Why Divers Choose to Become a PADI Dive Instructor
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| PADI IDC Indonesia | Oceans 5 Gili Air |
More Than Just a Certification
Becoming a PADI Dive Instructor is a dream for many divers. Some are drawn by the promise of a new life under the sun, others are motivated by a desire to protect the ocean, and for some, it is a life-changing opportunity to build a meaningful career. Whatever the reason, teaching others how to dive is a calling that brings personal growth, purpose, and a deep connection to the underwater world.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we’ve trained hundreds of dive professionals over the years—and each had their own reason for taking the plunge into professional diving. In this article, we look at the individual stories of some of our instructors and explore the motivations behind their decision to become PADI Dive Instructors.
From Trading Desks to Coral Reefs: The Story of Sander
Sander, the founder of Oceans 5 Gili Air, has perhaps one of the most unexpected backgrounds for a dive instructor. Before entering the diving industry, he worked in the fast-paced world of finance as a futures trader and trading model developer on global option exchanges.
"I reached a point where I was done with money talk. It didn’t inspire me anymore," Sander recalls. “I wanted a life with more meaning—something that would allow me to give back and live simply.”
He left behind the fluorescent lights of trading floors and moved to Indonesia, where he built Oceans 5 not just as a dive shop, but as a community. The aim was never maximum profit, but sustainability—financially and environmentally. Sander’s goal was clear: to build a dive centre that helps people learn to dive, supports the local community, and respects the ocean.
Becoming a dive instructor was his first step into this new life, and it allowed him to teach others not just how to dive, but how to appreciate and protect the underwater world. Today, he finds more joy in a perfect buoyancy skill or an enthusiastic new diver than he ever did in a high-risk trade.
A Life-Changing Opportunity: Ary, Yunus, Tama, and Cakra
For western divers, becoming a dive instructor is often about a lifestyle choice—swapping city life for island sunsets, beach vibes, and daily dives. But for local Indonesian instructors, the transformation is much deeper.
Take Ary, for example. Born and raised in Indonesia, Ary started his diving journey as a divemaster. He quickly discovered a passion for the technical side of diving and has since become a TDI Technical Instructor, one of the few Indonesians on the Gili Islands to reach this level. Technical diving gave him not just a new skill set, but a career path with future opportunities.
Yunus and Tama both started as instructors at Oceans 5 and have worked their way up to become PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainers (MSDTs). This means they can teach a wide range of specialty courses, from deep diving to night diving, giving them both increased income and professional value. More importantly, they’ve become respected mentors for new divers and interns.
Cakra followed a different route. He’s not only a PADI Instructor, but also a marine scientist who combines diving with his academic passion for conservation. His dual roles allow him to conduct reef surveys, educate divers on coral restoration, and inspire the next generation of marine protectors.
For these instructors, becoming a dive professional wasn’t just a job—it was an opportunity to transform their lives. With increased salaries, higher status in their communities, and a platform to protect the environment, teaching diving has given them a future they could once only dream of.
Seeing the World Underwater: Esmee’s Journey
Esmee became a dive instructor with one goal in mind: to travel the world and teach diving wherever the ocean would take her. Like many people in their twenties and thirties, she wanted a career that combined freedom, adventure, and personal growth.
“I didn’t want to be stuck in a 9-to-5 job,” she says. “I wanted to live somewhere beautiful, do something meaningful, and see the ocean every day.”
Becoming a PADI Instructor gave her all that and more. Since completing her IDC (Instructor Development Course), Esmee has dived in some of the most stunning reefs on earth, met people from all cultures, and built a career on her own terms. As a member of the Oceans 5 team, she now shares her passion with others and encourages divers to explore responsibly.
Her story is a reminder that diving doesn’t have to be just a hobby—it can be a passport to the world.
Falling in Love with Gili Air: Chika’s Choice
Not everyone becomes a dive instructor to travel. Some people, like Chika, discover one special place and never want to leave.
Chika came to Gili Air as a tourist, fell in love with the island's peaceful atmosphere and vibrant community, and decided to stay. The balance of work and social life on Gili Air was something she couldn’t find elsewhere. Here, instructors are more than just teachers—they’re friends, role models, and community members.
“Every day, I meet people who are just starting their journey as divers. Being able to guide them, help them overcome their fears, and see them fall in love with the ocean is the best part of my job,” she says.
Becoming a dive instructor allowed her to build a life she truly loves—one that’s full of purpose, surrounded by ocean and friends, and grounded in sustainability.
The Bigger Picture: Conservation, Community, and Connection
While motivations may vary, most dive instructors share a few common values: a love for the ocean, a passion for teaching, and a desire to make a difference.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, these values are not just part of the culture—they’re part of the training. All instructor candidates learn to:
Teach neutral buoyancy to avoid damaging coral reefs
Promote marine conservation and sustainable diving practices
Work with the local community, including clean-up events and educational programs
Continue developing as professionals, whether through technical diving, specialties, or marine science
The result is a new generation of instructors who are not only skilled teachers but also environmental advocates and community leaders.
Why You Shouldn’t Let Anything Stop You
If you’re reading this and wondering if becoming a dive instructor is right for you, the answer might already be inside you. Whether you want to escape the corporate grind, travel the world, help protect the ocean, or simply share your love for diving—this path is open to you.
Yes, it takes time, money, and dedication. But the rewards are immeasurable. Every diver you teach becomes part of your legacy. Every student who learns to dive safely and respectfully because of you becomes a new ambassador for the underwater world.
As this article shows, there is no single reason why people become instructors—just a shared passion that drives them forward.
Upcoming PADI IDC: Start Your Journey on 2nd July
The next PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Oceans 5 Gili Air begins on 2nd July, led by our highly experienced PADI Course Director Waz. This is your chance to take your diving to the next level, join a family of professionals, and turn your passion into a career.
With a maximum of six IDC candidates, the training is highly personalized and stress-free. The program includes realistic teaching techniques, environmental awareness workshops, and access to specialties after the IDC, including MSDT prep and conservation programs.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Job, It’s a Way of Life
Becoming a dive instructor is more than a professional choice—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you want to travel, support your family, protect the ocean, or create a simpler, more fulfilling life, teaching diving offers the chance to do it all.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we’ve seen firsthand how this decision can change lives—not just for our team, but for every student they touch.
So, what’s stopping you?
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