Growing Together: How Oceans 5 Gili Air Supports Instructor Development

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the ethos goes beyond providing world-class diving experiences—it’s about cultivating a community of passionate, skilled, and ever-evolving dive professionals. As a PADI Career Development Centre, Oceans 5 is committed not just to its students but also to the personal and professional growth of its instructors. This dedication to excellence ensures that the dive center maintains its high-quality standards while empowering its team to achieve their dreams.

A Culture of Continuous Learning

Diving, like any other field, is not static. New technologies, teaching methodologies, and environmental challenges require dive professionals to stay ahead of the curve. Oceans 5 Gili Air recognizes this and has embedded continuous learning into its DNA. The dive shop actively supports its instructors in pursuing advanced certifications, specialties, and leadership courses. This commitment isn’t just about improving skills; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone grows together.

Ary’s Journey to TDI Tech Instructor

One of the standout examples of professional growth at Oceans 5 is Ary, who became a TDI Tech Instructor this year. Ary’s journey showcases the dive center’s commitment to supporting instructors who wish to explore specialized fields. Tech diving, which involves exploring deeper and more technical dive environments, requires precision, extensive knowledge, and a unique teaching approach.

Ary’s achievement not only adds a new dimension to the courses offered at Oceans 5 but also inspires other instructors to expand their horizons. Now, tech diving enthusiasts visiting the Gili Islands have a trusted guide and mentor in Ary, thanks to Oceans 5’s encouragement and resources.

Chika: From Instructor to IDC Staff Instructor

For Chika, 2024 was a milestone year as she became a PADI IDC Staff Instructor. This achievement allows her to play a pivotal role in training the next generation of PADI Instructors. By stepping into this leadership role, Chika exemplifies how Oceans 5 nurtures instructors to take on greater responsibilities within the PADI system.

As an IDC Staff Instructor, Chika now mentors instructor candidates during their PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs), helping them hone their teaching skills and preparing them for real-world challenges. Her journey reflects Oceans 5’s philosophy of investing in its team to raise the bar for diving education on the Gili Islands.

Yunus and Tama: Master Scuba Diver Trainers in the Making

Yunus and Tama, two of Oceans 5’s dedicated instructors, are currently working toward becoming Master Scuba Diver Trainers (MSDTs). This certification requires teaching at least five PADI specialties and is a stepping stone toward becoming more versatile and experienced instructors.

By supporting Yunus and Tama in achieving this milestone, Oceans 5 ensures that their students benefit from a diverse range of expertise. Whether it’s teaching enriched air diving, night diving, or wreck diving, the MSDT certification enhances the instructors’ ability to provide well-rounded and memorable dive experiences.

Waz’s Preparation for the Course Director Training

Perhaps the most ambitious journey underway at Oceans 5 is that of Waz, who is preparing for the prestigious PADI Course Director Training next year. Becoming a Course Director is the pinnacle of a dive instructor’s career, enabling them to train and mentor PADI Instructors.

Waz’s dedication and the support he receives from Oceans 5 underline the dive center’s vision of creating leaders in the diving world. As Waz works toward this goal, his journey inspires not just the staff at Oceans 5 but also the many instructor candidates he interacts with. His future role as a Course Director will significantly strengthen the dive center’s position as a hub for professional dive training.

How Oceans 5 Fosters Growth

The professional achievements of Ary, Chika, Yunus, Tama, and Waz are no coincidence. Oceans 5 has created an environment where growth is not just encouraged—it’s expected. Here’s how the dive center makes it happen:

1. Access to Advanced Training
   Oceans 5 partners with world-class training organizations and experts to provide its instructors with access to advanced courses and certifications. Whether it’s technical diving, specialty instruction, or leadership courses, the dive center ensures that its team has the resources they need to succeed.
2. Mentorship and Support
   Senior instructors and Course Directors at Oceans 5 play a crucial role in mentoring their colleagues. This collaborative approach ensures that every team member has someone to guide them through their professional journey.
3. Opportunities for Leadership
   By offering opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as Chika’s progression to IDC Staff Instructor, Oceans 5 ensures that its team members are always challenged and motivated to grow.
4. A Focus on Quality
   Oceans 5’s philosophy emphasizes that quality teaching comes from well-trained, confident instructors. The dive center’s investment in its team is a direct reflection of its commitment to providing exceptional diving experiences for its students.
5. Financial and Logistical Support
   Pursuing advanced certifications often requires significant time and financial investment. Oceans 5 eases this burden by providing logistical support, flexible schedules, and in some cases, financial assistance to its instructors.

The Ripple Effect: How Instructor Growth Benefits Everyone

When instructors grow, everyone benefits. Students receive better training from more experienced and confident teachers, while the dive center enhances its reputation as a leader in the industry. Moreover, the professional growth of instructors like Ary, Chika, Yunus, Tama, and Waz creates a culture of excellence that attracts passionate divers and aspiring professionals from around the world.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The stories of Oceans 5’s instructors also serve as powerful inspiration for divemaster interns and instructor candidates. Seeing their mentors achieve new heights motivates these future dive professionals to dream big and work hard.

For example, during the PADI IDC, candidates learn from instructors like Chika and Waz, who have firsthand experience of pushing their limits and achieving their goals. This mentorship helps candidates understand that becoming a PADI Instructor is not the end of the journey but the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career.

A Vision for the Future

As Oceans 5 Gili Air continues to grow, its vision remains clear: to be a dive center where quality, professionalism, and passion converge. By prioritizing the development of its instructors, the dive center ensures that it stays at the forefront of the diving industry.

The success stories of Ary, Chika, Yunus, Tama, and Waz are just the beginning. With Oceans 5’s unwavering support, the next generation of instructors is poised to achieve even greater heights. Together, they will continue to inspire divers, protect the ocean, and uphold the highest standards of diving education.

Conclusion

Oceans 5 Gili Air is not just a place to dive—it’s a place to grow. For instructors, students, and divers alike, the dive center represents the pinnacle of what a professional dive operation should be. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, Oceans 5 ensures that its team is always prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving industry.

Whether it’s Ary exploring the depths of tech diving, Chika shaping the next generation of instructors, or Waz preparing to become a Course Director, Oceans 5 proves that investing in people is the key to success. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the journey of growth is never over—it’s just beginning.

PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) di Indonesia di Oceans 5 Gili Air dengan PADI Course Director Sander Buis

Gili Islands telah lama dianggap sebagai destinasi utama bagi penyelam di Indonesia, menarik perhatian baik penyelam pemula maupun berpengalaman. Di antara pulau-pulau ini, Gili Air menonjol dengan suasana santai, pemandangan bawah laut yang menakjubkan, dan komunitas selam yang hidup. Di jantung kegiatan selam Gili Air adalah Oceans 5 Gili Air, satu-satunya PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) di pulau tersebut. Dipimpin oleh PADI Course Director yang terkenal, Sander Buis, Oceans 5 menawarkan PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) yang komprehensif dan transformatif yang dirancang untuk membekali profesional selam dengan keterampilan, kepercayaan diri, dan kesadaran lingkungan yang diperlukan untuk menjadi Instruktur PADI yang sukses.

Artikel ini mengulas apa yang membuat PADI IDC di Oceans 5 Gili Air bersama Sander Buis begitu unik, struktur programnya, filosofi pengajaran, dan mengapa ini adalah salah satu tempat terbaik di Indonesia untuk mengambil langkah berikutnya dalam karier selam Anda.

Mengapa Memilih Oceans 5 Gili Air untuk IDC Anda?

Status Oceans 5 Gili Air sebagai PADI Career Development Centre merupakan bukti komitmennya terhadap kualitas dan pendidikan selam profesional. Meraih status CDC adalah pengakuan tertinggi yang dapat dicapai oleh pusat selam, mencerminkan tidak hanya standar tinggi dalam pelatihan tetapi juga dedikasi terhadap pengembangan karier dan konservasi laut. Sejak didirikan, Oceans 5 secara konsisten mempertahankan standar ini, dan Course Director Sander Buis adalah bagian penting dari pencapaian ini.

Berikut adalah alasan utama mengapa calon instruktur selam harus mempertimbangkan Oceans 5 untuk IDC mereka:

1. PADI Career Development Centre: Oceans 5 Gili Air mendapatkan status CDC pada tahun 2014 berkat komitmennya untuk memberikan tingkat pendidikan selam tertinggi. Penghargaan ini hanya diberikan kepada pusat selam yang tidak hanya memenuhi tetapi juga melampaui persyaratan ketat PADI dalam melatih profesional selam.
2. Kelas Kecil untuk Perhatian yang Lebih Personal: Oceans 5 membatasi jumlah kandidat IDC hingga enam orang per kursus, memastikan setiap siswa menerima perhatian yang lebih personal dari Sander Buis. Ukuran kelompok kecil ini menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang lebih mendukung dan fokus, memungkinkan para kandidat merasa percaya diri dalam perkembangan mereka.
3. Lokasi yang Luar Biasa: Suasana santai Gili Air, yang dipadukan dengan kedekatannya dengan beberapa situs penyelaman terbaik di Indonesia, menjadikannya lokasi yang ideal untuk IDC. Para kandidat dapat berlatih di lingkungan tropis yang indah dengan akses mudah ke penyelaman drift kelas dunia, terumbu karang, dan situs penyelaman muck diving.
4. Fokus Lingkungan: Oceans 5 Gili Air mengintegrasikan pendidikan lingkungan ke dalam setiap aspek programnya. Para kandidat belajar tidak hanya bagaimana mengajar selam, tetapi juga bagaimana menjadi duta konservasi laut. Pusat selam ini secara rutin bermitra dengan LSM dan institusi lokal seperti Universitas Mataram untuk mempromosikan praktik selam yang berkelanjutan dan melakukan penelitian tentang ekosistem di Gili Islands.
5. Persiapan Komprehensif untuk Instructor Examination (IE): Oceans 5 Gili Air memiliki tingkat keberhasilan yang tinggi dalam Instructor Examination PADI. Berkat teknik pengajaran yang realistis dari kursus ini, para kandidat dipersiapkan dengan baik untuk IE yang diadakan di tempat di Oceans 5 atau di pulau terdekat, Gili Trawangan.
6. Fasilitas Kelas Dunia: Oceans 5 Gili Air menawarkan para kandidat akses ke fasilitas yang canggih, termasuk ruang kelas yang luas, peralatan baru, dan dua kolam latihan besar. Pusat selam ini juga dilengkapi dengan ruang kompresor dengan sistem membran nitrox, memberikan kesempatan kepada para kandidat untuk berlatih selam nitrox.

Struktur PADI IDC di Oceans 5 Gili Air

IDC di Oceans 5 Gili Air mengikuti struktur fleksibel yang dirancang untuk membangun kepercayaan diri dan keterampilan mengajar para kandidat, sambil berfokus pada kebutuhan individu mereka. Alih-alih mengikuti kurikulum harian yang kaku, Sander Buis menyesuaikan program berdasarkan kekuatan dan kelemahan masing-masing kandidat, memastikan bahwa setiap orang mendapatkan manfaat maksimal dari pelatihan mereka.

Berikut adalah gambaran umum dari program ini:

1. Pre-IDC Workshops

Sebelum IDC resmi dimulai, Oceans 5 menawarkan serangkaian workshop pre-IDC untuk membantu para kandidat mempersiapkan diri. Workshop ini berfokus pada keterampilan penting seperti teori selam, kontrol daya apung, dan keterampilan penyelamatan, memastikan bahwa para kandidat siap menjalani kursus saat kursus dimulai. Sesi pre-IDC ini juga memungkinkan para kandidat untuk mengenal sesama siswa dan instruktur, menciptakan rasa kebersamaan yang akan terbawa hingga IDC selesai.

2. Program IDC Inti

IDC itu sendiri adalah kursus 12 hari yang terbagi menjadi sesi akademik, perairan terbatas, dan pelatihan perairan terbuka. Para kandidat belajar cara mengajar berbagai kursus PADI, dari Open Water Diver hingga Divemaster, menggunakan metodologi pengajaran yang sudah terbukti dari PADI. Program ini dirancang untuk membekali para kandidat dengan keterampilan yang mereka butuhkan untuk memberikan pengajaran selam yang berkualitas tinggi dan berpusat pada siswa di berbagai lingkungan.

Kurikulum inti IDC mencakup topik-topik seperti:

• Standar dan Prosedur PADI: Memahami dan mematuhi standar PADI sangat penting untuk memastikan keselamatan siswa dan menjaga kualitas pelatihan selam. Para kandidat belajar bagaimana menerapkan standar ini dalam berbagai skenario pengajaran.
• Presentasi Pengajaran: Para kandidat berlatih memberikan presentasi di ruang kelas, demonstrasi keterampilan di perairan terbatas, dan skenario pengajaran di perairan terbuka. Umpan balik yang konstruktif dari Sander membantu mereka menyempurnakan teknik mengajar mereka.
• Manajemen Risiko dan Teori Selam: Instruktur harus memiliki pemahaman yang kuat tentang teori selam dan manajemen risiko. IDC mencakup pelatihan mendalam tentang subjek seperti fisika, fisiologi, peralatan, dan kesadaran lingkungan, memastikan bahwa para kandidat siap menjawab pertanyaan siswa dan menangani tantangan yang mungkin muncul.
• Pengajaran yang Berpusat pada Siswa: Salah satu ciri khas dari sistem PADI adalah fokusnya pada pengajaran yang berpusat pada siswa. Para kandidat belajar bagaimana menyesuaikan pengajaran mereka untuk memenuhi kebutuhan individu siswa, memastikan bahwa setiap orang dapat berkembang sesuai dengan kecepatannya sendiri.

3. Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor Course

Sebagai bagian dari IDC, para kandidat juga menyelesaikan kursus Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor. Pelatihan ini memungkinkan mereka untuk mengajar kursus EFR, yang merupakan prasyarat untuk kursus PADI Rescue Diver. Belajar bagaimana mengajar pertolongan pertama, CPR, dan penggunaan AED adalah keterampilan penting bagi instruktur selam, memastikan bahwa mereka dapat menangani keadaan darurat baik di dalam maupun di luar air.

Sander Buis: Course Director di Balik Kesuksesan

Faktor utama dalam kesuksesan PADI IDC di Oceans 5 Gili Air adalah Course Director Sander Buis. Dengan pengalaman bertahun-tahun di industri selam dan semangat untuk konservasi laut, Sander dikenal dengan gaya pengajarannya yang ramah, pengetahuan mendalam tentang standar PADI, dan komitmen untuk membantu murid-muridnya sukses.

Filosofi mengajar Sander didasarkan pada keyakinan bahwa setiap kandidat dapat menjadi instruktur yang percaya diri dan kompeten dengan dukungan yang tepat. Dia mengambil pendekatan yang dipersonalisasi dalam pelatihan, mengidentifikasi area di mana setiap kandidat dapat berkembang dan memberikan bimbingan yang tepat sasaran. Fokus pada pengajaran individual ini telah memberinya reputasi sebagai salah satu Course Director PADI terbaik di Indonesia.

Selain keahliannya dalam mengajar, Sander sangat berkomitmen terhadap perlindungan lingkungan. Dia berperan aktif dalam inisiatif konservasi Oceans 5 Gili Air, termasuk pembersihan pantai mingguan, proyek restorasi terumbu karang, dan kemitraan dengan Universitas Mataram. Semangatnya untuk konservasi laut menular, dan banyak muridnya kemudian menjadi advokat untuk praktik selam yang berkelanjutan.

Setelah IDC: Suasana Kekeluargaan

Salah satu aspek yang membedakan Oceans 5 Gili Air dari pusat selam lainnya adalah suasana kekeluargaannya. Para kandidat tidak hanya dianggap sebagai siswa; mereka diterima sebagai bagian dari komunitas Oceans 5. Rasa kebersamaan ini meluas hingga setelah IDC selesai, dengan banyak lulusan yang kembali ke Oceans 5 untuk melanjutkan pengembangan profesional mereka, membantu di kursus, atau berpartisipasi dalam inisiatif konservasi.

Ukuran kelompok kecil selama IDC memungkinkan ikatan yang kuat di antara para kandidat, menciptakan lingkungan yang mendukung di mana setiap orang dapat berkembang. Suasana kekeluargaan ini, ditambah dengan keahlian profesional para instruktur, menjadikan Oceans 5 Gili Air tempat yang benar-benar istimewa untuk menyelesaikan PADI IDC Anda.

Langkah Berikutnya: Instructor Specialty Training

Setelah menyelesaikan IDC dan lulus dari Instructor Examination PADI, banyak instruktur baru memilih untuk melanjutkan pendidikan mereka dengan mengambil kursus Instructor Specialty. Kursus ini memungkinkan instruktur untuk memperluas repertoar pengajaran mereka dan menawarkan kursus PADI spesialis seperti Wreck Diver, Deep Diver, atau Shark Conservation.

Sander Buis menawarkan berbagai kursus Instructor Specialty di Oceans 5 Gili Air, memberikan kesempatan kepada instruktur baru untuk mengembangkan keterampilan mereka dan memasarkan diri mereka kepada calon pemberi kerja. Kombinasi pelatihan IDC dan pengajaran spesialis membuat Oceans 5 menjadi tempat yang ideal bagi profesional selam yang ingin membangun karier yang sukses di industri selam.

Kesimpulan: Pengalaman yang Transformatif

PADI IDC di Oceans 5 Gili Air bersama Course Director Sander Buis lebih dari sekadar kursus sertifikasi—ini adalah pengalaman transformatif yang membekali profesional selam dengan keterampilan, kepercayaan diri, dan kesadaran lingkungan yang dibutuhkan untuk sukses di industri selam. Dengan ukuran kelas yang kecil, pengajaran yang dipersonalisasi, dan fokus pada konservasi laut, Oceans 5 Gili Air menawarkan pengalaman IDC yang unik dan memuaskan di salah satu destinasi penyelaman terindah di Indonesia.

Apakah Anda ingin memulai perjalanan Anda sebagai Instruktur PADI atau memperluas keterampilan yang ada, Oceans 5 Gili Air menyediakan lingkungan yang sempurna untuk mengambil langkah berikutnya dalam karier selam Anda.

Gili Air, a little paradise

Gili Air, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant underwater life, has always been a paradise for divers and nature lovers. Yet, like many beautiful places, it faces the growing challenge of pollution, particularly plastic waste. Amid this problem, a young local hero named Rama has emerged, leading a grassroots movement to tackle trash in his community while creating a sustainable business.

At just 23 years old, Rama’s story is one of inspiration, resourcefulness, and the power of local action in the fight against environmental degradation. Starting with a simple desire to help his island, he has grown into a key figure in the community, showing that individual initiative can lead to impactful change.

The Beginning: From Beach Cleanup Volunteer to Entrepreneur

Rama’s journey started at Oceans 5 Gili Air, a well-known dive center and conservation hub on the island. Oceans 5 organizes weekly beach cleanups, an initiative that aims to reduce the pollution washing up on the island’s shores. Like many concerned locals, Rama joined the beach cleanup efforts to do his part in keeping his home island clean.

As Rama participated in these weekly cleanups, he became more aware of the types of waste that were collected. Plastic bottles and metal cans were a common sight, not only on the beaches but also scattered throughout the village. While many volunteers focused on clearing the beaches, Rama saw an opportunity beyond just picking up trash. He realized that these materials had potential value and could be recycled if properly managed.

Starting His Own Business: Waste Collection and Recycling

Driven by this realization, Rama decided to take matters into his own hands. He started by separating plastic bottles and metal cans from the general rubbish collected by the beach cleanup volunteers. What began as a small effort quickly expanded as Rama discovered that the problem was much larger than just the beaches. Gili Air’s village, home to residents, businesses, and tourists alike, was also inundated with plastic and metal waste.

Recognizing an opportunity to turn this environmental challenge into a business, Rama began dedicating his afternoons to collecting bottles and cans, not just from the beaches but also from the village. Every day at 1:00 PM, he sets out to gather waste, spending 4-5 hours meticulously collecting bottles and cans from various locations. By the end of his day, he often has rice bags filled with recyclables, ready to be transported to the mainland for processing.

Partnering with Local Businesses: A Community Effort

Rama’s initiative didn’t stop at just collecting waste from public spaces. Understanding that local businesses also contribute to the island’s waste, he started making deals with restaurants and bars around Gili Air. He established regular pickup schedules, offering to collect their plastic bottles and metal cans. This partnership not only helps the businesses manage their waste but also ensures that more recyclables are diverted from landfills or the ocean.

His hard work and consistency have earned him the respect and support of the community. Restaurants and bars are eager to collaborate with Rama, knowing that their waste is being responsibly handled. This collaboration has become a win-win for both parties: the businesses reduce their environmental footprint, and Rama gains a steady source of materials for his recycling efforts.

Taking Recycling to Lombok: The Next Step in Sustainable Business

Once a week, Rama’s rice bags full of plastic bottles and metal cans are transported to Lombok, the main island, where they can be properly recycled. Gili Air, like many small islands, lacks the infrastructure to process recyclables, so sending them to Lombok is the best option. By facilitating this transportation, Rama ensures that the waste collected on Gili Air doesn’t simply end up in a landfill or, worse, back in the ocean.

This effort is no small feat. Transporting recyclables to Lombok requires time, coordination, and resources. However, Rama’s determination to see the waste repurposed and recycled motivates him to keep pushing forward, despite the challenges.

A Role Model for Young Entrepreneurs

Rama’s initiative is an inspiring example of how a young person can start a business with minimal resources and a strong vision. What began as a simple act of volunteering has grown into a full-fledged waste collection and recycling operation, benefiting both the environment and the local economy.

Rama’s business is still in its early stages, but his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving his community are clear. He not only addresses the immediate problem of waste management but also demonstrates the potential for local solutions to global issues like plastic pollution.

The Future: Expanding the Impact

Looking ahead, Rama hopes to expand his waste collection network further across the island and even inspire others to follow in his footsteps. He envisions a cleaner Gili Air, where plastic bottles and metal cans are routinely collected and sent for recycling, significantly reducing the island’s overall waste.

There is also potential for his business to grow beyond just recycling. As more people become aware of the environmental issues facing Gili Air, Rama could expand into other areas of waste management, perhaps even creating educational programs for locals and tourists about the importance of reducing plastic use and recycling.

Conclusion: A Local Hero Making a Global Impact

Rama’s story is a testament to the power of individual action. His efforts on Gili Air show that even in a small community, one person can make a significant difference. By turning waste collection into a business, Rama has not only helped clean up his island but also created a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local economy.

At just 23 years old, Rama is a true local hero, proving that with determination and creativity, anyone can be a force for positive change. His journey is far from over, and as his business grows, so too will his impact on Gili Air and beyond.