PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Oceans 5 Gili Air Becomes a TDI Dive Centre: Tech Diving Courses Coming Soon! Oceans 5 Gili Air is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey as a leading dive center in Indonesia. We are now officially a TDI (Technical Diving International) Dive Centre, …
Oceans 5 Gili Air recently hosted a Conservation Weekend, highlighting their commitment to marine protection through beach and reef cleanups. Involving volunteers, divers, and the local community, these initiatives aimed to combat marine debris threats. The dive center integrates conservation into its training, fostering environmental responsibility among future dive professionals.
For divers exploring the waters around the Gili Islands and Lombok, the modern hyperbaric chamber at RSUD KOTA Mataram is a comforting presence. Diving, while thrilling, carries inherent risks, particularly when divers ascend too quickly or fail to adhere to safety protocols. These missteps can lead to decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” a condition directly related to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream. However, the purpose of a hyperbaric chamber goes far beyond diving-related emergencies.
At RSUD KOTA Mataram, the hyperbaric chamber is not just a lifeline for divers but a multifaceted medical tool. Its applications extend into various branches of medicine, offering treatment for conditions that may have little or nothing to do with diving. Let’s delve into how this facility supports divers and non-divers alike, and why having access to such a resource is vital for the region.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves placing a patient in a pressurized chamber where they breathe pure oxygen. This high-pressure environment increases the oxygen concentration in the blood, helping to repair tissue damage, fight infections, and reduce inflammation. While diving accidents may be the most commonly associated condition treated with HBOT, its medical uses are extensive and FDA-approved for a range of conditions.
The Gili Islands and Lombok are renowned for their breathtaking underwater ecosystems, attracting divers from around the globe. With high diving activity, the risk of decompression sickness, though rare, is a reality. Decompression sickness occurs when nitrogen absorbed during a dive expands too rapidly in the bloodstream upon ascent. Symptoms range from mild joint pain to life-threatening embolisms, making immediate medical attention critical.
The hyperbaric chamber at RSUD KOTA Mataram is equipped to handle such emergencies. By simulating pressure conditions similar to those underwater, the chamber effectively reduces the size of nitrogen bubbles in a diver’s bloodstream. Simultaneously, the pure oxygen environment accelerates the removal of nitrogen and promotes tissue repair.
For divers, knowing that this facility exists can provide peace of mind. Whether diving off Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, or the stunning reefs of Lombok, divers can feel reassured that advanced medical care is within reach. Oceans 5 Gili Air, among other dive operators, emphasizes safety and ensures divers are educated about decompression sickness and the importance of a hyperbaric chamber in emergencies.
The advanced hyperbaric chamber at RSUD KOTA Mataram is not limited to diving-related cases. Its broader applications reveal the chamber’s crucial role in modern medicine. Here are some of the non-diving conditions treated with HBOT:
Similar to decompression sickness, gas embolism involves air bubbles blocking blood vessels. It can occur during surgeries or invasive medical procedures. HBOT ensures rapid recovery by dissolving these bubbles and restoring normal blood flow.
For patients with severe burns, oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber promotes faster healing, reduces inflammation, and minimizes scarring. The oxygen-rich environment aids in the regeneration of damaged skin and tissues.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be life-threatening, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Breathing pure oxygen at high pressure removes CO from the blood more quickly than breathing oxygen at normal pressure, preventing long-term damage to organs.
Caused by bacterial infection (Clostridium), gas gangrene leads to tissue death and can spread rapidly. HBOT helps control the infection by increasing oxygen levels in tissues where bacteria cannot survive, while simultaneously promoting tissue repair.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is often treated with HBOT, as the oxygen helps restore blood flow to the inner ear, aiding recovery.
For chronic wounds or injuries caused by trauma, such as diabetic ulcers or crush injuries, HBOT accelerates healing. Oxygen facilitates the regeneration of blood vessels and combats infection, making it an effective solution for wounds resistant to standard treatments.
Patients undergoing cancer treatment often suffer tissue damage from radiation. HBOT reduces inflammation and aids in the recovery of irradiated tissues, significantly improving quality of life.
For patients receiving skin grafts, HBOT ensures the graft attaches properly and survives by enhancing blood vessel growth and oxygenation.
In cases of trauma where body parts are subjected to extreme force, such as car accidents, HBOT reduces swelling, improves oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, and speeds up recovery.
When blood transfusions are not possible, HBOT can deliver oxygen directly to tissues, compensating for the lack of hemoglobin.
The hyperbaric chamber at RSUD KOTA Mataram is a cornerstone of regional healthcare. For residents and visitors of Lombok and the Gili Islands, having a modern, fully operational facility nearby eliminates the need for long and often dangerous evacuations to other parts of Indonesia.
While decompression sickness remains rare, it can occur due to equipment malfunction, poor planning, or unpredictable circumstances. Having a hyperbaric chamber close by ensures swift treatment and prevents the progression of symptoms, which could otherwise result in long-term disabilities or fatalities.
The chamber isn’t just a resource for tourists. Residents suffering from chronic wounds, infections, or injuries also benefit. Its presence highlights RSUD KOTA Mataram’s commitment to advanced healthcare, enhancing medical outcomes for locals.
A state-of-the-art facility is only as good as the team running it. RSUD KOTA Mataram boasts specialists trained in hyperbaric medicine, ensuring treatments are carried out safely and effectively. From diagnosing conditions that benefit from HBOT to monitoring patients during sessions, the staff is essential to the chamber’s success.
For divers, this means they are treated by professionals who understand both the medical and diving aspects of decompression sickness. For non-divers, it guarantees that their medical conditions are managed with precision.
For a small island like Gili Air, the hyperbaric chamber at RSUD KOTA Mataram is a vital link in maintaining the safety and health of both its residents and its thriving tourism industry. Dive operators such as Oceans 5 Gili Air can confidently welcome divers, knowing that the region is prepared for emergencies.
The chamber also reinforces the region’s growing reputation for sustainable and responsible tourism. As the diving industry emphasizes safety and environmental protection, having a facility to handle worst-case scenarios ensures the wellbeing of those exploring underwater wonders.
The hyperbaric chamber at RSUD KOTA Mataram is a lifesaving resource for divers and a versatile medical tool for various conditions. While it provides critical care for decompression sickness, its applications extend far beyond diving, addressing a wide range of health issues, from severe burns to chronic infections.
For the Gili Islands and Lombok, the chamber is a testament to the region’s dedication to high-quality healthcare. Whether for tourists seeking adventure or locals in need of advanced medical care, the hyperbaric chamber stands as a beacon of safety and innovation. Its presence not only supports the diving industry but also ensures better health outcomes for the entire community.
Oceans 5 Gili Air, a PADI Career Development Centre, emphasizes instructor growth alongside offering premier diving experiences. With continuous learning opportunities, instructors like Ary, Chika, Yunus, Tama, and Waz advance their skills, inspiring future dive professionals. This commitment to development promotes exceptional training and enhances the dive center’s reputation in the industry.
Pointer sticks, essential tools for dive guides to highlight marine life, have seen misuse as buoyancy aids and noise-makers, which can harm the environment and misrepresent diving skills. Oceans 5 Gili Air advocates for responsible use of pointer sticks solely to enhance underwater experiences, promoting excellent buoyancy and conservation among divers.
Fifteen years ago, Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam began a partnership that would shape their futures and foster community-driven conservation efforts across Indonesia. Master Selam, one of Indonesia’s most trusted dive equipment distributors, has been a foundational partner for Oceans 5, equipping their team with reliable gear from renowned brands like Aqualung and Suunto. This long-standing relationship has empowered the dive center’s mission to promote marine conservation and to support the next generation of marine scientists.
As the only PADI Career Development Centre on Gili Air, Oceans 5 is dedicated to quality, community, and environmental stewardship. Their commitment extends beyond training divers and instructors; they focus on empowering local talent and fostering a sustainable future. The partnership with Master Selam has been instrumental in helping Oceans 5 fulfill this mission, particularly through their support of the Marine Science Faculty at the University of Mataram.
As one of Indonesia’s largest distributors of premium dive equipment, Master Selam supplies reliable gear for both recreational and professional divers, carrying brands such as Aqualung and Suunto. Built on trust and dependability, Master Selam has become the backbone for dive centers across Indonesia. Their partnership with Oceans 5 is rooted in a shared vision of promoting safe diving practices and enhancing the diving industry with quality equipment.
For Oceans 5, having Master Selam as a partner means access to top-tier gear, essential for maintaining the safety and satisfaction of their clients. From beginners in the PADI Open Water Course to advanced professional candidates in the Instructor Development Course, Oceans 5 can count on Master Selam for high-quality, durable equipment.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s dedication to marine conservation includes a partnership with the Marine Science Faculty of the University of Mataram, offering students a unique opportunity to conduct marine fieldwork through reef surveys around the Gili Islands. This initiative allows students to apply their academic knowledge and gather scientific data on the marine life they hope to protect.
Oceans 5 organizes four survey dives over two days each week, where students document coral health, fish populations, and invertebrate diversity. This data is invaluable for their research papers, providing real-world insights into reef health and biodiversity. The program gives students a powerful step into the field of marine conservation, where their hands-on experience is as crucial as the data they collect.
Master Selam’s support has been pivotal for these student-led surveys. Seeing the importance of this work, Master Selam recently donated essential dive equipment—including fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits—to ensure that the students are fully equipped to conduct their research safely and effectively. This donation removes financial barriers for the students, allowing them to focus entirely on their research and conservation goals.
Oceans 5 Gili Air has long believed in the power of empowering local talent and supporting sustainable growth. In Indonesia, where tourism plays a crucial role in the economy, it’s essential to foster an environment that uplifts the local community. Oceans 5 sees their collaboration with the Marine Science Faculty and Master Selam as a critical part of this vision, helping local students achieve their dreams of becoming marine biologists.
Master Selam’s donation of equipment is a testament to their dedication to the diving industry and the future of marine conservation in Indonesia. By providing gear for aspiring marine scientists, they’re investing in a sustainable future for the oceans and the communities that rely on them. Together, Oceans 5 and Master Selam demonstrate the impact of a partnership rooted in shared goals, creating opportunities that extend far beyond Gili Air and inspire young Indonesians to make a difference in the marine field.
Every week, under the guidance of Oceans 5, the students from the University of Mataram participate in survey dives, gaining valuable practical experience. The data they collect on coral health, bleaching indicators, and reef species provides critical insights for marine research and conservation efforts. The program’s hands-on nature not only enhances the students’ understanding of marine biology but also gives them a sense of the real-world challenges in ocean conservation.
For many students, these dives represent the realization of a dream to work in marine biology, as they apply classroom knowledge to conservation efforts. This invaluable experience is now accessible thanks to the equipment donated by Master Selam, allowing students to conduct their work comfortably and confidently. Each dive helps the students gain skills that will shape their careers, fostering a passion for marine protection.
Oceans 5’s relationship with Master Selam transcends a typical supplier-client interaction. Based on mutual respect and shared values, their partnership has strengthened over the years because both organizations see the significance of their combined impact on the local community. Oceans 5 can rely on Master Selam to provide high-quality equipment essential for meeting the needs of their customers and maintaining their professional standards.
In return, Oceans 5 showcases the reliability of the brands Master Selam distributes, demonstrating their quality in real-world settings through professional dive courses and experiences. This partnership is a model for what can be achieved when two organizations commit to shared values and goals in support of local communities and the environment.
The collaboration between Oceans 5, Master Selam, and the University of Mataram’s Marine Science Faculty is secured through a long-term agreement that promises ongoing support. With this commitment, both Oceans 5 and Master Selam can continue investing in the future of local marine scientists and conservation in the Gili Islands.
Through their partnership, they’re creating a ripple effect of positive change within the local community, providing Indonesian students with practical skills and meaningful experience in marine conservation. By enabling these young marine enthusiasts to develop their expertise, Oceans 5 and Master Selam are establishing a legacy of environmental stewardship that will inspire generations to come.
As the world shifts toward more sustainable practices, partnerships like that of Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam illustrate what’s possible when organizations focus on environmental responsibility and community impact. Through their combined efforts, they’re not only supporting the local economy but also creating pathways for students to become the marine scientists and environmental advocates of tomorrow.
Master Selam’s equipment donation has enabled Oceans 5 to provide a no-cost conservation program for students, removing financial obstacles and opening doors to aspiring marine biologists. This partnership exemplifies how organizations can work together to support local communities and invest in a sustainable future.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam, the past 15 years have been a journey of collaboration and purpose. Together, they’ve shown that a shared mission can have far-reaching impacts, empowering local talent, enhancing community well-being, and preserving the beauty of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems for generations. As they look forward, both Oceans 5 and Master Selam remain dedicated to supporting each other and the causes they believe in, working hand in hand to make a lasting, positive impact on the people and oceans of Indonesia.
In summary, the partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam reflects a commitment to quality, conservation, and community. Through their support of the University of Mataram’s Marine Science Faculty, Oceans 5 and Master Selam are empowering young Indonesians to pursue careers in marine science and environmental protection, while contributing to a sustainable future for Indonesia’s oceans and coastal communities.
PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) di Oceans 5 Gili Air menawarkan pelatihan komprehensif bagi calon instruktur selam di lokasi yang menakjubkan. Dipimpin oleh Sander Buis, kursus ini menekankan pengajaran yang dipersonalisasi dalam kelompok kecil, penekanan pada konservasi, serta persiapan yang solid untuk ujian instruktur, menciptakan pengalaman transformasi yang unik.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is offering PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) with limited spots for personalized training. The November IDC is fully booked, and January/February spaces are filling quickly. With a maximum of six candidates, the center prioritizes quality instruction in a supportive, family-like environment, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for their diving careers.
This October, Gili Air welcomed back LUNI Lombok for a two-week cat clinic that brought hope and care to the island’s feline population. With nearly 300 cats receiving medical attention, sterilization, and vaccinations, this event demonstrated the powerful impact of community-driven animal welfare. Thanks to the partnership between LUNI Lombok, local businesses, and Oceans 5 Gili Air, the clinic became a resounding success, laying the groundwork for future clinics aimed at managing the cat population and maintaining the health of animals across the Gili Islands.
LUNI Lombok is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals across the Gili Islands. With a long-term vision to expand their work to new areas, LUNI Lombok has identified five key goals that guide their operations:
Food & Water:
LUNI Lombok’s mission starts with ensuring that every animal on the Gili Islands has access to food and clean water, along with caring eyes to monitor their well-being.
Sterilization and Vaccination:
To control the stray cat population, LUNI Lombok aims to sterilize and vaccinate at least 80% of the cat population on Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno. They achieve this goal through permanent clinics and pop-up Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, like the one hosted at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Veterinary Care:
Beyond cats, LUNI Lombok’s veterinary care program extends to other animals on the islands such as goats, cows etc, ensuring all animals in need receive medical assistance through mobile vet services or at their clinic. Cats without an owner receive free treatment if they are sick or injured.
Rescue and Rehabilitation:
LUNI Lombok responds to emergencies by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming wildlife such as snakes, civet cats, birds, asian leopard cats and other wild animals. Their rescue efforts ensure the islands’ ecosystems remain in balance and human-wildlife interactions are handled safely.
Education and Community Support:
LUNI Lombok believes in fostering a sense of responsibility within the local community by promoting animal welfare education, encouraging cat fostering and adoption, and hosting events to raise awareness.
The organization’s work on the Gili Islands reflects a commitment not just to animal health, but also to building sustainable systems for the future, where communities can coexist harmoniously with local wildlife and awareness how to take care of pets.
LUNI Lombok’s recent two-week cat clinic on Gili Air was a milestone event, treating nearly 300 cats in just 14 days. The growing cat population on Gili Air makes such initiatives essential, as unchecked growth can lead to health issues and overpopulation. The clinic was organized at Oceans 5 Gili Air, transforming two of its classrooms into specialized spaces—one for surgery and the other for recovery.
Under the careful supervision of Nina and her team of experienced veterinarians, the clinic became a beacon of hope for cat owners and stray animals alike. Their work included:
With these efforts, LUNI Lombok took significant steps toward controlling the cat population and keeping it healthy. Their work not only benefits the cats but also ensures that Gili Air’s unique ecosystem remains balanced.
The clinic’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of Oceans 5 Gili Air and local businesses. By providing classrooms as surgery and recovery rooms, Oceans 5 enabled LUNI Lombok’s team to focus fully on the animals. The dive center also served as a logistical base for the clinic, helping volunteers stay organized and comfortable.
Local businesses also stepped up by offering meals, refreshments, and accommodation to the hardworking team. The community spirit during the clinic showed how Gili Air’s businesses and residents understand the importance of animal welfare and are ready to contribute actively.
“Thank you” is extended not just to LUNI Lombok and the volunteers, but to everyone in the community—from businesses to individuals—who helped make the clinic possible. Their support demonstrates how partnerships between animal welfare organizations and local communities can foster lasting change.
The impressive turnout at this year’s clinic was just the beginning. With close to 300 cats helped in two weeks, the team’s efforts are a step toward achieving LUNI Lombok’s goal of sterilizing and vaccinating 80% of the stray cat population on the Gili Islands. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
Plans for 2025 are already underway. Next year, LUNI Lombok will return to Gili Air, not for two weeks, but for multiple shorter clinics throughout the year. The dates will be announced soon, providing more regular opportunities to address animal needs and keep the population under control.
These more frequent clinics will ensure that:
The Gili Islands are known for their beautiful beaches and thriving tourism industry, but they are also home to many stray animals that rely on community support. Managing the animal population is essential not just for the animals’ well-being but also for the overall health of the islands.
Without intervention, the cat population can grow uncontrollably, leading to food shortages, diseases, and conflicts between animals. Additionally, unmanaged animal populations can affect tourism by creating health risks and diminishing the island’s appeal to visitors.
As this year’s clinic comes to a close, the entire Gili Air community extends its gratitude to LUNI Lombok and the volunteers who gave their time and energy to care for the island’s cats. A special thank you also goes to Oceans 5 Gili Air for hosting the clinic and to the local businesses that provided the team with food, drinks, and accommodation.
The success of this clinic is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and organizations unite toward a common goal. The next time LUNI Lombok returns, the community will once again welcome them with open arms, ready to support their mission of animal care and population management.
If you are passionate about animal welfare, there are several ways to get involved:
With clinics like these, LUNI Lombok’s vision of healthy, cared-for animals on the Gili Islands is becoming a reality. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of local businesses, and the enthusiasm of the community, the future looks bright—for both Gili Air’s cats and the people who care for them.
Special note for all the businesses who were supporting the cat clinic, Thank You:
Crafty Giraffe Gili Air
Gili Air, known for its beauty, faces pollution challenges, prompting local hero Rama, 23, to lead a grassroots movement tackling waste. Starting from beach cleanups, he created a recycling business, collaborating with local businesses to manage waste effectively. His inspiring journey highlights the impact of individual action for environmental change.