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Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?

Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?

Is Scuba Diving Dangerous? Understanding the Risks, Realities, and Safety of Diving at Oceans 5 Gili Air One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Oceans 5 Gili Air is, “Is scuba diving dangerous?” And it’s a fair question—when people imagine diving, they often think 

Upcoming PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air with Course Director Waz

Upcoming PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air with Course Director Waz

Upcoming PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air Embrace Excellence: PADI IDC Starting July 2nd, 2025 Are you ready to elevate your scuba diving career and become an exemplary PADI Instructor? Oceans 5 Gili Air invites aspiring dive professionals to join the upcoming Instructor Development 

What to Do When You Get Stung by a Jellyfish: Facts, Myths, and Ocean Wisdom from the Gili Islands

What to Do When You Get Stung by a Jellyfish: Facts, Myths, and Ocean Wisdom from the Gili Islands

Jellyfish—graceful, translucent drifters of the ocean—can bring a moment of wonder when spotted underwater. But for many divers and swimmers, an encounter with a jellyfish is far from magical. A sting from these gelatinous creatures can lead to anything from a mild itch to a painful rash or, in rare cases, a serious reaction requiring medical care. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, safety and education are part of every dive, and understanding how to respond to a jellyfish sting is just as important as knowing how to clear a mask or check your dive gear.

Around the Gili Islands, jellyfish sightings are usually limited to just a few days at a time. The ocean currents and seasonal winds tend to bring in small groups of jellyfish, then carry them away just as quickly. Most stings are minor and manageable with basic first aid. But understanding what to do if you’re stung—and what not to do—can make a huge difference in your recovery and your overall diving experience.


1. Understanding Jellyfish in the Gili Islands

Transient Visitors of the Sea

Unlike in some tropical destinations where jellyfish populations remain steady year-round, the Gili Islands experience short periods when jellyfish are more common. These periods are largely dictated by ocean currents and wind patterns, which may bring blooms of jellyfish closer to shore or into popular dive sites. A bloom might last only a few days before the same currents and wind disperse the animals elsewhere.

Most jellyfish encountered around the Gilis are small, transparent species—often hard to spot until it’s too late. Divers occasionally report seeing small jellyfish or “stingers”, which are parts of jellyfish tentacles or tiny jellyfish larvae. These can float freely in the water and still contain active stinging cells, called nematocysts, capable of triggering a reaction.


Rare but Noteworthy: The Portuguese Man-of-War

Man of War | Gili Islands
Man of War | Gili Islands

Although exceedingly rare in this region, there have been occasional sightings of the Portuguese Man-of-War—a colonial organism often mistaken for a jellyfish but even more dangerous. When one is spotted, dive shops around the Gili Islands immediately alert each other via a shared WhatsApp safety group. As a precaution, dive sites with sightings are avoided until it’s safe to return.


2. What Happens When You’re Stung?

How Jellyfish Sting

Jellyfish use tentacles lined with thousands of specialized cells to paralyze or capture prey. These stinging cells, called cnidocytes, discharge tiny barbs that inject venom. Humans are not the intended target, but our skin can still trigger the release of these barbs when it comes into contact with jellyfish tentacles or drifting stingers.

The Body’s Reaction

The effects of a jellyfish sting can vary depending on:

  • The type of jellyfish
  • The individual’s sensitivity or allergies
  • The area of the body affected
  • The duration of contact

For most people around the Gilis, jellyfish stings cause:

  • Mild itching or burning
  • Redness or rash-like welts
  • Localized swelling

In rare cases, some individuals may experience:

  • Nausea or dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

3. First Aid for Jellyfish Stings

Do NOT:

Let’s start by debunking common myths, because some instinctive actions can actually worsen the pain:

  • ❌ Do not pee on the sting: Contrary to popular belief (and movie scenes), urine does not neutralize jellyfish venom and may even trigger more stings by causing undischarged nematocysts to fire.
  • ❌ Do not rub the area: Rubbing can activate more stinging cells or spread the venom.
  • ❌ Do not rinse with fresh water: Freshwater can cause the stingers to discharge more venom.

Do:

Here’s the correct first aid protocol, which we at Oceans 5 Gili Air follow on our dive boats and in the dive center:

  1. Exit the water calmly and safely.
    • Avoid panic. Signal your buddy or dive guide, and make your way to the boat or shore.
  2. Rinse the affected area with vinegar.
    • We always keep a bottle of vinegar in our emergency box onboard all Oceans 5 boats. Vinegar neutralizes the nematocysts and prevents them from firing further.
    • If vinegar is unavailable, use saltwaternot freshwater.
  3. Remove tentacles carefully.
    • Use tweezers or the edge of a card (like a credit card) to gently scrape off any remaining tentacles.
    • Wear gloves if available, or use a towel or cloth to protect your hands.
  4. Apply heat.
    • Immersing the sting area in hot water (40–45°C) for 20 to 45 minutes can relieve pain by denaturing the venom proteins.
    • If hot water is unavailable, a warm compress may also help.
  5. Monitor for allergic reaction.
    • If the diver shows signs of difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling beyond the sting area, seek emergency medical care immediately.

4. When to Seek Medical Attention

Most jellyfish stings on Gili Air are mild and treatable on-site with vinegar and rest. But seek medical help if:

  • Pain is severe or spreading
  • There’s swelling on the face, neck, or genitals
  • Shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion develops
  • The sting covers a large area of the body
  • There’s a known allergy to insect or marine stings

Clinics on Gili Air

Gili Air has several clinics equipped to handle jellyfish stings and mild allergic reactions. Doctors speak English and can provide antihistamines, pain relief, and further treatment if needed.

If further care is required, especially for severe reactions, transport to hospitals in Lombok is arranged. Clinics on Gili Air work with boat operators and hospitals to ensure fast evacuation if necessary. Thankfully, such situations are extremely rare.


5. Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk of Jellyfish Stings

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our dive team takes proactive measures to protect divers and snorkelers. Here’s how you can help reduce the chances of getting stung:

Listen to Your Guides

If jellyfish are present, dive shops will inform you. We may:

  • Change the dive site
  • Delay the dive
  • Advise on extra precautions

We always put safety first, and the ocean provides many alternative dive sites to explore while we wait for jellyfish to move on.


Wear Protection

  • full-length wetsuit or rash guard acts as a physical barrier against jellyfish tentacles.
  • Gloves, boots, and hoods provide added protection, especially in peak jellyfish seasons.

Look Before You Leap

  • Before jumping into the water, especially from boats, scan the surface for jellyfish or tentacles.
  • If you see jellyfish floating on the surface or trapped around mooring lines, inform your guide.

Avoid Touching Suspicious Objects

Even jellyfish tentacles washed up on the beach can still sting. Do not touch marine debris or unfamiliar creatures with bare hands.


6. The Myth of Peeing on a Jellyfish Sting

Let’s clarify this once more—urine is not a jellyfish cure.

The myth likely arose from a misunderstanding about acidity or salinity. However, urine’s composition varies greatly, and in many cases it triggers more stings instead of easing them. Studies have shown that:

  • Vinegar or acetic acid works best for box jellyfish and stingers
  • Hot water immersion is one of the most reliable ways to relieve pain and reduce venom activity

In other words: leave the first aid to proper tools—not your bladder.


7. Oceans 5’s Approach to Jellyfish Safety

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, every diver receives a comprehensive safety briefing before entering the water. During certain seasons, our briefings include jellyfish awareness, and our guides inspect the water before dives.

Onboard each boat, we carry:

  • Emergency first aid kits
  • Vinegar bottles
  • Gloves and tweezers
  • Oxygen units and communication tools for contacting clinics if needed

Our staff are trained in first aid and emergency oxygen provision, and our divemasters and instructors receive regular refreshers to handle marine-related incidents.


8. Final Thoughts: Respect the Ocean, Be Prepared

Jellyfish stings can be unpleasant, but with the right knowledge and tools, they are easy to manage and rarely dangerous—especially around Gili Air.

The ocean is a shared space. Jellyfish, like sharks, corals, and turtles, are part of the rich ecosystem that makes the Gili Islands a top dive destination. As divers and snorkelers, we are guests in their world. That means:

  • Understanding marine life
  • Respecting ocean creatures
  • Acting responsibly in the water

If you’re diving with us at Oceans 5 and encounter jellyfish or get stung, know that you’re in safe hands. We’re here to ensure that your dive experience is not only unforgettable but also safe, respectful, and well-supported.


9. Want to Learn More?

If you’re interested in marine safety, jellyfish biology, or ocean conservation, talk to our team. We regularly organize:

  • Reef and beach cleanups
  • Conservation talks
  • PADI Specialty Courses like Underwater Naturalist and Project AWARE

And if you’re curious about first aid for marine injuries, consider enrolling in the PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) course or the Rescue Diver Course.


10. Summary: What to Do if You’re Stung by a Jellyfish

StepAction
1Exit the water calmly
2Rinse with vinegar (not fresh water)
3Remove tentacles gently with tweezers or a card
4Apply heat (hot water immersion)
5Monitor for allergic reaction
6Seek medical help if symptoms are severe

Oceans 5 Gili Air is here to keep you safe, informed, and inspired. Whether you’re diving for the first time or you’re a seasoned instructor, our team is ready to guide you through every wave, every reef, and—on rare occasions—every jellyfish sting.

Protecting Gili Air’s Underwater World: An Amazing Evening Led by Oceans 5

Protecting Gili Air’s Underwater World: An Amazing Evening Led by Oceans 5

A Mission Beneath the Surface It was an amazing evening in the harbor of Gili Air. As the sun began to set and painted the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, a dedicated team of divers gathered for a mission that went beyond 

Why You Should Start Your Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Why You Should Start Your Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Divemaster Internship Embarking on a Divemaster internship marks the first major step toward becoming a dive professional, transforming your passion for diving into a rewarding career. Choosing the right dive center to undertake this internship is crucial for your professional growth, skill enhancement, and future 

The Newest Development on Gili Air: A Safe Haven for Island Cats – The LUNI Lombok Cat Clinic

The Newest Development on Gili Air: A Safe Haven for Island Cats – The LUNI Lombok Cat Clinic

The Newest Development on Gili Air: A Safe Haven for Island Cats

The tranquil island of Gili Air is often praised for its white sand beaches, welcoming locals, and laid-back atmosphere—but beneath the postcard-perfect surface lies a growing movement of sustainability, community care, and compassion. In the past few weeks, this movement reached a new milestone with the official opening of the first-ever cat clinic on Gili Air, a project initiated and operated by LUNI Lombok.

This heartwarming development adds to an already exciting string of changes on the island, including the introduction of a glass crusher machine to produce eco-friendly building bricks, and the establishment of a new bicycle parking area near the harbor to improve road safety and organization. But this time, it’s the island’s animals—specifically its feline residents—that are at the center of attention.

Let’s take a closer look at what this new cat clinic means for Gili Air, the long-term vision of LUNI Lombok, and how you can get involved to support this vital cause.


The Birth of the Cat Clinic on Gili Air

Until recently, animal welfare efforts on Gili Air were primarily event-based. LUNI Lombok, a nonprofit organization committed to animal welfare across the Gili Islands and Lombok, would host pop-up cat clinics several times a year. These events, offering neutering, vaccinations, and medical care, were always welcomed by both locals and foreign residents alike.

However, it became increasingly clear that temporary efforts weren’t enough. The need for continuous, reliable veterinary care—especially for street cats—grew urgent. The solution? A permanent, fully functioning cat clinic right here on Gili Air.

Located behind the Burrito Project and near Kantor Desa, the new cat clinic is modest but well-equipped. It includes:

  • consultation room where sick or injured animals can be assessed and treated,
  • surgery room for sterilizations and minor operations,
  • recovery area where cats can rest and regain their strength post-treatment.

While the clinic is still in its startup phase and formal opening hours are yet to be finalized, operations are expected to run smoothly in the coming weeks. Once fully operational, it will be a lifeline for stray cats across the island—and hopefully, one day, for animals across all three Gilis.


Why This Clinic Matters

The opening of this clinic is more than just a local improvement. It represents a shift in community mindset, highlighting the importance of coexisting with animals in a compassionate, responsible way. For years, street cats on the Gilis have lived in unpredictable and sometimes unsafe conditions. Many suffer from malnutrition, parasites, or untreated injuries. With this new clinic, help is now just around the corner.

Cat Clinic Gili Air | LUNI Lombok

LUNI Lombok is a grassroots movement with a big heart and a big vision. Their mission isn’t just about cats—it’s about building a sustainable, ethical, and supportive environment for all animals on the Gilis. And they’ve mapped out a clear roadmap to get there.


LUNI Lombok’s Long-Term Goals

1. Food, Water, and Shelter

Every animal deserves the basics—food, clean water, and a safe space to rest. One of the main missions of LUNI Lombok is to ensure that no animal goes hungry or thirsty, and that basic shelter and compassion are available across the island. Whether through donations, community food stations, or partnerships with local businesses, this goal is already being acted upon daily.

2. Sterilisation and Vaccination

Uncontrolled reproduction among the island’s street cats has led to a boom in population—and with that, more mouths to feed, more illnesses to treat, and more suffering. LUNI Lombok aims to sterilize and vaccinate 80% of the stray cat population across all three Gili Islands through both the permanent Gili Air clinic and pop-up Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.

Sterilization not only helps control the population but reduces aggressive behavior, territorial fights, and the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccination protects both the animals and humans from preventable illnesses.

3. Veterinary Care

From skin infections to respiratory diseases, injuries from accidents, or digestive issues from scavenging spoiled food, the range of health problems street cats face is vast. The cat clinic on Gili Air will provide daily access to vet care, ensuring treatment is not just a luxury for owned pets but a right for all animals—street cats included.

But it doesn’t stop with cats. LUNI Lombok also provides mobile veterinary care, extending help to dogs, turtles, and even wildlife such as snakes that may be injured or displaced.

4. Rescue and Rehabilitation

Beyond cats and dogs, the Gili Islands are home to a variety of species, from birds to reptiles. LUNI Lombok plans to expand its rescue and rehabilitation efforts to include wildlife in distress. Whether it’s a sea turtle caught in fishing line or a snake stuck in a village garden, the goal is to protect, rehabilitate, and if possible, return the animal to its natural habitat.

Cat Clinic Gili Air | LUNI Lombok
Cat Clinic Gili Air | LUNI Lombok

5. Education and Community Engagement

Lasting change doesn’t come from one clinic or one team. It comes from a community that understands the value of compassion. LUNI Lombok is passionate about educating locals, visitors, and school children on how to care for animals properly. They also run initiatives like the Cat Café, where cats can be fostered in a relaxing environment while raising awareness and adoption interest.


How You Can Help – Be a Cat Superhero!

This movement can’t survive without its superheroes—and that’s where you come in.

🌟 Get Involved

LUNI Lombok’s success depends on support from animal lovers both near and far. Whether you live on Gili Air or are just visiting, there are plenty of ways to contribute. From helping at the clinic to spreading the word online, every bit of support counts. Email [email protected] to see how you can help today.

💸 Donations

Every rupiah makes a difference. Donations help cover the cost of:

  • Veterinary supplies
  • Food and water
  • Shelter maintenance
  • Emergency surgeries
  • Outreach and education

If you’re in a position to help financially, your donation will be directly channelled to saving lives on the Gili Islands.

🧴 Medical Supplies Wishlist

Planning a trip to the Gilis? Check LUNI Lombok’s medical wishlist and see if you can bring any supplies with you. Items like antiseptic, flea treatment, gloves, cat food, or syringes can be expensive or hard to source locally. Your contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way.

🐱 Foster a Cat

Sometimes a cat just needs a little extra love. Whether they are recovering from surgery or simply need socialization, fostering provides a safe and loving environment for cats to heal and thrive.

If you have time, patience, and love to give, please consider becoming a foster parent. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to contribute—and you might just fall in love with a new feline friend.

Interested? Simply fill out the fostering questionnaire at the clinic or contact the LUNI Lombok team online.


A Bigger Picture: Gili Air’s Sustainability Shift

The cat clinic is not an isolated improvement—it’s part of a greater wave of sustainability and responsibility sweeping across Gili Air.

♻️ Glass Crusher & Eco Bricks

In June 2024, Gili Cares received a donation to install a glass crushing machine. Now, with the right permits in place, glass bottles are transformed into eco bricks, made with a blend of sand, cement, and crushed glass. These bricks are twice the size of normal ones and ideal for local construction projects.

This initiative is helping to reduce the massive stockpile of discarded bottles and repurpose waste into a valuable construction material—reducing shipping costs, emissions, and landfill overflow.

🚲 New Bicycle Parking Area

Another recent upgrade is the creation of a dedicated bicycle parking area in the harbor, next to Oceans 5 Gili Air. With more and more tourists and locals using bicycles, the roads near the harbor were becoming dangerously congested. Horse carts couldn’t pass, accidents were on the rise, and the arrival area looked chaotic.

Now, with structured paid parking (IDR 3,000 per day), the streets are safer, horses are better protected, and tourists arriving on the island are greeted by an organized, peaceful setting.

These efforts reflect a collective goal: to make Gili Air a model for sustainable, safe, and compassionate island living.


The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Gili Air?

With the momentum from these recent developments, it’s clear that Gili Air is evolving—not by losing its charm, but by enriching its soul.

The cat clinic by LUNI Lombok is a symbol of this progress: a small space with a huge heart, representing a commitment to kindness, care, and community action.

As the clinic becomes more established, we can expect:

  • Regular opening hours
  • More veterinary visits
  • Pop-up TNR days across the island
  • Increased community education
  • Volunteer programs for tourists and locals alike

It’s a beginning—a beautiful, necessary one.


Final Thoughts

Gili Air is changing, and it’s not just about better infrastructure or cleaner beaches—it’s about how we care for all who live here, humans and animals alike.

The launch of the LUNI Lombok Cat Clinic marks a new chapter in island compassion. Alongside eco-conscious innovations like the glass brick project and improved harbor parking, the clinic shows what’s possible when locals, expats, and travelers come together with one goal: to make the island a better place for everyone.

So next time you walk past the Burrito Project or cycle through the harbor, remember: a small clinic is quietly doing life-saving work, one cat at a time. And if you’re wondering how you can help—donate, foster, volunteer, or simply spread the word.

The cats of Gili Air thank you.


Get Involved LUNI Lombok’s success depends on the support of many cat super heroes. Get involved now and help put the smiles back on the faces of disadvantaged street cats. Email[email protected]

Donations Your support goes a long way towards the animals of the Gili Islands! Your donation will be channeled to providing food, clean water, and medical care for street cats and wildlife.

Medical Supplies Wishlist Your support helps us provide life-saving care for the animals of the Gili Islands! If you’re visiting and can source any supplies, we would be so grateful.

Fostering We need help fostering cats when they are unwell. Shower them with love, help them socialize, and ensure they return to full health. If you would like to foster with us, please fill in the fostering questionnaire available at the clinic or online.

From Waste to Walls: How Gili Air Is Turning Glass Bottles into Bricks

From Waste to Walls: How Gili Air Is Turning Glass Bottles into Bricks

How Gili Air Is Turning Glass Bottles into Bricks A Sustainability Revolution Begins The island of Gili Air, known for its turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere, is undergoing a quiet revolution. Not in politics or tourism, but in waste management—specifically in how 

Celebrating 15 Years of Oceans 5 Gili Air

Celebrating 15 Years of Oceans 5 Gili Air

Celebrating 15 Years of Oceans 5 Gili Air: A Vision Realized Since 16 April 2010 On 16 April 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air received an email from PADI that would change the future of diving on Gili Air forever. That message officially confirmed Oceans 5 as 

For Everything There Is a First Time: Waz Leads His First PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air

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.

PADI Course Director Waz | PADI IDC Gili Islands | Oceans 5 Gili Air
PADI Course Director Waz | PADI IDC Gili Islands | Oceans 5 Gili Air

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
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The Best Times for Diving Around the Gili Islands: What Every Diver Should Know

The Best Times for Diving Around the Gili Islands: What Every Diver Should Know

The Best Times for Diving Around the Gili Islands The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are often described as paradise on earth. With their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm, they’ve become one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for divers of all