When Oceans 5 Gili Air announced it would host its first SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, the dive community on this Indonesian island buzzed with excitement. Imagine stepping from a seasoned instructor role into the rarefied air of Instructor Trainer status — it’s like moving from player to coach in the grand game of dive education. Here, two individuals, Ramon and Warren “Waz,” embody this evolution, reflecting a broader shift in how diving professionals are nurtured in Southeast Asia.
A Historic Milestone for Oceans 5 in Professional Dive Education
Oceans 5 Gili Air has reached a defining moment in its journey as a leader in professional dive education. With the launch of its first-ever SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, the dive center has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of instructor development, not only on Gili Air but throughout Southeast Asia. This landmark event signals a new chapter, elevating the center’s reputation and influence within the global diving community.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s First SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar
For the first time, Oceans 5 Gili Air hosted a 10-day intensive SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, bringing together seven highly skilled candidates ready to take the next step in their professional journey. Among them were Ramon and Warren “Waz,” both respected educators and now newly certified SSI Instructor Trainers. The seminar was led by Ronny Kain, whose expertise ensured that every aspect of the course met the highest international standards. As Ronny Kain stated:
“Hosting the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar here reflects our commitment to dive education leadership.”
This rare event is a testament to Oceans 5 Gili Air’s dedication to advancing dive education, making it the only SSI Instructor Training Center on Gili Air with multiple Instructor Trainers on site.
Transforming Instructors into Leaders
The Instructor Trainer Seminar is designed to elevate experienced instructors to the highest certification level within the SSI system. Over ten challenging days, candidates are tested on their academic knowledge, teaching presentations, and practical skills in both confined and open water settings. The seminar’s curriculum focuses on:
Instructor-level teaching presentations
Mastery of SSI standards and academic content
Leadership, mentoring, and assessment abilities
Professional conduct and decision-making
Guided by a diverse instructional team—including Surbyiendranath, Jaka (IC), Cédric, Woody (IC), Leo, Pedro, Ramon, and Waz—the seminar brought together years of global diving and teaching expertise, ensuring candidates received world-class training.
Setting New Standards in Professional Dive Education
With Ramon and Waz now officially certified as SSI Instructor Trainers, Oceans 5 Gili Air stands out as a beacon of quality and leadership in the region. The center’s ability to host such a prestigious seminar not only enhances its own training programs but also raises the bar for professional dive education across Southeast Asia. Oceans 5 Gili Air now offers multiple SSI Instructor Training courses annually, providing unmatched support and experience for future dive professionals.
Inside the Rigorous SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar at Oceans 5 Gili Air is more than just another instructor training course—it’s a transformative journey that pushes experienced dive educators to the pinnacle of their profession. For the first time, Oceans 5 is hosting this intensive 10-day program, marking a milestone in its commitment to setting new standards in professional dive education.
A 10-Day Intensive: Blending Academic, Practical, and Mental Challenges
The seminar is designed to challenge candidates on every level. Over ten demanding days, participants are immersed in a curriculum that blends academic rigor with real-world, practical teaching skills. The program is led by the highly respected Ronny Kain, whose leadership ensures that every aspect of the seminar meets the highest international standards.
“This seminar is not just a course, it’s a transformation into a confident, inspiring Instructor Trainer.” – Ronny Kain
Comprehensive Evaluation: From Classroom to Open Water
Candidates are assessed through a series of evaluations that mirror the realities of modern dive instruction. These include:
Teaching presentations at instructor-level depth
Academic knowledge and mastery of SSI standards
Confined and open water evaluations to test practical skills and student management
Leadership, mentoring, and assessment skills
Professional conduct and decision-making in real-world scenarios
This holistic approach ensures that only those who excel across all areas earn the coveted SSI Instructor Trainer certification. The seminar’s focus on practical teaching skills and student management prepares candidates for the realities of instructor evaluation examination and future leadership roles.
Refining Leadership and Teaching Philosophy
Throughout the seminar, candidates are encouraged to refine their leadership style and teaching philosophy. The program goes beyond technical skills, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, assessment, and ethical decision-making. These elements are crucial for those who will soon be responsible for training and certifying the next generation of SSI Instructors.
Building Confidence and Mastery
By the end of the seminar, successful candidates emerge as confident, capable, and inspiring SSI Instructor Trainers. They are not only authorized to conduct instructor training courses and instructor evaluation examinations, but also equipped to shape the future of dive education—locally at Oceans 5 Gili Air and across the globe.
The rigorous nature of the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar ensures that every graduate is prepared to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and educational excellence in the diving industry.
Ramon and Waz: Journeys to the Top of Dive Education
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the pursuit of excellence in professional diving instruction has always been a driving force. This commitment has reached a new high with the recent achievement of two standout educators—Ramon and Warren “Waz”—who have successfully completed the demanding SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar. Their accomplishment not only marks a personal milestone but also elevates Oceans 5 Gili Air’s reputation as a leading SSI Instructor Training Center in Southeast Asia.
Ramon and Waz’s journeys to becoming SSI Instructor Trainers are stories of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of mastery. Both have spent years shaping future dive professionals, honing their teaching skills, and embracing the highest standards of dive instructor certification courses. Their selection for the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar was a testament to their expertise and commitment to the craft.
The seminar itself is a rigorous, ten-day program designed to transform experienced instructors into leaders capable of mentoring and certifying the next generation of dive educators. Under the guidance of industry experts, Ramon and Waz were challenged academically, practically, and mentally. They excelled in teaching presentations, academic mastery, and real-world evaluations—proving their readiness to step into this elite role.
With their new certifications, Oceans 5 Gili Air now stands out as the only SSI Instructor Training Center on Gili Air with two SSI Instructor Trainers onsite. This unique advantage means that future candidates will benefit from doubled mentorship, increased training quality, and personalized support throughout their professional journey. The presence of multiple SSI Instructor Trainers ensures that every aspiring instructor receives the guidance needed to reach their full potential.
The impact of Ramon and Waz’s achievement extends beyond the dive center itself. Their success is a beacon for local and regional dive professionals who aspire to advance their careers through high-quality dive instructor certification courses. As mentors, Ramon and Waz are now in a position to inspire, support, and shape the next wave of dive leaders across Indonesia and beyond.
Waz and Ramon’s dedication and passion are an inspiration, lighting the way for aspiring dive professionals.
— Oceans 5 Director
The celebration of their accomplishment is felt throughout the Oceans 5 community. With two SSI Instructor Trainers now leading the way, the center is better equipped than ever to deliver world-class professional diving instruction and uphold the highest standards in dive education. Their journeys serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through commitment, skill, and a genuine love for teaching.
Why Oceans 5 Gili Air is a Hub for Diving Professionals’ Growth
Oceans 5 Gili Air stands out as a premier destination for aspiring dive professionals, offering a unique blend of confidence building training, real-world dive center operations, and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility marine. As the only SSI Instructor Training Center on Gili Air with two SSI Instructor Trainers on site, Oceans 5 provides unmatched support and expertise for those seeking to advance their diving careers.
Supportive Environment for Skill Refinement
At Oceans 5, candidates are immersed in a culture where mentorship and tailored training approaches are the norm. The center’s SSI Instructor Training Course is designed to address individual strengths and growth areas, ensuring that each participant receives personalized feedback and guidance. This supportive environment allows instructors to refine both practical diving skills and advanced teaching techniques, preparing them for a wide range of real-world scenarios.
Integration of Environmental Responsibility and Dive Center Operations
Environmental responsibility marine is woven into every aspect of the training. Oceans 5 emphasizes neutral buoyancy mastery, sustainable dive practices, and respect for the local marine protected areas. Candidates learn how to incorporate these principles into their own teaching, setting a strong example for future divers. Additionally, the curriculum includes hands-on workshops in dive center operations, giving candidates practical experience in managing logistics, customer service, and safety protocols.
Frequent SSI Instructor Training Courses and Flexible Scheduling
With nine SSI Instructor Training Courses scheduled annually starting every February, Oceans 5 offers flexibility for candidates worldwide. This frequent scheduling means that aspiring instructors can plan their training around personal and professional commitments. Each course is led by a diverse team of international Instructor Trainers, whose global experience enriches every session and ensures candidates are prepared for the demands of the international dive industry.
Diverse International Team and Tailored Mentorship
The instructional team at Oceans 5 brings together professionals from around the world, each with years of diving and teaching experience. This diversity allows for a tailored mentorship approach, where candidates benefit from a wide range of perspectives and teaching styles. As Instructor Trainer Sander Buis notes:
Oceans 5’s approach blends global experience with local training needs to produce employable, confident instructors.
Comprehensive Training Philosophy
Oceans 5’s SSI Instructor Training Course covers:
Instructor-level teaching presentations
Academic and standards mastery
Confined and open water evaluations
Leadership and student management skills
Environmental responsibility marine workshops
Prerequisites include being 18+, 100 logged dives, Nitrox, and Divemaster certifications. The course fee is €1,200 plus examination and material fees, making professional growth accessible and structured.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dive Education at Oceans 5
With the successful launch of its first SSI Instructor Trainer Course on February 13, Oceans 5 Gili Air is setting a new benchmark for professional diving education in Southeast Asia and beyond. This milestone not only celebrates the achievements of newly certified Instructor Trainers, Waz and Ramon, but also signals a bold new era of growth, innovation, and opportunity for dive professionals worldwide.
Consistent Instructor Training Course Schedule for Global Aspirants
Oceans 5 is committed to making Instructor Training Courses accessible to aspiring dive leaders from every corner of the globe. The center now offers a robust Instructor Training Course Schedule, running monthly courses throughout 2026, with nine sessions each year. This consistency means that candidates can plan their professional development with confidence, knowing that world-class training is always within reach.
Expanding Educational Offerings and Mentorship
Building on its reputation for excellence, Oceans 5 is expanding its range of SSI Instructor Training Courses and professional mentoring programs. The center’s mission is clear: to provide the highest standards of training, while nurturing the next generation of dive educators and leaders. As Oceans 5 Management puts it:
Training where instructors become leaders is our motto and mission.
This philosophy is woven into every aspect of the training experience, from hands-on teaching practice to ongoing mentorship. Graduates leave not only as certified Instructor Trainers but as confident professionals ready to lead dive centers anywhere in the world.
Real-World Dive Center Operations and Leadership Skills
Looking ahead, Oceans 5 is dedicated to integrating even more real-world operational training into its curriculum. Future enhancements will focus on:
Simulating dive center management scenarios
Developing advanced leadership and mentoring skills
Fostering adaptability for diverse global diving environments
This approach ensures that every candidate gains practical experience that translates directly to success in the field, whether managing a busy dive shop or mentoring new instructors.
Join a Global Network of Dive Professionals
With two SSI Instructor Trainers now on site, Oceans 5 is the only SSI Instructor Training Center on Gili Air offering this level of expertise and support. The center’s growing global network means that candidates benefit from a wealth of global diving experience—and become part of a community dedicated to the highest standards in dive education.
For those ready to take the next step, Oceans 5 offers an open invitation: Train where instructors become leaders—and help shape the future of professional diving education.
Wild Card: The Dive Education Metaphor – From Diver to Lighthouse Keeper
Professional diving education is often described as a journey—a path that begins with curiosity and adventure beneath the waves. But at Oceans 5 Gili Air, this journey has taken on a new, powerful metaphor: the evolution from diver to lighthouse keeper. This analogy captures the spirit of the recent SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, where seasoned instructors like Ramon and Waz stepped into the role of guiding lights for the next generation.
In the early days, every diver is an explorer, drawn by the mystery and beauty of the underwater world. They learn, they adapt, and they grow, gaining confidence with every dive. As they advance, some feel a calling to share their passion, becoming instructors who help others discover the same wonders. But the leap to Instructor Trainer is something more profound—it is the moment when a diver transforms from a guide into a beacon.
Imagine the ocean at night, vast and filled with both promise and uncertainty. In this metaphor, Instructor Trainers are the lighthouses—standing tall, steadfast, and visible from afar. Their light is not just for themselves, but for all who navigate the waters of professional diving education. They illuminate the path, warn of hidden dangers, and offer reassurance to those who seek to follow in their wake.
This new role is more than a title; it is a responsibility. Instructor Trainers at Oceans 5 Gili Air, now including both Ramon and Waz, are entrusted with shaping the future of leadership in diving. Their influence extends beyond teaching skills—they mentor, inspire, and set the standards for what it means to be a true professional. Like lighthouse keepers, they must remain vigilant, knowledgeable, and compassionate, always ready to guide others safely to shore.
The recent Instructor Trainer Seminar was a testament to this evolution. It was not just about mastering academic knowledge or perfecting teaching presentations. It was about embracing the duty to lead, to mentor, and to shine a light for others. As the seminar concluded, and as Ramon and Waz officially became SSI Instructor Trainers, Oceans 5 Gili Air celebrated more than a milestone—they celebrated the arrival of two new lighthouses in the ocean of dive training.
For every diver dreaming of a future in professional diving education, the message is clear: the journey does not end with exploration. With dedication, passion, and the right mentorship, every diver has the potential to become a lighthouse—guiding, inspiring, and illuminating the way for those who follow.
