A Changing World Demands a New Kind of Dive Instructor at Oceans 5 Gili Air

A New Kind of Dive Instructor

As marine ecosystems worldwide face increasing pressure from climate change, tourism, and unsustainable practices, the dive industry is evolving. More than ever, future dive instructors must be prepared to lead by example—educating divers not only in skill but in environmental responsibility. Nowhere is this transformation more evident than at Oceans 5 Gili Air, a PADI Career Development Centre located in the heart of the Gili Matra Marine Park, Indonesia.

With upcoming PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) starting on 28 May and 2 July, Oceans 5 offers a unique opportunity to become a PADI Instructor through a 20-day, small-group program under the direct guidance of two highly respected educators: PADI Course Director Warren “Waz” Beyers and Platinum PADI Course Director Sander Buis.

This article explores why Oceans 5’s IDC is not only a high-quality training program, but also a model for responsible and modern scuba instruction in a marine park setting.

A 20-Day Program Focused on Quality, Not Quantity

The PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air runs for 20 days, longer than many standard IDC programs. This extended schedule allows candidates the time and support to truly master their teaching skills, gain confidence in their own diving, and internalize what it means to become a leader in the dive industry.

Rather than racing toward the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), the program at Oceans 5 ensures that every element—classroom theory, confined water presentations, and open water skills—is thoroughly practiced and realistically applied.

Maximum of 6 Candidates Per IDC: Individual Attention Guaranteed

One of the cornerstones of the Oceans 5 teaching philosophy is personal attention. Each IDC is limited to a maximum of six candidates, ensuring every individual receives the guidance, feedback, and mentorship needed to overcome their unique challenges.

This contrasts starkly with larger IDC operations where instructors often have limited time for personalized development. At Oceans 5, the low student-to-instructor ratio creates a supportive environment, fostering growth and communication among candidates and Course Directors alike.

Led by Two Experienced PADI Course Directors

The IDC at Oceans 5 is team-taught by two professionals who bring complementary experience and teaching styles:

• Warren “Waz” Beyers, a dynamic and detail-oriented PADI Course Director, is known for his modern approach, calm demeanor, and ability to explain complex topics with clarity.
• Sander Buis, a Platinum PADI Course Director, has over a decade of experience training instructors and is renowned across Indonesia and beyond for his commitment to environmental education, instructor development, and long-term mentorship.

Their teamwork ensures candidates benefit from multiple perspectives—critical for preparing instructors who can teach in varied conditions, from tropical islands to busy city dive centers.

Teaching Neutral Buoyancy From Day One

In traditional IDCs, it is still common to see instructor candidates practicing skills while kneeling on the ocean floor—a habit that often continues into real-world teaching and results in coral damage and sediment disruption.

Oceans 5 breaks this outdated mold. During the open water components of the IDC, all teaching is done in neutral buoyancy, a skill emphasized from the first day of the course.

This method not only prepares instructors to demonstrate skills responsibly, but also trains them to instill this environmental respect in their future students. It’s a simple yet revolutionary shift that reflects the reality of teaching within a marine park like Gili Matra, where protecting coral reefs is not optional—it’s essential.

Environmental Awareness Beyond the Classroom

Oceans 5 Gili Air’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the structure of the IDC program.

1. Partnership with the University of Mataram

Oceans 5 supports marine conservation research by local students from the University of Mataram. These students conduct reef health surveys around the Gili Islands, often using facilities and equipment provided by Oceans 5. IDC candidates are invited to attend presentations and discussions hosted by these students, deepening their understanding of local marine ecosystems.

2. Weekly Beach and Reef Cleanups

All divemaster and IDC candidates participate in weekly cleanup events, collecting rubbish from the shores and surrounding reefs. These cleanups are more than symbolic—they are an active response to marine pollution, and they reinforce the responsibility instructors have to their underwater “office.”

3. Partnership with BKKPN

Oceans 5 also collaborates with BKKPN (Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional), the Indonesian authority that oversees marine protected areas. This partnership strengthens the dive center’s connection with national conservation goals and ensures that their practices align with the regulatory framework of the Gili Matra Marine Park.

Training Instructors for a Sustainable Dive Industry

It’s one thing to pass the PADI Instructor Examination—it’s another to become an employable, responsible, and confident PADI Instructor. Oceans 5 prioritizes the latter.

Graduates of the IDC at Oceans 5 are not only capable of teaching PADI courses but are also aware of the global movement toward eco-conscious tourism. Many dive resorts today, especially those located in protected marine environments, are actively seeking instructors who can teach without damaging reefs, guide with confidence, and foster environmental awareness among new divers.

At Oceans 5, instructor candidates leave with more than just a certification—they leave with a philosophy of diving that is aligned with the needs of today’s dive industry.

The Value of Location: Gili Air and the Gili Matra Marine Park

Situated on Gili Air, one of three small islands off the northwest coast of Lombok, Oceans 5 is uniquely positioned at the intersection of professional dive education and environmental responsibility.

The Gili Matra Marine Park is one of Indonesia’s top marine reserves. While its coral reefs, turtles, and marine biodiversity attract divers from around the world, the protected status of these waters requires exceptionally high standards of training and behavior from dive professionals.

Oceans 5’s commitment to these standards means that candidates gain first-hand experience navigating the real-world responsibilities of being a dive instructor in a marine park—something that cannot be replicated in non-protected or heavily damaged dive areas.

Preparing for Success, Not Just a Certification

Every candidate enrolled in the IDC at Oceans 5 is mentored beyond the classroom. This includes preparation for job interviews, resume writing, networking in the dive industry, and access to the Oceans 5 alumni network, which spans dive shops across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Many former candidates have found jobs quickly after graduation, especially because they are known to come from a program that emphasizes environmental respect, practical skill, and integrity.

Upcoming Courses and How to Enroll

The next PADI IDC programs at Oceans 5 Gili Air begin on:

• 28 May 2025
• 02 July 2025

Each program runs for 20 days, culminating in the PADI Instructor Examination. If a minimum of four candidates are enrolled, the IE is conducted on Gili Air itself, saving time and logistics for participants.

Spots are limited to six candidates per IDC, so early registration is essential to secure a place.

To enroll or request more information, contact:

 Email: info@oceans5dive.com
WhatsApp: +62 853-3339-7823

Conclusion: A Clear Choice for the Future of Diving

As the dive industry shifts toward more sustainable practices and environmental accountability, dive instructors must adapt. The PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air, led by Waz and Sander, offers an instructor development program that reflects the values of a new era.

With personalized instruction, modern teaching techniques, environmental integration, and a global network of dive professionals, this 20-day course is an investment not just in a career, but in the future of our oceans.

About IDC Gili Islands

IDC Gili Islands and Oceans 5 dive resort conduct once a month a PADI IDC. Oceans 5 is a PADI Career Development Center located on Gili Air, Lombok, Indonesia