Diving into the vibrant waters of Gili Air has always meant more than just exploration—it's about transformation. Recently, Oceans 5 Gili Air took a monumental leap by hosting its inaugural SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, turning the spotlight on two of its own, Ramon and Waz, as they ascend to elite teaching roles. This milestone doesn't just elevate their careers; it reshapes the entire professional dive education landscape on the island.
A Watershed Moment: Oceans 5 Gili Air’s Leap into SSI Instructor Trainer Status
For decades, Oceans 5 Gili Air has stood as a beacon of excellence in professional dive education across Southeast Asia. Known for shaping passionate divers into skilled professionals, the center has consistently set the bar for instructor development. Now, Oceans 5 Gili Air has reached a pivotal milestone that cements its reputation on the global stage: hosting the first-ever SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) on Gili Air.
Setting a New Standard in Gili Air Diving
The arrival of the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar marks a significant leap forward for both the island and the dive center. This 10-day intensive program is designed for the most experienced SSI instructors, preparing them to become Instructor Trainers—the highest educational role within the SSI system. By hosting this prestigious event, Oceans 5 Gili Air demonstrates its commitment to advancing dive education and supporting the next generation of global dive leaders.
As Ronny Kain, the seminar’s lead instructor, put it:
"Hosting the ITS marks a transformative chapter for Oceans 5, bringing dive education to a new level."
Introducing Ramon and Waz: Pioneers in Instructor Training
Among the seven elite candidates selected for this inaugural seminar were two of Oceans 5’s own: Ramon and Warren “Waz”. Both are seasoned educators with years of experience in the water and the classroom. Their participation—and ultimate success—highlights the center’s dedication to nurturing talent from within and providing clear pathways for career advancement.
The seminar itself was a rigorous journey. Over ten days, candidates were challenged to refine their teaching philosophies, perfect their leadership skills, and master the art of evaluating and mentoring future instructors. The curriculum included:
Advanced teaching presentations
Academic and standards mastery
Confined and open water evaluations
Leadership and assessment skills
Professional conduct and decision-making
Upon successful completion, Ramon and Waz earned the coveted title of SSI Instructor Trainer. This achievement not only celebrates their dedication but also elevates Oceans 5 Gili Air as the only SSI Instructor Training Center on Gili Air with two resident Instructor Trainers.
Impact on the Global SSI Dive Education Map
The significance of this achievement extends far beyond the shores of Gili Air. With the ability to train and certify future SSI Instructors, Oceans 5 Gili Air is now positioned as a key player in the international dive education community. The center’s graduates are recognized worldwide, and the addition of in-house Instructor Trainers ensures that the highest standards of SSI Instructor Training are maintained locally and shared globally.
This landmark seminar not only reinforces Oceans 5’s status as a premier hub for Gili Air diving and SSI Instructor Training but also paves the way for aspiring professionals to reach the top of their field—right here in the heart of Southeast Asia.
The Rigorous Path: What It Takes to Become an SSI Instructor Trainer
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the journey to becoming an SSI Instructor Trainer is an intensive and transformative experience, designed for those ready to step up as true leaders in diving education. The recent SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) hosted at Oceans 5 marks a historic milestone—not just for the dive center, but for the entire region. This 10-day intensive Instructor Training Course brings together seasoned professionals and challenges them to elevate their teaching, leadership, and mentoring skills to the highest level.
Inside the 10-Day SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is far more than a typical course. Over ten demanding days, seven highly experienced instructor candidates are immersed in a rigorous curriculum that tests their academic knowledge, practical teaching skills, and leadership in diving. Under the expert guidance of SSI Instructor Trainer Ronny Kain and a diverse team of international educators, the seminar sets a new standard for professional development in dive education.
Academic Mastery: Candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of SSI standards, dive theory, and educational best practices.
Practical Teaching Skills: Each candidate delivers instructor-level teaching presentations, both in the classroom and in the water, showcasing their ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively.
Open Water Evaluation: Practical sessions in confined and open water environments test the candidates’ ability to manage real-world scenarios, ensuring safety and learning outcomes for future instructors.
Professional Conduct: Participants are evaluated on their decision-making, ethical standards, and ability to act as role models within the diving community.
Leadership and Mentorship: The Heart of Instructor Training
What truly sets the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar apart is its focus on leadership in diving and the art of mentorship. Throughout the course, candidates are not only refining their technical skills—they are also developing the confidence and insight needed to inspire and guide the next generation of SSI Instructors. As Ronny Kain, the seminar leader, puts it:
“The course challenges candidates to become more than instructors – they become leaders.”
This leadership transformation is achieved through continuous feedback, peer review, and real-time coaching from the instructional team. Candidates learn to assess, mentor, and empower others, turning their own experience into a powerful tool for shaping future dive professionals.
Evaluation: Setting the Bar for Excellence
Every aspect of the seminar is designed to uphold SSI’s international reputation for educational quality. The evaluation process is comprehensive and demanding, covering:
Instructor-level teaching presentations
Academic and standards knowledge
Confined and open water evaluations
Leadership, mentoring, and assessment skills
Professional conduct and decision-making
Only those who meet these high standards are awarded the title of SSI Instructor Trainer, earning the privilege and responsibility to train and certify new instructors worldwide. The result is a new generation of dive leaders—confident, capable, and ready to elevate the standards of dive education wherever they go.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, this commitment to excellence ensures that every Instructor Training Course is led by professionals who embody the highest ideals of the diving industry, setting a new benchmark for leadership in diving and practical teaching skills.
Meet the New Faces in Dive Education Leadership: Ramon and Waz
Oceans 5 Gili is proud to introduce two dynamic leaders who are setting a new standard for Professional Dive Training on Gili Air—Ramon and Warren “Waz.” These accomplished educators have just achieved a major milestone, becoming the island’s first dual SSI Instructor Trainers based at a single center. Their journey not only marks a personal triumph but also elevates the quality and reputation of Oceans 5 Gili as a premier destination for Dive Instructor Certification in Southeast Asia.
Seasoned Educators with a Passion for Diving
Both Ramon and Waz bring years of hands-on experience and a deep love for the ocean to their roles. Before joining the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar, they had already established themselves as respected instructors, known for their patient teaching styles and commitment to diver safety. Their backgrounds include extensive work in various dive environments, from tropical reefs to challenging open water sites, and they have mentored countless students from beginner divers to aspiring professionals.
The Journey Through the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar
The recent SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar hosted at Oceans 5 Gili was a rigorous, 10-day program designed to transform experienced instructors into top-tier trainers. Ramon and Waz stood out among seven highly skilled candidates, demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strong leadership and mentoring abilities. Under the guidance of industry leaders like Ronny Kain and a diverse instructional team, they refined their teaching philosophies, mastered evaluation techniques, and proved their ability to inspire future instructors.
The seminar challenged them academically and practically, requiring them to deliver instructor-level presentations, conduct confined and open water evaluations, and showcase their decision-making and professional conduct. Their successful completion of the program is a testament to their dedication and passion for dive education.
Significance of Dual SSI Instructor Trainers at Oceans 5 Gili
With Ramon and Waz now certified as SSI Instructor Trainers, Oceans 5 Gili becomes the only dive center on Gili Air to offer the expertise of two on-site Instructor Trainers. This dual leadership dramatically increases the center’s capacity to deliver high-quality Dive Instructor Certification programs and provides unmatched support for professional candidates. It means more personalized mentorship, greater flexibility in scheduling, and a richer learning environment for those pursuing a career in dive instruction.
As the Oceans 5 Team puts it:
“Waz and Ramon’s passion for teaching inspire future generations of divers.”
Impact on the Dive Community and Future Instructors
The presence of two SSI Instructor Trainers at Oceans 5 Gili is a game-changer for the local and regional dive community. Upcoming instructor candidates now have access to a higher level of training, guidance, and support than ever before. The center’s enhanced reputation attracts aspiring professionals from around the world, all eager to learn from leaders who have proven their commitment to excellence.
Ramon and Waz’s achievement is more than a personal milestone—it’s a boost for the entire Gili Air dive scene. Their expertise ensures that new instructors are not only well-trained but also inspired to uphold the highest standards in safety, education, and environmental stewardship.
Today, Oceans 5 Gili stands as a beacon for those ready to take the next step in their professional dive careers, offering a unique blend of experience, mentorship, and opportunity under the guidance of two passionate SSI Instructor Trainers.
A Dive Into The Future: What This Means for Professional Dive Training on Gili Air
The future of professional dive training on Gili Air has never looked brighter, thanks to Oceans 5 Gili’s recent achievement of hosting its first SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar. With the addition of two newly certified SSI Instructor Trainers—Waz and Ramon—Oceans 5 is redefining what it means to pursue a dive career in Indonesia’s most vibrant marine setting. This milestone not only elevates training standards but also unlocks a world of career advancement opportunities for aspiring dive professionals.
Elevating Instructor Training Course Standards
The presence of two SSI Instructor Trainers on-site means that Oceans 5 Gili Air now offers a level of mentorship and expertise previously unavailable on the island. These trainers bring years of global experience to every Instructor Training Course and Specialty Instructor Course, ensuring that candidates receive guidance rooted in real-world scenarios, student management, and the latest SSI teaching methodologies.
"Training where instructors become leaders is our mission at Oceans 5." – Waz
With Waz and Ramon leading the way, Oceans 5 is uniquely positioned to deliver courses that go beyond skill mastery. The focus is on developing confident, adaptable instructors who can thrive in any dive environment. This commitment to excellence is further supported by SSI’s structured approach, which emphasizes continuous professional development and marine stewardship.
Upcoming SSI Instructor Training Courses: February 2026 and Beyond
The next chapter begins on February 13, 2026, when Oceans 5 launches its first SSI Instructor Trainer Course. This intensive program is open to divers aged 18 and above, with at least 100 logged dives, Nitrox and Divemaster certifications, and medical clearance. Participants will have access to 24 SSI Specialty Instructor Courses, covering everything from deep diving to marine ecology—each designed to expand teaching portfolios and open doors to new career advancement opportunities.
Start Date: February 13, 2026
Prerequisites: 18+ years, 100 logged dives, Nitrox/DM certs, medical clearance
Specialty Instructor Courses: 24 available, including environmental and technical specialties
Scheduled training courses at Oceans 5 ensure that professional development is ongoing, not just a one-time event. This approach supports instructor longevity and helps build a community of educators who are passionate about both diving and marine conservation.
Broader Implications: Career Advancement and Marine Conservation
By raising the bar for instructor education, Oceans 5 is shaping the future of Gili Air diving and setting a new standard for the region. Graduates of the Instructor Training Course will be equipped to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of divers—while also promoting environmental responsibility. The Gili Air marine environment, with its rich biodiversity and clear waters, provides the perfect classroom for learning and teaching sustainable diving practices.
SSI’s curriculum emphasizes not only technical skills but also real-world leadership, student safety, and stewardship of the ocean. This holistic approach ensures that every new instructor is a champion for marine conservation, ready to make a positive impact both locally and globally.
Why Choose Oceans 5 for Your Instructor Certification Journey?
For those ready to take the next step in their dive careers, Oceans 5 Gili Air stands out as the premier destination for professional training. With a team of dedicated SSI Instructor Trainers, a comprehensive suite of specialty courses, and a mission to “train where instructors become leaders,” Oceans 5 offers the ultimate launchpad for aspiring dive educators.
Whether you’re seeking to expand your skills, advance your career, or make a difference in marine conservation, Oceans 5 invites you to join a community where passion meets professionalism—right in the heart of Gili Air’s stunning underwater world.
Wild Cards: Dive Education as a Transformative Journey and Ocean Ambassadorship
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, SSI Instructor Training is more than just a professional milestone—it’s a transformative journey that shapes passionate divers into true ocean ambassadors. Becoming an SSI Instructor Trainer is akin to mastering a complex art form, where technical expertise, personal growth, and environmental responsibility blend seamlessly. This journey is not only about learning to teach but about inspiring a deeper connection to the ocean and fostering a lifelong commitment to its protection.
Imagine a world where every diver trained is also a dedicated marine ambassador. What if every lesson in buoyancy control or rescue skills was paired with a lesson in ocean stewardship? At Oceans 5, this vision is becoming reality. Through rigorous professional dive training, candidates like Waz and Ramon are not just learning how to instruct—they are learning how to lead by example, championing ocean conservation and environmental responsibility at every turn.
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar at Oceans 5 is designed to challenge and elevate. It’s a demanding process that pushes experienced instructors to refine their teaching philosophies, develop their leadership styles, and master the art of mentorship. The seminar’s high standards ensure that graduates are not only confident educators but also advocates for the ocean’s future. As Waz puts it,
"An instructor is not just a teacher but a guardian of the ocean’s future."
Personal connections are at the heart of effective dive education. Instructors like Waz understand that every student brings a unique perspective and learning style to the classroom. By building trust, offering calm guidance, and adapting to individual needs, they create an environment where students feel empowered and engaged. Research shows that personalized teaching styles boost student engagement and retention, making learning both enjoyable and impactful. This approach, combined with a strong emphasis on SSI standards and ocean ambassadorship, ensures that every graduate leaves not only as a skilled diver but as a responsible steward of the marine world.
Waz and Ramon’s journey through the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar is a testament to the power of passion, professionalism, and perseverance. Their dedication to excellence and their commitment to environmental responsibility set a new benchmark for professional dive training on Gili Air. They embody the belief that teaching diving is about more than passing on skills—it’s about inspiring a love for the ocean and a sense of duty to protect it. Their calm, supportive teaching styles foster confidence and personal growth in their students, while their actions outside the classroom reinforce the values of ocean stewardship.
With two SSI Instructor Trainers now on site, Oceans 5 Gili Air stands at the forefront of dive education and ocean ambassadorship in Southeast Asia. The center’s commitment to high standards, environmental responsibility, and personalized instruction ensures that every candidate is prepared not just to teach, but to lead. As Oceans 5 continues to elevate SSI Instructor Training, it invites divers from around the world to join a community where hard work, high standards, and a passion for the ocean come together to make something truly special.
Ready to take your own transformative journey? At Oceans 5 Gili Air, professional dive training is your gateway to becoming a leader, a mentor, and an ambassador for the ocean’s future.

