Imagine standing on the edge of a transformative journey, ready to evolve from a respected dive instructor into a mentor capable of shaping the entire next generation of dive professionals. This is precisely the milestone Oceans 5 Gili Air has reached by hosting its inaugural SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, a first in the center's history and a bold statement of its commitment to dive education excellence.
The Evolution of Oceans 5 Gili Air: From Dive School to SSI ITC
Oceans 5 Gili Air has long been recognized as a cornerstone of Gili Air dive education, shaping aspiring divers into accomplished professionals. Since its inception, the center has built a reputation for excellence, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to the highest standards in dive training. Over the years, Oceans 5 Gili Air has attracted passionate divers from around the world, nurturing them through every stage of their professional journey. This dedication has now culminated in a landmark achievement: hosting its first SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS).
A Milestone in Gili Air Dive Education
The recent SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Oceans 5 Gili Air. For the first time, the center welcomed seven highly experienced candidates to participate in this intensive, 10-day program. The seminar, led by renowned instructor Ronny Kain and supported by a diverse team of global educators, is designed to transform seasoned instructors into SSI Instructor Trainers—the highest educational role within the SSI system.
This achievement is more than just a milestone for Oceans 5; it is a testament to the center’s growth and its unwavering commitment to advancing SSI Instructor Training in Southeast Asia. As one participant noted:
Hosting the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is a natural progression that cements Oceans 5's role as a beacon of dive education in Southeast Asia.
From Dive School to SSI Instructor Training Centre
Becoming an SSI Instructor Training Centre (ITC) is a significant step for Oceans 5 Gili Air. This new status not only enhances the center’s global recognition but also positions Gili Air uniquely within the region’s competitive diving landscape. With two newly certified SSI Instructor Trainers—Warren “Waz” and Ramon—on staff, Oceans 5 Gili Air now stands out as the only SSI Training Centre on Gili Air with this level of expertise on site.
This development means:
Future instructors can now complete their entire professional journey, from beginner to Instructor Trainer, at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
The center can directly influence the quality and consistency of dive education throughout the region.
Gili Air’s reputation as a premier destination for professional dive training is further solidified.
Attracting and Developing Top Diving Professionals
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s ability to attract and develop top-tier diving professionals is rooted in its culture of mentorship and excellence. The center’s team of instructors brings together years of international experience, offering candidates a unique blend of global perspectives and local expertise. The recent ITS brought together candidates and trainers from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment of collaboration and high standards.
The rigorous seminar challenged participants to refine their teaching, leadership, and evaluation skills, ensuring that only the most capable educators earn the title of SSI Instructor Trainer. This process not only elevates the individual but also raises the bar for dive education across the Gili Islands and Southeast Asia.
Shaping the Future of Regional Dive Education
By hosting the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar and becoming an SSI ITC, Oceans 5 Gili Air has reinforced its leadership in regional dive education. The center’s influence now extends beyond its own students, as its new Instructor Trainers are empowered to shape the next generation of dive educators throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. This achievement is a clear reflection of Oceans 5 Gili Air’s vision, growth, and enduring commitment to excellence in SSI Instructor Training.
Inside the Rigorous SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar Experience
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) at Oceans 5 Gili Air stands as a defining moment in the center’s journey toward excellence in SSI Instructor Training. For the first time, Oceans 5 hosted this prestigious event, welcoming seven accomplished candidates—including Ramon and Warren “Waz”—to undertake a demanding, 10-day transformation from skilled instructors to certified SSI Instructor Trainers. This seminar is not just a course; it is a professional transformation that blends academic mastery, practical application, and intensive leadership development.
A 10-Day Intensive Program: Blending Academic, Practical, and Leadership Training
The seminar’s structure is designed to push even the most experienced instructors to new heights. Over ten days, candidates participate in a rigorous schedule that combines:
Advanced teaching presentations at instructor-level depth
Academic knowledge and SSI standards mastery
Confined and open water evaluations to assess real-world skills
Leadership, mentoring, and assessment training
Professional conduct and decision-making exercises
Each day is filled with challenges that demand both mental and physical endurance. Candidates are expected to demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also the ability to inspire, mentor, and evaluate future SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) participants.
Guided by Mentor Leaders and Global Expertise
A key strength of this SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is the leadership and mentorship provided by a world-class instructional team. Under the direction of Ronny Kain, the seminar maintains the highest international standards. Supporting Ronny are experienced Instructor Trainers such as Surbyiendranath, Jaka (IC), Cédric, Woody (IC), Leo, and Pedro. Their combined expertise ensures that every candidate receives personalized feedback and guidance throughout the journey.
This collaborative environment fosters growth, with mentor leaders modeling the professionalism and teaching excellence expected of SSI Instructor Trainers. The diversity of the team—drawing from years of global diving and teaching experience—creates a rich learning environment where best practices are shared and refined.
The Transformational Journey: From Instructor to Instructor Trainer
The transition from instructor to Instructor Trainer is a profound one. As candidates move through the seminar, they are challenged to refine their teaching philosophy, elevate their leadership style, and hone their evaluation skills. The program’s multiple evaluation criteria ensure that only those who meet the highest standards succeed:
Instructor-level teaching presentations
Academic and standards assessments
Confined and open water evaluations
Leadership and mentoring performance
Professional conduct and decision-making
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is not just a course; it’s a professional transformation.
By the end of the seminar, successful candidates emerge as confident, capable, and inspiring SSI Instructor Trainers—ready to lead Instructor Training Courses and Instructor Examinations, and to shape the next generation of dive educators. This intensive process ensures that future instructors are fully prepared to lead, mentor, and uphold the highest standards in SSI ITC programs worldwide.
Celebrating Champions: Ramon and Waz's New Roles as SSI Instructor Trainers
Oceans 5 Gili Air has reached a new milestone in its commitment to professional dive education with the official certification of Ramon and Warren “Waz” as SSI Instructor Trainers. This achievement not only marks a personal triumph for these two seasoned educators but also elevates Oceans 5 Gili to unique status as the only SSI Instructor Training Centre on Gili Air with two SSI Instructor Trainers on site. Their journey, dedication, and expertise now set a new benchmark for dive instructor development in the region.
Profiles in Excellence: Ramon and Waz
Both Ramon and Waz have long been recognized as pillars of the Oceans 5 Gili Air team. With years of international diving and teaching experience, they have mentored countless divers from their first breaths underwater to their first steps as professional instructors. Their approach combines technical mastery, a deep respect for safety, and a genuine passion for sharing the underwater world.
Ramon is known for his calm leadership and ability to break down complex skills into clear, achievable steps. His students consistently praise his patience and attention to detail, qualities that have made him a trusted mentor for aspiring dive professionals. Waz, on the other hand, brings infectious enthusiasm and a dynamic teaching style to the classroom and the water. His ability to motivate and inspire has helped many overcome challenges and reach their full potential as instructors.
A Journey of Dedication and Growth
The path to becoming SSI Instructor Trainers is demanding. Ramon and Waz recently completed the intensive 10-day SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar at Oceans 5 Gili, guided by industry leaders and surrounded by fellow high-achieving candidates. Throughout the seminar, they were challenged to refine their teaching philosophy, leadership skills, and evaluation techniques—transforming from experienced instructors into confident, capable Instructor Trainers.
Their success is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to professional development. As the Oceans 5 team proudly states:
Your dedication and passion for teaching inspire our entire team and future instructors.
Impact on Oceans 5 Gili and the Professional Dive Community
With two SSI Instructor Trainers now on staff, Oceans 5 Gili Air stands out as a leader in professional dive education on Gili Air and across Southeast Asia. This dual-trainer status translates directly into enhanced training quality and personalized support for every candidate enrolled in the Instructor Training Course. Future SSI Instructors will benefit from diverse teaching perspectives, comprehensive mentorship, and a higher standard of assessment—ensuring they are fully prepared for successful careers in the dive industry.
Increased Training Quality: More trainers mean smaller class sizes, more individualized feedback, and a richer learning environment.
Stronger Mentorship: Candidates receive guidance from two distinct teaching styles and backgrounds, broadening their professional outlook.
Commitment to Excellence: This achievement demonstrates Oceans 5’s ongoing investment in the highest standards of dive education and professional development.
Today, Oceans 5 Gili Air celebrates not just the success of Ramon and Waz, but a new era of opportunity for anyone seeking to advance their professional dive career on Gili Air. Their expertise ensures that Oceans 5 remains a place where instructors become true leaders in the diving world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of SSI Instructor Training at Oceans 5 Gili
With the successful completion of its first SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, Oceans 5 Gili is poised to redefine professional dive education in Southeast Asia. The dive center’s commitment to excellence is now matched by a robust plan for ongoing SSI Instructor Trainer Courses, setting a new benchmark for SSI Training Centres in the region. The future at Oceans 5 is not only about maintaining high standards—it’s about leading the way in sustainable, accessible, and innovative instructor development.
Launching Ongoing SSI Instructor Trainer Courses: February 2026 and Beyond
Beginning February 13, 2026, Oceans 5 Gili will launch its first SSI Instructor Trainer Course (ITC) of the year, kicking off a full calendar of professional development opportunities. With nine ITC sessions scheduled throughout 2026, the center ensures that aspiring dive educators can find flexible, accessible training dates that fit their career goals. This approach supports the professional growth of instructors from across Southeast Asia and beyond, making Oceans 5 a central hub on the SSI ITC calendar.
Quality Over Quantity: Small Class Sizes and Personalized Support
Oceans 5 Gili’s philosophy centers on quality training through small, focused class sizes. Each Instructor Training Course is designed to foster close mentorship, peer collaboration, and individualized feedback. By limiting group numbers, the center guarantees a high instructor-to-candidate ratio, ensuring every participant receives the attention and support needed to excel. This personalized approach is a hallmark of the Oceans 5 experience and a key reason why it stands out among SSI Training Centres in Southeast Asia.
Blending Digital Innovation with Hands-On Learning
Recognizing the importance of both technology and practical skills, Oceans 5 integrates SSI’s advanced digital learning tools with immersive, real-world training. Candidates benefit from interactive eLearning modules, digital resources, and scenario-based exercises that mirror the challenges of modern dive education. This blend of online and in-person instruction prepares future instructors to adapt to evolving teaching environments and to lead with confidence in any setting.
Environmental Responsibility at the Core of Training
As environmental awareness becomes increasingly vital in dive education, Oceans 5 Gili embeds marine conservation and sustainable practices into every Instructor Training Course. Training sessions regularly take place within local marine protected areas, giving candidates firsthand experience in responsible dive operations and conservation leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the role of instructors as stewards of the ocean, equipping them to inspire future divers to protect marine ecosystems.
Multilingual Support and Global Impact
With a diverse instructional team and multilingual support, Oceans 5 welcomes candidates from around the world. Training is available in several languages, reflecting the center’s commitment to inclusivity and global reach. Real-world dive scenarios, cross-cultural communication, and leadership in international contexts are all woven into the program, preparing graduates to make a difference wherever their careers take them.
Come train where instructors become leaders, ready to make a global impact.
With a full 2026 SSI ITC calendar, Oceans 5 Gili is dedicated to sustainable growth, leadership, and innovation in SSI Instructor Training. The center’s focus on quality, flexibility, and environmental responsibility ensures that every graduate is equipped to shape the future of dive education—locally and globally.
Wild Card: What If Every Dive Center Hosted an SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar?
Imagine a world where every dive center, from bustling coastal hubs to remote island outposts, regularly hosted an SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar. The impact on global professional diving and dive education would be nothing short of transformative. Oceans 5 Gili Air’s recent leap—hosting its first SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar and producing two new Instructor Trainers—offers a glimpse into what could become a worldwide movement, fundamentally raising the bar for the entire industry.
At the heart of this vision lies the principle that empowered instructors are the heartbeat of a thriving dive community. By multiplying the number of Instructor Trainers, dive centers everywhere would be equipped to develop not just competent instructors, but true leaders in marine education and marine conservation. Each seminar would serve as a catalyst, elevating local standards and fostering a culture of mentorship, safety, and stewardship.
The ripple effect of such a shift would be profound. Instructor Trainers, as the architects of future dive educators, have the unique ability to instill best practices, ethical teaching, and environmental responsibility at the source. As more centers adopt the rigorous SSI Instructor Training model, the quality of instruction would rise globally, creating a new generation of divers who are not only skilled but also deeply aware of their role in protecting the ocean. Enhanced mentorship would translate directly into improved diver safety and greater environmental awareness, as trainers pass on their expertise and values to thousands of students each year.
Oceans 5’s achievement demonstrates how a single center’s commitment to excellence can inspire others. By investing in the highest level of instructor education, they have set a new standard for what is possible in professional diving. If this model were replicated worldwide, the collective knowledge and experience of Instructor Trainers would become a shared resource, accessible to aspiring professionals everywhere. The result would be a more unified, resilient, and forward-thinking dive community, capable of adapting to the evolving challenges of marine conservation and diver safety.
The potential for positive change extends far beyond the classroom. As Instructor Trainers mentor new instructors, they shape not only teaching techniques but also attitudes toward the ocean and its preservation. This leadership at the top filters down, influencing the behavior of countless divers and fostering a global culture of respect for marine life. In this way, the expansion of SSI Instructor Trainer Seminars could become a powerful force for environmental stewardship, as well as professional excellence.
In conclusion, the success of Oceans 5 Gili Air’s SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is more than a local milestone—it is a blueprint for the future of dive education. If every dive center embraced this model, the industry would see unprecedented growth in quality, safety, and conservation awareness. The journey begins with a single seminar, but its legacy could echo through generations of divers, instructors, and ocean advocates. As the saying goes,
Empowered instructors are the heartbeat of a thriving dive community.
