The First SSI Instructor Training Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air

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 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 Becoming an SSI Instructor Trainer

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.

A Special Cross-Over Opportunity for Former IDC Candidates

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:

• SSI Open Water Instructor Digital Learning: IDR 6,000,000
• SSI Professional Registration and Initial Year Membership: IDR 2,000,000
• Instructor Package: IDR 1,000,000
• Instructor Evaluation (IE) Fee: €550

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.

Three Major Advantages of Becoming an SSI Instructor on the Gili Islands

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.

1. Lower Total Investment Compared to a PADI IDC

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.

2. Higher Employability on the Gili Islands

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.

3. SSI Cashback and Pro Rewards System

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.

Why Oceans 5 Is the Right Place for Your SSI ITC

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.

Proven Instructor Training Experience

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.

Outstanding Facilities

Oceans 5 offers some of the best training facilities on the Gili Islands:

• A modern classroom designed specifically for professional training.
• Two large swimming pools ideal for confined-water skill development and instructor demonstrations.
• A dedicated training boat allowing flexible scheduling and consistent logistics.
• On-site compressor room with modern air and nitrox systems.
• Spacious equipment facilities and professional servicing standards.

This infrastructure allows training to run smoothly, safely, and efficiently — without compromises or rushed scheduling.

Realistic Teaching Environment

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.

Strong Environmental Philosophy

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.

Stable, Experienced Team

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.

A Strong Invitation to Former and New Candidates

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.