PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Community in Action: 65kg of Rubbish This week, a massive beach cleanup took place at the harbor of Gili Air, organized by Oceans 5 Gili Air’s very own divemaster, Zain. With the wind picking up in the afternoons and the swell carrying more and more …
From Divemaster to Dive Instructor After 20 days of dedication, growth, and hard work, Jo, Dania, Nata, and Filippo have officially become PADI Instructors. Their journey at Oceans 5 Gili Air started with passion and ambition, and it ended with the successful completion of the …
Becoming a PADI Instructor is a milestone achievement — the result of weeks (or even months) of dedication, study, and training. For those who complete their Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Oceans 5 Gili Air, the journey doesn’t end with passing the PADI Instructor Examination (IE). In fact, it’s just the beginning of a world filled with new opportunities, further development, and real-life teaching experiences. So, what’s next?
Here’s a look at what newly certified instructors can do after completing their IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
One of the most popular next steps at Oceans 5 Gili Air is the Free PADI IDC Internship. This optional 2–3 week program allows new instructors to assist experienced instructors with real PADI courses. It’s a valuable bridge between training and employment, giving instructors hands-on experience under the mentorship of Oceans 5’s senior team.
During this internship, you’ll assist with Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and even Divemaster courses. You’ll gain insight into how different instructors teach, how to manage students, organize logistics, and handle the unexpected — all in a supportive environment.
This internship helps new instructors build confidence, fine-tune their teaching methods, and gain references for future jobs.
After becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), many candidates choose to take the next step toward becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT).
Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a Specialties Instructor Training Week after every IDC. This is your chance to learn how to teach up to five or more PADI Specialties under the direct supervision of one of the in-house Course Directors. Options include:
Becoming a specialty instructor gives you access to a broader range of students and makes you more attractive to potential employers. Once you’ve taught 25 certifications and have five specialties, you can apply for your MSDT rating.
With a PADI Instructor certification in hand, you’re now ready to teach your own PADI courses — anywhere in the world. But what if you’d rather not leave just yet?
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, it’s not uncommon for former IDC candidates to stay on as instructors, especially during high season. With its consistent flow of students and reputation for quality, Oceans 5 is an ideal place to start your career. Many instructors have taught their very first Open Water, Advanced, or Rescue Diver course right where they were trained.
Even if no teaching positions are currently available, Oceans 5 is well connected to dive centers across Indonesia and globally. Your Course Director and mentor can help guide you in the right direction or provide job recommendations.
For those already thinking long-term, becoming an IDC Staff Instructor is a fantastic way to grow. This allows you to assist on future IDCs, mentor new instructor candidates, and deepen your understanding of PADI’s educational system.
Oceans 5 offers this course under the direct mentorship of its Course Directors. You’ll learn how to evaluate IDC candidates in confined water, classroom, and open water sessions, and play a direct role in their development.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in expanding your limits underwater, Oceans 5 also offers TDI Technical Diving courses. This includes specialties like sidemount, decompression procedures, and other tech diving certifications that are ideal for instructors who want to dive deeper into their career — literally.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, diving isn’t just about teaching — it’s about making a difference. Many new instructors choose to get involved in the dive center’s conservation projects, such as:
By staying active in these programs, you’re not only giving back to the ocean but also enhancing your professional profile as a conservation-minded instructor — something highly valued in today’s dive industry.
And finally, don’t forget to enjoy the tropical island life you’ve worked so hard for. Life on Gili Air is a unique blend of community, nature, and simplicity. Many new instructors take a few weeks to relax, do fun dives, explore Lombok, or just enjoy sunsets with their fellow divers.
At Oceans 5, there’s a strong family atmosphere — many IDC graduates remain connected long after their course ends. Whether you stay on the island or head off for your next dive job, you’ll always have a home base and a support system at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Becoming a PADI Instructor is just the beginning. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the path after your IDC is filled with opportunity — from gaining teaching experience through the free internship, to becoming a Specialty Instructor, MSDT, or even taking your first paid teaching job. You’ll be supported every step of the way by experienced professionals who care about your growth.
So, what can you do after your IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air? The better question might be: what can’t you do? Your diving future starts here — and the ocean is waiting.
The Gili Matra Marine Park The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — are more than just stunning tropical getaways with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. They are located within one of Indonesia’s top ten marine parks, the Gili Matra Marine Park, …
The Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air The Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air is more than just another box to tick on your path to becoming a dive professional — it’s an investment in quality training, fair employment, and a sustainable future …
If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping your office chair for a wetsuit and turning your passion for the ocean into a rewarding career, now is the time to take the plunge. Oceans 5 Gili Air is excited to announce its next PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs), with start dates on August 6th and September 10th. These programs are led by PADI Course Director Waz, whose reputation for shaping confident, adaptable, and environmentally conscious dive instructors has attracted candidates from all over the world.
Whether you’re a freshly minted divemaster ready to step up or a diver returning to the water to chase a dream, the IDC at Oceans 5 offers far more than just a certification — it’s a full transformation.
Unlike some busy training centers where IDCs can feel rushed or crowded, Oceans 5 Gili Air purposefully limits each IDC to a small group of candidates — usually no more than six. This ensures every participant gets meaningful one-on-one time with Course Director Waz and the instructor team. Here, your individual challenges and goals shape the course, not the other way around.
Passing the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) is important, but it’s not the end goal at Oceans 5. The PADI IDC goes beyond ticking boxes: candidates develop the practical skills, communication tools, and teaching mindset they need to thrive in real dive shops, with real students, in real conditions. From day one, emphasis is placed on realistic training scenarios, problem-solving, and creating safe, confident divers — the same philosophy the Oceans 5 team lives by.
At Oceans 5, you’re not only learning how to teach diving — you’re learning to be an ambassador for the ocean. Buoyancy control, eco-friendly dive practices, and conservation knowledge are woven into every part of the program. Candidates often participate in weekly beach and reef cleanups, and conservation workshops are part of the curriculum, giving you the mindset and tools to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.
When you join the IDC at Oceans 5, you’re more than just a candidate — you become part of a small community. The team prides itself on creating a supportive, family-like atmosphere. Candidates often build friendships that last well beyond the course, whether sharing theory tips in the classroom, debriefing skills at the poolside, or enjoying a sunset barbecue on the beach after a long day.
Choosing where to do your IDC is just as important as choosing who trains you — and Gili Air stands out for many reasons.
Unlike Gili Trawangan, which is famous for its nightlife, or Gili Meno, known for its seclusion, Gili Air strikes the perfect balance. It has a laid-back island vibe but still offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and local shops to make your stay comfortable and sociable. After a day of studying and diving, you can relax with a fresh coconut at a beach bar or unwind with live music under the stars.
Gili Air is surrounded by the protected Gili Matra Marine Park, home to stunning coral reefs, abundant marine life, and iconic dive sites — from calm sandy slopes perfect for training to thrilling drift dives and fascinating wrecks. Training in these waters means you graduate with real experience in a variety of conditions.
One of the best things about Gili Air is how compact it is — you can walk or cycle everywhere. No cars, no motorbikes, just sandy paths lined with coconut trees and ocean views. The Oceans 5 dive shop is right by the harbor, so you’re only ever a short stroll from your accommodation, your classroom, the boats, and your favorite local warung for a post-dive snack.
If you’re ready to become a dive instructor — and you want to do it in a place where the training is personal, the standards are high, and the environment is inspiring — mark your calendar for August 6th or September 10th. With only a handful of places available per IDC, spots fill up quickly.
Come to Oceans 5 Gili Air and start your journey to becoming a confident PADI Instructor in a place where the ocean is your office, the island is your backyard, and your classmates often become lifelong dive buddies.
For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Oceans 5 Gili Air:
📧 [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +6285333397823
The Gili Matra Marine Park When you hear the name “Gili Islands”, your mind probably conjures images of palm-fringed beaches, turquoise water, and a laid-back tropical vibe. But for scuba divers, the true treasure of these islands lies beneath the surface — in the vibrant, …
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Inclusion at Oceans 5 Gili Air Every diver remembers that first breath underwater—a moment suspended between nerves and exhilaration. Learning to dive is a deeply personal journey. For some, it’s about mastering buoyancy or clearing a mask without panicking. For others, …
Yesterday was a day to remember at Oceans 5 Gili Air, as Denise and Roland proudly became certified PADI Instructors. Under the guidance of PADI Course Director Waz, the duo completed their 20-day PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and passed their PADI Instructor Examination with flying colors. Their transformation from divemaster to instructor was not just a short journey—it was one built on dedication, experience, and continuity.
Denise and Roland’s journey began several months ago when they enrolled in the Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air. For eight weeks, they immersed themselves in the daily operations of a busy dive center, assisting on real PADI courses, guiding certified divers, and working closely with instructors. They weren’t just completing skills—they were learning the heart of dive education.
By the end of their internship, they had not only earned their divemaster certifications, but had also gained firsthand knowledge of how a high-quality dive operation functions. This foundation gave them a significant head start when they returned to Oceans 5 to begin their IDC.
Choosing to do their Instructor Development Course at the same dive center where they completed their divemaster internship was a natural decision. They already knew the classrooms, pools, equipment, and team. Most importantly, they had assisted on earlier IDCs, giving them insight into the structure and expectations of the program.
This familiarity removed the stress of adjusting to a new environment, allowing Denise and Roland to focus entirely on becoming the best instructors they could be.
Thanks to their solid preparation, Course Director Waz had the opportunity to tailor the IDC to go beyond the basics. Instead of revisiting knowledge and skills they had already mastered, the focus shifted toward real-world teaching techniques that reflect the challenges and opportunities of diving in the Gili Matra Marine Park.
From managing students in gentle currents to promoting marine conservation, the IDC was built around practical training that will serve them throughout their careers. Denise and Roland were not just prepared to pass an exam—they were prepared to teach, lead, and inspire.
One of the defining features of the IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air is the sense of community. Denise and Roland were part of a group that supported and uplifted one another. There was no competition, just shared goals and mutual respect. Long days were balanced with laughter, teamwork, and confidence-building.
By the end of the course, both candidates had grown into their new roles—not just as instructors, but as leaders.
The team at Oceans 5 Gili Air couldn’t be prouder. Denise and Roland have shown what’s possible when passion meets preparation. Their journey is a perfect example of how a thoughtfully structured path—from divemaster to instructor—can lead to real success.
They now leave the IDC not just with a certification, but with the tools and confidence to begin teaching the next generation of divers.
The July IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air is now fully booked, but the next opportunity to start your journey to instructor level begins on the 6th of August. With small groups, experienced Course Directors, and one of the best training environments in Indonesia, spaces won’t last long.
Inspired by Denise and Roland?
Take the next step in your diving career and join the PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air. Your dream of becoming a dive instructor could be just around the corner.
15 Years of Aqualung Rental Equipment at Oceans 5 Gili Air When you walk into the equipment room at Oceans 5 Gili Air, there’s something that immediately stands out—every BCD and regulator carries the trusted Aqualung name. This is no coincidence. For the past 15 years, Oceans …