Become a PADI Instructor in Paradise: The Next PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air Starts 23rd April

Become a PADI Instructor in Paradise

PADI IDC Indonesia | Instructor Course Gili Islands
PADI IDC Indonesia | Instructor Course Gili Islands

Are you ready to trade in your office chair for a wetsuit and take the plunge into a career that blends adventure, education, and environmental conservation? If your dream is to become a PADI Instructor and live the island life, then look no further than Oceans 5 Gili Air—the only PADI Career Development Centre on Gili Air. Their next PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) begins on April 23rd, 2025, and spots are filling up fast.

Missed this one? Don’t worry—the next IDC starts on May 28th, 2025. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or planning ahead, Oceans 5 Gili Air offers you the flexibility and support to turn your passion into a profession.

Let’s dive into what makes the PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air truly exceptional and why it’s the perfect place to start your teaching journey.


A 20-Day IDC Designed for Success

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the PADI IDC is spread over 20 days, giving you the time and space to truly absorb the material, build confidence, and prepare for your future as a dive instructor. Unlike rushed IDCs that cram everything into a tight schedule, this program focuses on quality over quantity. Each session is paced to help you understand PADI’s teaching methods, safety protocols, and professional standards without feeling overwhelmed.

Your 20-day journey includes:

  • Instructor Development Theory

  • Pool and open water teaching presentations

  • Confined and open water skill workshops

  • Rescue skills refreshers

  • PADI standards and risk management sessions

  • Real-life teaching scenarios

  • Environmental awareness and conservation modules

This thoughtful structure means you don’t just pass the Instructor Examination (IE)—you thrive as a confident, well-rounded, and environmentally responsible PADI Instructor.


The Power of Two: Meet Course Directors Sander and Waz

One of the greatest assets of the IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air is the presence of two in-house PADI Course DirectorsSander Buis and Warren Beyers (Waz). Having two experienced mentors brings you multiple perspectives, double the feedback, and a richer learning experience. Sander is known for his calm, methodical approach and deep understanding of PADI standards, while Waz brings high energy, creative teaching techniques, and infectious enthusiasm.

Together, they provide a balanced, team-based learning environment that caters to different learning styles. Whether you’re a visual learner, a hands-on doer, or a textbook reader, you’ll find the support you need. Both Course Directors live on Gili Air year-round and are deeply involved in each IDC—not just for show, but for real mentorship.


Personalized Training: A Family of Six

Oceans 5 Gili Air limits each IDC group to a maximum of six candidates. This isn’t just a number—it’s a philosophy. Smaller groups mean individual attentiontailored feedback, and a stronger sense of community among candidates. You’re not just another face in a crowd. You’re part of a team, a family.

By keeping the group size small, Sander and Waz ensure that each candidate’s weaknesses are addressed and their strengths are amplified. They don’t follow a rigid daily plan—instead, the schedule is flexible, adjusted to what the group needs most. Whether you need extra time with your rescue skills, clarification on standards, or practice teaching in the ocean, your course directors are there to help you every step of the way.


IDC in a Familiar Environment

If there are four or more IDC candidates, the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) is held directly on Gili Air—right at the Oceans 5 Dive Centre. That means no boats, no travel stress, and complete familiarity with the facilities, the pool, and the open water training site. You’ll sleep in your own room, drink coffee at your favorite local café, and know exactly where to go for each part of the IE.

Even if the IE is held on nearby Gili Trawangan, Oceans 5 arranges everything for you—transport, logistics, and even moral support. They’ve done this for years and have a near 100% pass rate.


More Than Just an IDC: Conservation is Key

What sets Oceans 5 apart is not just how they teach, but what they teach. As a Conservation Dive Center, Oceans 5 Gili Air has made environmental conservation a core part of its instructor training. Candidates are introduced to Project AWAREDive Against Debriscoral reef monitoring, and the philosophy of neutral buoyancy diving.

Every IDC includes:

  • A conservation workshop led by in-house experts

  • Participation in weekly beach or underwater cleanups

  • Emphasis on buoyancy control during all dives

  • Understanding how instructors can teach sustainability to their students

You’ll leave not only as a certified dive instructor but also as an ambassador for ocean protection.


Facilities That Support Your Growth

Oceans 5 is more than just a dive center—it’s a fully equipped PADI Career Development Centre, with everything you need to succeed.

On the premises, you’ll find:

  • Two spacious training pools with multiple depths

  • Modern classrooms with air conditioning, projectors, and teaching tools

  • On-site equipment servicing and top-quality gear

  • Comfortable accommodation recommendations

  • A boutique, gym, café, ice cream parlor, and takeaway spots—everything within reach

You can literally live, learn, dive, and relax in one place.


Life on Gili Air: The Perfect Balance

Unlike its party-heavy neighbor Gili Trawangan, Gili Air offers a quieter, more authentic island experience—perfect for focused learning and post-study relaxation. Think morning coffees by the beach, sunset bike rides, and snorkeling just meters from shore.

During your IDC, you’ll find plenty of ways to decompress:

  • Yoga classes right across the street

  • Massages and spa treatments

  • Local warungs and international restaurants

  • Evening beach bonfires and acoustic live music

Gili Air is where education meets vacation, and where your career transformation feels like part of the journey—not a break from it.


Can’t Join in April? Save Your Spot for May 28th

If you can’t make the April 23rd IDC, you don’t have to wait long. The next PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air starts May 28th, 2025. This is the perfect window to start your career before the high season begins in June, giving you time to:

  • Get real teaching experience by joining the free 2–3 week IDC internship at Oceans 5 after your IE

  • Apply for dive instructor jobs across Southeast Asia—or the world

  • Take additional instructor specialty courses offered by Sander and Waz

  • Explore nearby destinations like Komodo, Bali, or Raja Ampat with your new qualifications

And yes, Oceans 5 offers support even after your IE, helping you land that first teaching job, write your resume, and prepare for job interviews.


Testimonials from Past Candidates

Don’t just take our word for it—listen to those who’ve been through it.

“The 20-day structure really gave me the time to learn, not just memorize. Sander and Waz were with us every step of the way, and I left the IDC not just as a dive instructor, but as someone who’s ready to teach with purpose.”
— Jacob, now teaching in the Philippines

“I came here nervous and unsure of my skills. I left confident, prepared, and part of a new family. I can’t recommend Oceans 5 Gili Air enough.”
— Nena, now a PADI Instructor in Thailand

“The focus on conservation really changed how I look at diving. I now teach every student about their impact underwater.”
— Joseph, now leading eco-diving programs in Indonesia


Ready to Join? Here’s How

If you're interested in joining the April 23rd IDC (or want to grab your spot for May 28th), you can contact Oceans 5 Gili Air directly:

📧 Email: info@oceans5dive.com
📱 WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
🌐 Website: www.oceans5dive.com

Spots are strictly limited to 6 candidates per IDC, and they fill up quickly—especially as the diving season gets underway. Don’t wait until the last minute.


Final Thoughts: Your Instructor Journey Starts Here

Becoming a PADI Instructor is not just about passing an exam—it’s about transforming into a professional, a role model, and an ocean advocate. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, you get more than a certification. You gain mentors, lifelong friendships, and a philosophy that will shape your diving career wherever you go.

So whether you’re ready to start on April 23rd or planning for May 28th, Oceans 5 Gili Air is here to support your dream. Dive into your future with confidence, community, and conservation at the heart of everything you do.

We’ll see you on Gili Air!

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