Why the PADI IDC Indonesia with Course Directors Waz and Sander Is a Strong Choice

Why the PADI IDC Indonesia with Course Directors Waz and Sander at Oceans 5 Gili Air Is a Strong Choice for Becoming a PADI Instructor

Indonesia is one of the world’s most popular destinations for scuba diving, offering warm waters, diverse marine life, and a thriving diving industry. As such, it is also a key hub for dive education. Among the many Instructor Development Courses (IDC) available in Indonesia, the IDC conducted by Oceans 5 Gili Air stands out for several reasons. With in-house PADI Course Directors Waz and Sander, Oceans 5 offers a structured, personalized, and professional pathway for divers seeking to become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors (OWSI).

This article outlines several objective factors that position the IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air as a strong choice for those pursuing a career in dive instruction.

1. Accreditation as a PADI Career Development Centre

Oceans 5 Gili Air holds the designation of a PADI Career Development Centre (CDC), the highest level of recognition awarded to PADI Dive Centres. This status is granted only to centers that meet and maintain strict requirements in terms of teaching standards, facility quality, and professional-level training offerings.

Being a CDC indicates that Oceans 5 provides a full range of professional dive training—from Divemaster to IDC Staff Instructor—and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to diver education and professional development. It also means the facility has been recognized for preparing candidates not only to pass the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) but to succeed in the industry long term.

2. Experienced Course Directors: Waz and Sander

One of the key features of Oceans 5’s IDC program is the presence of two experienced Course Directors: Waz and Sander.

– Sander Buis has been a PADI Course Director since 2012 and has successfully trained hundreds of instructors. He brings consistency, depth of knowledge, and a structured teaching style that appeals to candidates who value clarity and support.

– Waz, who joined the Oceans 5 team later, adds a complementary teaching approach. With a focus on real-life teaching scenarios and interactive learning, he contributes a dynamic perspective that supports candidates with different learning styles.

Having two in-house Course Directors allows for a wider range of guidance, better instructor-to-candidate ratios, and more individualized attention during the program.

3. Limited Group Size and Individualized Support

The IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air limits the number of candidates per program to a maximum of six. This approach contrasts with larger programs that may have 10–15 candidates per group.

A smaller group size allows for more personalized mentorship, in-depth feedback, and greater opportunity for candidates to practice teaching presentations and confined/open water skills. It also fosters a more collaborative group dynamic, which can benefit peer learning and reduce pressure during the course.

This setup is particularly helpful for candidates who may not feel fully confident yet or who need additional support in specific areas of their training.

4. On-Premises Instructor Examination (IE) When Criteria Are Met

If an IDC at Oceans 5 has four or more candidates, the PADI Instructor Examination is conducted on Gili Air, using the same facilities, pool, and open water sites used during the IDC. This offers candidates a significant advantage by allowing them to take their final evaluation in a familiar environment.

When there are fewer than four candidates, the IE typically takes place on nearby Gili Trawangan. Oceans 5 arranges all transport and logistics for this process, ensuring minimal disruption to the candidates’ preparation and performance.

5. Dedicated Training Facilities

Oceans 5 Gili Air has invested in purpose-built training facilities to support professional-level instruction. These include:

– Two spacious swimming pools designed for skill development and rescue practice.
– Modern air-conditioned classrooms equipped with multimedia learning tools and PADI materials.
– An on-site compressor room, gear service center, and Nitrox filling station.
– Proximity to a range of dive sites suitable for both training and recreational diving.

This infrastructure ensures that all elements of the IDC, from confined water to open water training, are delivered to professional standards.

6. Environmental and Conservation Focus

Oceans 5 integrates environmental awareness into its IDC programs. The center is actively involved in conservation initiatives such as weekly beach and underwater cleanups, reef health monitoring, and partnerships with organizations like the University of Mataram and the local marine park authority (BKKPN).

Candidates are introduced to sustainable diving practices and are encouraged to act as ocean ambassadors in their future roles as instructors. This approach aligns with PADI’s broader environmental goals, particularly through the PADI AWARE movement.

7. Location: Gili Air

Gili Air offers a quieter alternative to the more commercialized Gili Trawangan. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, absence of motorized traffic, and strong community feel. It provides a conducive environment for focused study and professional training.

The dive sites around the Gili Islands are only minutes away by boat, with conditions that include warm water, relatively calm currents, and good visibility—ideal for conducting both training dives and skill assessments.

Additionally, Gili Air is well connected via fast boats from Bali and Lombok, making it accessible for candidates coming from various parts of Indonesia and beyond.

8. Post-IDC Opportunities and Continued Support

Graduates from the IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air often remain involved with the dive center through the Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) internship or by participating in specialty instructor training. With guidance from Waz and Sander, new instructors can continue to build their teaching experience and develop their resumes.

The dive center’s network also provides career support, including job placement assistance and recommendations for candidates seeking employment across Indonesia and other dive destinations worldwide.

Conclusion

Choosing where to complete your PADI Instructor Development Course is a significant decision that affects your confidence, competence, and long-term success as a dive professional. The PADI IDC Indonesia at Oceans 5 Gili Air, under the leadership of Course Directors Waz and Sander, offers a combination of experienced mentorship, limited group sizes, excellent facilities, and an emphasis on quality training.

With its recognition as a PADI Career Development Centre, ongoing conservation efforts, and commitment to candidate success, Oceans 5 presents a strong and reliable option for those seeking to begin their professional journey in the diving industry.

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