Instructor Development Facilities at Oceans 5 Gili Air: A Comprehensive Overview

Instructor Development Facilities at Oceans 5 Gili Air

PADI IDC Gili Islands | Instructor Training Gili Air | Oceans 5 Dive

Oceans 5 Gili Air is a PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) located on the island of Gili Air, Indonesia. Established in 2010, it has developed a reputation for offering high-quality professional dive training. This article provides an objective overview of the IDC (Instructor Development Course) facilities at Oceans 5 and explores the reasons why the dive center is often regarded as having the best IDC infrastructure in the Gili Islands.

Dedicated IDC Training Facilities

Oceans 5 Gili Air has invested in purpose-built infrastructure to support its Instructor Development Courses. The primary classroom is fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern teaching tools such as a flat-screen television, whiteboard, high-speed Wi-Fi, and multimedia projection systems. This facility provides a comfortable and functional learning environment for candidates undertaking theoretical components of their training.

In addition to the classroom, the dive center features two large swimming pools, one of which measures 25 meters. These pools are specifically designed for confined water training and are used for rescue scenarios, skill development, and demonstration practice.

Controlled Group Sizes

Oceans 5 limits the number of IDC candidates per course to a maximum of six. This approach allows for a low student-to-instructor ratio, enabling more individual feedback and tailored instruction. Candidates are trained by a team that includes two in-house PADI Course Directors and several IDC Staff Instructors.

Integration of Workshops

The IDC program at Oceans 5 includes multiple workshops designed to prepare candidates for real-world teaching situations. These workshops focus on topics such as:

• Conducting rescue exercises

• Teaching underwater navigation, lift bag use, and buoyancy skills

• Managing Discover Scuba Diving experiences

• Course paperwork and certification procedures

These sessions are delivered in both confined and open water settings, emphasizing practical application alongside theoretical understanding.

On-Site Logistics

The dive center is located directly in front of the Gili Air harbor, facilitating easy access to training sites by boat. Equipment storage, rinse areas, and maintenance services are available on-site, ensuring streamlined operations during the IDC. The facilities also include communal areas for breaks and informal discussions among candidates and staff.

Career Development and Conservation

As a PADI Career Development Centre, Oceans 5 offers post-IDC opportunities such as the Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) preparation program and instructor internships. The dive center also integrates marine conservation into its programs through weekly clean-ups, partnerships with local universities, and participation in reef monitoring initiatives. While not unique to Oceans 5, the consistent implementation of these programs adds a practical conservation element to professional dive training.

Comparison to Other Gili Islands Facilities

Oceans 5 is the only dive center on Gili Air with CDC status, a designation awarded by PADI to centers that meet strict criteria regarding training quality, staffing, and facility standards. While other dive centers on the nearby islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno also offer IDC programs, Oceans 5 distinguishes itself by combining its CDC accreditation with purpose-built infrastructure and a small-group training model.

Conclusion

Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a comprehensive set of facilities and support services for PADI Instructor Development Courses. Its dedicated classroom, large training pools, small group sizes, and structured workshops provide a focused learning environment. As the only CDC on Gili Air, it meets PADI’s highest level of operational and instructional standards, contributing to its reputation as a leading IDC facility in the Gili Islands.