For Everything There Is a First Time: Waz Leads His First PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air
Waz Leads His First PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air
In the world of scuba diving, becoming a PADI Course Director is a pinnacle achievement—one that signifies years of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to education, safety, and the underwater world. And for every great instructor, there is a beginning. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, that beginning just turned into a milestone.
Earlier this year, Waz—now officially a PADI Course Director—successfully conducted his very first PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) as lead Course Director at Oceans 5 Gili Air. And what a debut it was. Over 20 days, Waz transformed two enthusiastic divemasters, Ong and Fardin, into confident, knowledgeable, and ready-to-teach PADI Instructors, all while staying true to the teaching philosophy that defines Oceans 5: small groups, personalized attention, and a deep respect for the ocean.
Let’s take a closer look at how this inaugural IDC unfolded, the incredible progress Ong and Fardin made, and what makes Waz a rising star in the global PADI Course Director community.
The Journey Begins: From CDTC to IDC
Every PADI Course Director starts their path by first completing the highly selective and intensive Course Director Training Course (CDTC). Only a handful of instructors are accepted into the program each year. Waz, already a Master Instructor with a track record of excellence, was among them.
The CDTC pushes experienced instructors to the next level. It’s a deep dive into leadership, educational design, evaluation strategies, and how to prepare divemasters to become instructors themselves. For Waz, it was more than just a course—it was a calling. And as soon as he returned from the training, he didn’t waste a moment. He launched his very first IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air, with Ong and Fardin as his pioneering candidates.
Oceans 5 Gili Air: The Perfect Stage
Waz couldn’t have asked for a better environment for his first IDC. Oceans 5 Gili Air is the only PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) on Gili Air and is globally recognized for producing high-quality dive professionals. With years of experience running IDCs under the guidance of Platinum Course Director Sander Buis, Oceans 5 has created a system that values personalized instruction, environmental awareness, and realistic teaching practices.
For Waz, stepping into this legacy wasn’t about replacing what was already working—it was about carrying the torch forward and adding his own flavor to the IDC experience.
Meet the Candidates: Ong and Fardin
Every IDC is unique because every candidate brings their own story, motivations, and challenges to the table. For Waz’s first IDC, the spotlight fell on Ong and Fardin, two Indonesian divemasters who were ready to take their careers to the next level.
Both candidates came in with solid dive experience but, like all future instructors, needed to make a critical transition: from assisting on dives to leading, teaching, and shaping new divers themselves.
Under Waz’s guidance, Ong and Fardin not only developed their technical knowledge but also built the soft skills needed to be a successful PADI Instructor—confidence, patience, control, and adaptability. And throughout the process, Waz was there every step of the way.
A 20-Day Transformation
The PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air is not a crash course—it’s a 20-day immersive experience designed to prepare instructor candidates for real-world teaching, not just passing the PADI Instructor Examination.
From Day 1, Waz set the tone with clear expectations, structure, and encouragement. He broke the program into manageable milestones and gave Ong and Fardin the time and space to grow into their roles.
Classroom Knowledge Development
Waz introduced the candidates to the full scope of the PADI curriculum, from standards and procedures to learning, instruction, and the PADI system. His teaching style was interactive and supportive. He emphasized understanding over memorization and challenged the candidates to think like educators, not just divers.
Each classroom session ended with a debrief that invited reflection. Ong and Fardin were not just “learning to teach”—they were already teaching to learn.
Confined Water Workshops
In the confined water sessions, Waz’s meticulous eye and calm demeanor helped the candidates build their instructional control, communication clarity, and student-centered approach. Whether it was a mask removal or neutral buoyancy drill, Waz guided the candidates on how to break down each skill into simple, teachable steps, while managing student stress and performance.
He modeled how to handle real student mistakes—not through criticism, but through positive reinforcement and targeted correction. These sessions helped both Ong and Fardin understand the role of an instructor as a leader and mentor.
Open Water Teaching and Real-World Prep
Oceans 5 Gili Air is surrounded by some of the most beautiful dive sites in Indonesia, making it the ideal backdrop for open water workshops. Waz took the candidates through multiple practice sessions where they simulated full teaching scenarios, including briefings, in-water skill circuits, and debriefings.
During these dives, Waz focused on control, safety, and adaptability—the key traits every instructor must possess. Ong and Fardin learned how to handle various student issues, adapt to current changes, and ensure that each dive was both educational and enjoyable.
Waz also emphasized teaching neutrally buoyant, in line with Oceans 5’s commitment to protecting the marine park. This instilled early on the value of environmental responsibility in dive education.
Strength Through Support and Reflection
One of the most powerful aspects of this IDC was the personal growth that Waz encouraged in both candidates. He spent time with each of them outside of formal training, offering feedback, addressing concerns, and celebrating small victories.
Ong, who initially struggled with confidence in front of groups, found his voice thanks to Waz’s continuous encouragement. Fardin, a meticulous and detail-oriented divemaster, learned to embrace flexibility and improvisation when needed.
By the end of the IDC, both had made visible, measurable progress—not just in skills, but in mindset. They no longer saw themselves as divemasters learning how to teach—they had become instructors.
Graduation Day: PADI Instructors Born in Gili Air
After 20 intensive days, the final challenge was the PADI Instructor Examination (IE)—a two-day event that evaluates everything the candidates have learned. Thanks to Waz’s guidance, Ong and Fardin passed with flying colors.
But more than just passing the exam, they left as confident, professional, and ethical instructors who are now ready to lead the next generation of divers. The IDC had given them tools, confidence, and a clear sense of responsibility—one that Waz instilled from Day 1.
For Waz, watching Ong and Fardin receive their certifications was a proud moment—the culmination of months of preparation, the success of his very first IDC, and a sign of more great things to come.
Why Waz Is the Course Director to Watch
It’s not easy to conduct your first IDC alone. The responsibility, the pressure, the desire to make everything perfect—it’s a lot for any new Course Director. But Waz carried it with grace, skill, and passion.
His ability to connect with students, break down complex information, and lead with humility made this IDC special. He didn’t just follow the PADI curriculum—he elevated it. He turned a 20-day course into a transformative experience, both for his students and for himself.
Waz represents the new wave of dive educators: knowledgeable, approachable, environmentally aware, and committed to raising the bar in dive instruction.
Want to Join the Next IDC With Waz?
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a PADI Instructor, there’s no better time than now, and no better place than Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Waz’s next PADI Instructor Development Course starts on April 23rd. With only a few spots available and a small-group policy that guarantees personalized instruction, this is your chance to start your own transformation.
Here’s what you can expect if you join:
- A 20-day IDC led by Course Director Waz
- A focus on realistic teaching, not just passing the IE
- Training in neutral buoyancy from Day 1
- Environmental awareness and conservation ethics integrated into your teaching
- Full support, encouragement, and feedback throughout
- The opportunity to join a free IDC Internship after the IE to gain real-life teaching experience
Closing Thoughts: A New Chapter at Oceans 5 Gili Air
For everything, there is a first time. And for Waz, this first IDC was more than a success—it was the beginning of a long and impactful journey as a PADI Course Director.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we are proud to have Waz on our team, leading with heart, integrity, and excellence. We look forward to watching him guide many more divemasters through the same path Ong and Fardin just completed—becoming professional instructors, ambassadors for the ocean, and part of the global PADI family.
Are you next?
Message us today to secure your spot in Waz’s upcoming IDC.
📆 Start Date: April 23rd
📍 Oceans 5 Gili Air
📞 WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
📧 Email: [email protected]
Let your first step toward a new career begin with Waz and Oceans 5 Gili Air.