The Word Is Out: Oceans 5 Gili Air Is Crossing Over from PADI to SSI
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 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.
A Moment of Gratitude: 15 Years with PADI
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:
- Strict adherence to training standards
- A strong focus on environmental awareness
- High-quality professional training
- Long-term investment in local staff and community projects
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.
Why Change After 15 Years?
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:
- A professional training hub
- A conservation-driven dive resort
- A long-term employer of local Indonesian staff
- An active stakeholder inside the Gili Matra Marine Park
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.
What Will Not Change at Oceans 5 Gili Air
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.
- The faces will be the same
- The emails will be answered by the same people
- The divemasters and instructors are the same professionals you know
- The teaching philosophy remains unchanged
We will continue to focus on:
- Small groups
- Personal attention
- Calm, structured teaching
- Environmental awareness in every course
- Quality over quantity—always
The only visible changes you will notice are:
- New banners
- New staff T-shirts
- Updated advertising and branding
Underwater, and in the classroom, Oceans 5 remains Oceans 5.
A Unified Team: Everyone Crosses Over Together
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:
- Consistency in teaching
- Stability for students
- A smooth transition for returning guests
- A strong professional team moving forward together
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.
SSI and the Future of Instructor Training at Oceans 5
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?
- Direct access to multiple Instructor Trainers
- Diverse teaching styles and perspectives
- More individual feedback
- Strong mentorship beyond certification
- Real-world preparation—not just exam-focused training
This builds on Oceans 5’s long-standing reputation for producing confident, capable, and employable instructors.
Commitment to Conservation: Stronger Than Ever
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:
- Long-term monitoring
- Conservation education integrated into courses
- Active participation in marine park discussions
- Advocacy against harmful coastal development
In 2026, Oceans 5 will also expand its scientific contribution.
Supporting Science and Local Education in 2026
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:
- Conduct real marine research
- Work inside a protected marine park
- Gain practical field experience
- Contribute data that supports conservation decisions
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.
What This Means for Students and Guests
Whether you are:
- A first-time diver
- A returning guest
- A Divemaster candidate
- A future Instructor
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.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Oceans 5 Gili Air
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:
- Environmentally committed
- Community-centered
- Education-driven
- Quality-focused
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.