving ability safely.
Another important element of dive safety that’s often overlooked is regular practice. If you haven’t dived in six months or more, you’re likely rusty. Muscle memory fades, and critical safety protocols may be forgotten. That’s why Oceans 5 Gili Air has a strict policy:
If you haven’t dived in the last six months, you must complete a refresher course.
The refresher takes just half a day. You’ll review theory, practice essential skills in our 25-meter training pool, and finish with a relaxed dive in the ocean. It’s a small investment of time that can make the difference between a safe dive and an unsafe one.
Remember, this isn’t just about you. It’s about your dive buddy, your guide, and the other divers in your group. A responsible diver considers everyone’s safety.
At Oceans 5, we don’t cut corners. That’s because our SSI instructors know that the ocean doesn’t care if your logbook has ten pages or a hundred. What matters is that you respect the limits, respect your training, and stay current with your skills.
We’ve seen too many cases globally of “certified” divers who panic at depth or who struggle with equipment they should know how to use. That’s why our team emphasizes confidence, not just certification.
When students leave our dive center, we want them to feel ready, calm, and informed—not just qualified on paper.
Here’s the honest answer: It can be, if you dive untrained, ignore safety rules, or go beyond your limits. But under proper supervision, with the right training and preparation, scuba diving is one of the safest, most enriching activities you can do.
It connects you to nature in a way few other sports can. It teaches you patience, breathing control, and humility. It gives you the chance to witness ecosystems that are rapidly disappearing, and to become part of a global community that’s passionate about marine conservation.
Located on beautiful Gili Air, within the Gili Matra Marine Park, Oceans 5 is more than just a dive shop—we are a SSI Instructor Training Center that believes diving should be safe, sustainable, and educational.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Whether you’re taking your first breaths underwater or advancing your dive education, safety and quality are our top priorities.
When approached responsibly, scuba diving is not just safe—it’s life-changing. It can open your eyes to the beauty of the underwater world, deepen your understanding of marine life, and even change the way you interact with nature above water.
But like every rewarding activity, it starts with respect—for the ocean, for the sport, and for the process of learning.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we’re here to guide you through every step of that journey. So, if you’re wondering whether scuba diving is dangerous, our answer is simple:
Not if you do it right. And we’ll show you how.
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 …
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. In the past few weeks, this movement reached a new milestone with the official opening of the first-ever cat clinic on Gili Air, a project initiated and operated by LUNI Lombok.
This heartwarming development adds to an already exciting string of changes on the island, including the introduction of a glass crusher machine to produce eco-friendly building bricks, and the establishment of a new bicycle parking area near the harbor to improve road safety and organization. But this time, it’s the island’s animals—specifically its feline residents—that are at the center of attention.
Let’s take a closer look at what this new cat clinic means for Gili Air, the long-term vision of LUNI Lombok, and how you can get involved to support this vital cause.
Until recently, animal welfare efforts on Gili Air were primarily event-based. LUNI Lombok, a nonprofit organization committed to animal welfare across the Gili Islands and Lombok, would host pop-up cat clinics several times a year. These events, offering neutering, vaccinations, and medical care, were always welcomed by both locals and foreign residents alike.
However, it became increasingly clear that temporary efforts weren’t enough. The need for continuous, reliable veterinary care—especially for street cats—grew urgent. The solution? A permanent, fully functioning cat clinic right here on Gili Air.
Located behind the Burrito Project and near Kantor Desa, the new cat clinic is modest but well-equipped. It includes:
While the clinic is still in its startup phase and formal opening hours are yet to be finalized, operations are expected to run smoothly in the coming weeks. Once fully operational, it will be a lifeline for stray cats across the island—and hopefully, one day, for animals across all three Gilis.
The opening of this clinic is more than just a local improvement. It represents a shift in community mindset, highlighting the importance of coexisting with animals in a compassionate, responsible way. For years, street cats on the Gilis have lived in unpredictable and sometimes unsafe conditions. Many suffer from malnutrition, parasites, or untreated injuries. With this new clinic, help is now just around the corner.
LUNI Lombok is a grassroots movement with a big heart and a big vision. Their mission isn’t just about cats—it’s about building a sustainable, ethical, and supportive environment for all animals on the Gilis. And they’ve mapped out a clear roadmap to get there.
Every animal deserves the basics—food, clean water, and a safe space to rest. One of the main missions of LUNI Lombok is to ensure that no animal goes hungry or thirsty, and that basic shelter and compassion are available across the island. Whether through donations, community food stations, or partnerships with local businesses, this goal is already being acted upon daily.
Uncontrolled reproduction among the island’s street cats has led to a boom in population—and with that, more mouths to feed, more illnesses to treat, and more suffering. LUNI Lombok aims to sterilize and vaccinate 80% of the stray cat population across all three Gili Islands through both the permanent Gili Air clinic and pop-up Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
Sterilization not only helps control the population but reduces aggressive behavior, territorial fights, and the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccination protects both the animals and humans from preventable illnesses.
From skin infections to respiratory diseases, injuries from accidents, or digestive issues from scavenging spoiled food, the range of health problems street cats face is vast. The cat clinic on Gili Air will provide daily access to vet care, ensuring treatment is not just a luxury for owned pets but a right for all animals—street cats included.
But it doesn’t stop with cats. LUNI Lombok also provides mobile veterinary care, extending help to dogs, turtles, and even wildlife such as snakes that may be injured or displaced.
Beyond cats and dogs, the Gili Islands are home to a variety of species, from birds to reptiles. LUNI Lombok plans to expand its rescue and rehabilitation efforts to include wildlife in distress. Whether it’s a sea turtle caught in fishing line or a snake stuck in a village garden, the goal is to protect, rehabilitate, and if possible, return the animal to its natural habitat.
Lasting change doesn’t come from one clinic or one team. It comes from a community that understands the value of compassion. LUNI Lombok is passionate about educating locals, visitors, and school children on how to care for animals properly. They also run initiatives like the Cat Café, where cats can be fostered in a relaxing environment while raising awareness and adoption interest.
This movement can’t survive without its superheroes—and that’s where you come in.
LUNI Lombok’s success depends on support from animal lovers both near and far. Whether you live on Gili Air or are just visiting, there are plenty of ways to contribute. From helping at the clinic to spreading the word online, every bit of support counts. Email [email protected] to see how you can help today.
Every rupiah makes a difference. Donations help cover the cost of:
If you’re in a position to help financially, your donation will be directly channelled to saving lives on the Gili Islands.
Planning a trip to the Gilis? Check LUNI Lombok’s medical wishlist and see if you can bring any supplies with you. Items like antiseptic, flea treatment, gloves, cat food, or syringes can be expensive or hard to source locally. Your contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way.
Sometimes a cat just needs a little extra love. Whether they are recovering from surgery or simply need socialization, fostering provides a safe and loving environment for cats to heal and thrive.
If you have time, patience, and love to give, please consider becoming a foster parent. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to contribute—and you might just fall in love with a new feline friend.
Interested? Simply fill out the fostering questionnaire at the clinic or contact the LUNI Lombok team online.
The cat clinic is not an isolated improvement—it’s part of a greater wave of sustainability and responsibility sweeping across Gili Air.
In June 2024, Gili Cares received a donation to install a glass crushing machine. Now, with the right permits in place, glass bottles are transformed into eco bricks, made with a blend of sand, cement, and crushed glass. These bricks are twice the size of normal ones and ideal for local construction projects.
This initiative is helping to reduce the massive stockpile of discarded bottles and repurpose waste into a valuable construction material—reducing shipping costs, emissions, and landfill overflow.
Another recent upgrade is the creation of a dedicated bicycle parking area in the harbor, next to Oceans 5 Gili Air. With more and more tourists and locals using bicycles, the roads near the harbor were becoming dangerously congested. Horse carts couldn’t pass, accidents were on the rise, and the arrival area looked chaotic.
Now, with structured paid parking (IDR 3,000 per day), the streets are safer, horses are better protected, and tourists arriving on the island are greeted by an organized, peaceful setting.
These efforts reflect a collective goal: to make Gili Air a model for sustainable, safe, and compassionate island living.
With the momentum from these recent developments, it’s clear that Gili Air is evolving—not by losing its charm, but by enriching its soul.
The cat clinic by LUNI Lombok is a symbol of this progress: a small space with a huge heart, representing a commitment to kindness, care, and community action.
As the clinic becomes more established, we can expect:
It’s a beginning—a beautiful, necessary one.
Gili Air is changing, and it’s not just about better infrastructure or cleaner beaches—it’s about how we care for all who live here, humans and animals alike.
The launch of the LUNI Lombok Cat Clinic marks a new chapter in island compassion. Alongside eco-conscious innovations like the glass brick project and improved harbor parking, the clinic shows what’s possible when locals, expats, and travelers come together with one goal: to make the island a better place for everyone.
So next time you walk past the Burrito Project or cycle through the harbor, remember: a small clinic is quietly doing life-saving work, one cat at a time. And if you’re wondering how you can help—donate, foster, volunteer, or simply spread the word.
The cats of Gili Air thank you.
Get Involved LUNI Lombok’s success depends on the support of many cat super heroes. Get involved now and help put the smiles back on the faces of disadvantaged street cats. Email: [email protected]
Donations Your support goes a long way towards the animals of the Gili Islands! Your donation will be channeled to providing food, clean water, and medical care for street cats and wildlife.
Medical Supplies Wishlist Your support helps us provide life-saving care for the animals of the Gili Islands! If you’re visiting and can source any supplies, we would be so grateful.
Fostering We need help fostering cats when they are unwell. Shower them with love, help them socialize, and ensure they return to full health. If you would like to foster with us, please fill in the fostering questionnaire available at the clinic or online.
How Gili Air Is Turning Glass Bottles into Bricks A Sustainability Revolution Begins The island of Gili Air, known for its turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere, is undergoing a quiet revolution. Not in politics or tourism, but in waste management—specifically in how …
The Best Times for Diving Around the Gili Islands The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are often described as paradise on earth. With their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm, they’ve become one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for divers of all …
In the world of scuba diving, many divers spend a lot of time focusing on the excitement of what happens during the dive: the marine life, the buoyancy control, the navigation, or that picture-perfect wreck lying silently on the ocean floor. However, one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of every dive begins before you even get there: the descent. Whether you’re diving in a swimming pool for a confined water session or descending into the blue on a fun dive or advanced course, how you descend can make all the difference.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, An SSI Instructor Training Center on Gili Air, the emphasis is always on a slow and controlled descent. From the first moments of the SSI Open Water Course to the most advanced technical dives, students, interns, and even fun divers are reminded to take their time on the way down. Why? Because safety, ear health, and dive comfort start from the very top of your dive.
Before we dive into the why, let’s quickly cover the what. When you begin your descent, the pressure around you increases. At sea level, we experience 1 atmosphere (ATA) of pressure. For every 10 meters of depth, another atmosphere of pressure is added. As the pressure increases, air spaces in your body—particularly your middle ears and sinuses—must equalize to match the surrounding pressure.
This process is natural but not automatic. Divers have to actively equalize their ears by techniques like swallowing, wiggling their jaws, or using the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing against pinched nostrils). If the descent is too fast or uncontrolled, the pressure can increase faster than your body can equalize, resulting in discomfort, barotrauma, or even serious ear injuries such as eardrum rupture.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the teaching team emphasizes a golden rule: “There is no need to rush to the bottom.” Every instructor, divemaster, and assistant is trained to teach and demonstrate slow and controlled descents, regardless of the dive site or dive level. Before every pool session or ocean dive, instructors take time to brief their students clearly on the importance of descending slowly and equalizing early and often.
Students are encouraged to listen to their bodies and communicate if something doesn’t feel right. They’re reminded that descending is not a race; it’s a critical transition phase where safety and comfort must take priority.
Many divers think of equalization and controlled descents as something they only need to worry about during their SSI Open Water Course. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every diver, from beginner to professional, should approach the descent with the same care and attention.
For brand new divers, a slow descent sets the tone for good diving habits. It’s also the most vulnerable stage of their diving education. Ears are not yet conditioned to frequent pressure changes, and students are still learning how to manage buoyancy and underwater orientation. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors spend time in the pool teaching students to equalize in shallow water and control their descent using their inflator and breathing. By the time students get to the ocean, they’re already familiar with the idea that slow is safe.
Even experienced divers can experience ear issues if they rush the descent. During deep dives, wreck penetrations, or drift dives where currents are involved, the temptation to descend quickly and “get into position” is common. However, skipping the basics can lead to discomfort or injuries that could have been prevented.
In the Advanced Open Water Course at Oceans 5, instructors make it clear: you must always equalize, no matter how many dives you’ve done. Specialty courses like Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, or Drift Diver all include review of descent techniques, especially because descents in these conditions can be more challenging due to depth, visibility, or movement in the water.
Professional divers are not immune to ear problems. In fact, because they dive so frequently, they need to be even more cautious. During the Divemaster Course and Instructor Training Course (ITC) at Oceans 5, candidates are trained to model proper descent behavior. A dive professional who rushes the descent is not only risking their own safety but also setting a poor example for students.
During the ITC, Instructor Trainers Sander and Waz stress that instructors must control the descent of the group—not the other way around. Leading by example is key, and that begins from the moment the group leaves the surface.
Even if you’re not taking a course, the descent is no less important. Fun divers at Oceans 5 are always reminded during briefings to equalize early and often. The dive guides, who are experienced and well-trained, monitor guests during descents and provide support if anyone struggles. Nobody is forced to rush or descend if they need a moment. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere and helps guests avoid stress or ear discomfort.
Descending too fast isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Here are some common risks associated with rapid or uncontrolled descents:
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the descent is more than just a means to get to depth—it’s a fundamental skill, taught carefully and reinforced throughout every course. Here are some of the ways this dive center builds good descent habits:
Before every dive, instructors explain the descent plan in detail. This includes:
During the pool sessions of the Open Water Course, students practice slow descents and learn to control their buoyancy with their BCDs and breathing. Instructors use visual and verbal cues to reinforce correct posture and timing.
On training dives, the descent is always done in a controlled group. Instructors descend slightly ahead of the group, monitoring each diver’s progress, hand signals, and comfort. Nobody is ever rushed to the bottom.
Part of the pre-dive routine includes confirming that all equipment is functioning and that divers are comfortable. Instructors may ask students or interns to signal that they’re equalizing and breathing slowly before beginning the descent.
When students successfully complete a controlled descent, instructors celebrate it. Reinforcing good habits with praise helps solidify them.
One of the most important lessons any diver can learn is to listen to their body. If your ears aren’t equalizing—stop. If you feel pressure—ascend slightly. If you feel uncomfortable—communicate. The ocean isn’t going anywhere, and there’s no trophy for reaching the bottom first.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors encourage every diver to take ownership of their dive. This includes understanding that no two dives—or bodies—are the same. A diver who could descend easily yesterday may struggle today due to a mild cold or congestion. Taking time to assess and respect what your body is telling you is a sign of a smart and responsible diver.
By emphasizing a slow and controlled descent from the very beginning, Oceans 5 Gili Air helps create divers who are not only safer but also more confident and aware. That calm, steady approach extends into every aspect of diving: buoyancy control, air consumption, communication, and awareness of the environment.
Divers trained at Oceans 5 quickly learn that every descent is an opportunity—to practice mindfulness, to care for your body, to maintain control, and to start the dive on the right foot (or fin). Whether it’s the crystal-clear waters of the Gili Islands or a training session in the pool, the principles remain the same: descend slowly, equalize often, stay aware.
Scuba diving offers a window into another world, but getting there requires care and intention. The descent may seem like a small part of the dive, but it has a big impact on safety, comfort, and dive success. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, this part of the dive is never rushed, never overlooked, and never compromised.
From beginner to pro, fun diver to instructor candidate, every diver is taught that a slow and controlled descent isn’t optional—it’s essential. By instilling this habit early and reinforcing it often, Oceans 5 helps divers protect their ears, improve their confidence, and enjoy every moment beneath the surface.
So next time you slip beneath the waves, remember: your dive doesn’t start at the bottom—it starts the moment you leave the surface. Take your time. Equalize early. And descend like a pro.
Two Weeks of Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air with Global FinPrint Oceans 5 Gili Air is once again taking the lead in marine conservation by partnering with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram for an extensive two-week research initiative around the Gili Islands. …