The End of an Era, the Beginning of a New Chapter

(PRUnderground) December 4th, 2025

For more than fourteen years, the Instructor Development Courses at Oceans 5 Gili Air have shaped hundreds of passionate divers into confident, capable, and environmentally aware scuba instructors. Since 2011, the dive center has proudly carried the PADI flag, delivering some of the highest-quality professional training in Indonesia. From day one, Oceans 5 committed itself to a simple but powerful philosophy: small groups, personal attention, uncompromising safety standards, and an unshakable respect for the ocean.

This month marks a historic moment on Gili Air—an emotional milestone for the Oceans 5 team, for the local community, and for the thousands of divers who have walked through the dive center’s sandy pathways. The Instructor Development Course currently running is the very last PADI IDC that Oceans 5 will ever conduct. Starting 1 January 2026, Oceans 5 Gili Air will officially end its affiliation with PADI and cross over to another international dive organization.

It is a bold decision. It is a strategic decision. But above all, it is a decision rooted in staying true to Oceans 5’s values and long-term vision for the future.

And even though agency names may change…
Oceans 5’s identity never will.

A Legacy That Spans 15 Years

When Oceans 5 opened its doors in 2010, its mission was clear: build a small, high-quality dive center rooted in community, environmental protection, and world-class instructor training. By 2011, Oceans 5 had already become known for its professional programs, quickly earning recognition as one of the most respected places in Indonesia to become a dive professional.

Over the years, Oceans 5’s Instructor Development Courses grew into something truly special.
Not just a program.
Not just a course.
But a community.

The IDC candidates who trained here learned more than theory, skills, and teaching techniques—they learned how to think like responsible dive leaders. They learned how to put safety before convenience. They learned that being a dive instructor is not about cards or certifications, but about shaping future divers who care for the ocean as much as they do.

The PADI IDC became a signature part of Oceans 5’s identity, shaping its reputation across the Gili Islands, Indonesia, and beyond. Hundreds of instructors now working around the globe began their professional journey at this very dive center.

This final PADI IDC, now in progress, carries the weight of all those memories.

Why the Change? A Difficult but Necessary Decision

After 15 years of partnership, Oceans 5 Gili Air made the difficult choice to step away from PADI and join another international dive organization. This decision was not sudden, and it was not made lightly. It is the result of months of preparation, internal evaluation, operational analysis, and long conversations with the management team.

The transition is not about turning away from the past—it is about moving forward with clarity and purpose.

Some key reasons behind the change include:

• Aligning with an organization that better matches Oceans 5’s values and direction for the future
• Ensuring fair, transparent business practices that support sustainable long-term operations
• Creating an educational environment fully adaptable to modern diver training needs
• Supporting staff development through a more flexible and student-focused system
• Positioning Oceans 5 for growth without compromising on quality or conservation philosophy

This shift allows Oceans 5 to continue doing what they have always done best—teaching with integrity, passion, and respect for the ocean—while stepping into a future that better supports the dive center, the team, and the community of Gili Air.

The name on the certification card may change.
But the standards inside the classroom, the pool, and the ocean will remain the same—if not stronger.

A Complete Cross-Over: 15 Dive Professionals Transitioning Together

A major part of this transition is the full commitment from the Oceans 5 team. All professional staff members—15 in total—will cross over to the new dive organization. This includes divemasters, instructors, senior instructors, and course directors.

This unified move reflects what Oceans 5 truly is:
a family, not just a business.

Instead of continuing with multiple agencies or splitting between systems, Oceans 5 chose to fully affiliate with one organization, ensuring:

• consistency in teaching
• clarity in operations
• stability for staff
• reliability for students
• and a unified educational approach

The cross-over is already underway behind the scenes. Oceans 5 will officially announce the new dive organization in the upcoming week, once all administrative steps and transitions have been completed.

The Last PADI IDC: A Course Filled With Emotion and Pride

The PADI Instructor Development Course currently taking place on Gili Air is unlike any that came before it. There is a special kind of energy in the classroom, in the pool, and during every ocean session. The candidates know they are part of something historic. The staff feel it too—every lecture, every workshop, every demonstration is layered with meaning.

This course is not just about preparing candidates for the Instructor Examination.
It is about closing a chapter with dignity, professionalism, and gratitude.

The team continues to maintain the highest standards until the very last day. Teaching quality has never slipped and will never slip. Candidates receive the same level of support, coaching, feedback, and mentorship that Oceans 5 is known for.

But there is also pride—knowing that this final IDC under PADI reflects 15 years of hard work, dedication, and passion.

This is a farewell, yes.
But it is a proud farewell.

What Will Change? And What Will Stay the Same?

Many divers, guests, and former students have expressed concerns upon hearing the transition news. That is completely understandable. Agency changes always raise questions. But the heart of the message is simple:

Nothing will change about the teaching philosophy.

Oceans 5 Gili Air will continue to operate with the same standards that built its reputation:

Small groups

Maximum four students per instructor—always.

Personal attention

Every student is treated as an individual, not a number.

No cutting corners

Skills are taught correctly, standards are followed strictly, and safety comes first.

Realistic training

Skills are practiced until mastered—not rushed for convenience.

Conservation-minded education

Environmental awareness remains the foundation of every course, from beginner to instructor.

Same instructors, same team

The Oceans 5 family is transitioning together.

Same facilities

Two training pools, spacious classrooms, modern equipment, and three boats dedicated to professional training.

In short:
the agency may change, but Oceans 5’s identity will not.

A New Era Begins in February 2026

The next Instructor Course—starting in February—will be conducted under the new dive organization. Oceans 5 will publicly announce its affiliation in the coming days, once all documents, procedures, and transitions are finalized.

This new system will bring fresh opportunities:

• new teaching methods
• new specialty pathways
• improved professional development
• better alignment with Oceans 5’s educational values

The IDC schedule for 2026 will be released in mid-January through Oceans 5’s social media platforms and website. Future instructors who want to join the first wave under the new affiliation should keep a close eye on announcements.

This next chapter promises to be exciting—full of innovation, growth, and new possibilities.

A Message of Gratitude to the PADI Family

Oceans 5 does not leave PADI with bitterness or disappointment. Quite the opposite. The dive center is grateful for the many years of collaboration, support, and professional development.

Thanks to PADI, Oceans 5 built a strong foundation in instructor training, allowing hundreds of candidates to start successful careers in the dive industry. The dive center will always appreciate the friendships, the community, and the shared history.

But now, it is time to grow in a new direction.
A direction that allows Oceans 5 to continue delivering the highest level of instruction without compromise.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Instructor Training at Oceans 5

The transition marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. Oceans 5’s role as a leader in professional scuba education on Gili Air will continue—stronger than ever.

Here is what future candidates can expect:

• A modern, updated Instructor Course structure
• Even more focus on real teaching scenarios and realistic underwater problem-solving
• Continued emphasis on environmental stewardship
• Cross-over opportunities for divers certified by various agencies
• A supportive community and professional guidance from two experienced Course Directors
• A dive center that operates with passion, not quantity

The legacy of Oceans 5 will continue—just under a new banner.

Final Thoughts: A Goodbye… and a Beginning

The last PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air is more than just a course.
It is a milestone.
A moment of reflection.
A celebration of everything accomplished so far.
And a promise of all the great things yet to come.

For future instructors, divers, and professionals seeking training on Gili Air—stay tuned.
A new chapter begins soon.

Follow Oceans 5 on social media for updates, announcements, and the official reveal of the new dive organization. Instructor course dates for 2026 will be released mid-January.

The future is bright.
The team is ready.
And the ocean is waiting.

Oceans 5 Gili Air—new agency, same heart.

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

The post The Last PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air first appeared on

Original Press Release.