Tuesday, 18 February 2025
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Shaff Naeem, the Asian record holder for his remarkable 50-hour dive in 2022, has officially announced his next ambitious endeavor. At the Malaysia Dive Expo in June 2024, Naeem revealed plans for an extraordinary long-distance dive across the Maldives. This challenging expedition will commence at the northernmost point of Haa Alif Atoll and extend to the southern tip of Seenu Atoll, showcasing both his endurance and the breathtaking expanse of the Maldivian waters.
Organized by the Maldivian NGO Ocean 650, the dive is currently planned to start from the first week of February 2025. Shaff will be participating in two dives a day using a Divesoft Liberty CCR sidemount unit each dive will be up to 3 hours, on a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) covering an average distance of 10-12 Km per dive. During the ACROSS MALDIVES 2025, Shaff will be attempting to break two world records for diving in the open ocean – to cover over 450 Km in under one month, and for the single longest dive using a DPV.
Shaff will be accompanied by a technical team of both locals and internationals, who will support his expedition and dives. Additionally, the team will also be collecting scientific research data about the underwater terrain, the effects of climate change (including temperature collection at each point), and the presence of microplastics in the Maldivian ocean ecosystem. There will be planned events and workshops on local islands across the route of the ACROSS MALDIVES 2025 project , where the team will raise awareness about the ocean, climate change, and their findings through the journey.
With the project garnering the attention of both local and global partners, the event team is closely working with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to plan the dive route for a safe and secure expedition. The event is being promoted internationally by the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC), to engage as large a reach as possible, and to ensure that the beauty of the Maldives is properly showcased throughout. With event planning currently in full swing, Shaff has begun undergoing training to prepare for February 2025, with shooting for a documentary about the ACROSS MALDIVES 2025 event running parallel to this to capture the full story of how a world record attempt on this scale comes together.
At this moment, the project is looking for event partners to collaborate with to make the event a success, make use of the collected data, and to reach a wider audience around the event’s primary causes.
Shafraz Naeem, a seasoned diver, began diving in 1998 and possesses extensive knowledge of diving in the Maldives. With a 27-year career in the diving industry, he has served as a former military dive instructor and holds certifications from TDI/SDI, PADI, and SSI. Shafraz has collaborated with underwater film crews globally and has recently focused on underwater photography. His work has been featured in both local and international magazines.
Shaff currently holds the Asian record for the longest scuba dive – a remarkable 50 hours which he achieved in February 2022.
established by renowned Maldivian technical diver Shafraz Naeem, is dedicated to uplifting the Maldivian diving community while safeguarding the nation’s vibrant underwater ecosystems. The foundation serves as a vital resource hub for both recreational and professional divers, offering comprehensive training programs and educational workshops designed to enhance skills and knowledge.
Central to its mission is the protection and preservation of the Maldives’ marine environments. The foundation actively engages in conservation initiatives and environmental campaigns, with a strong emphasis on combating plastic pollution and its detrimental impact on local communities. By fostering awareness and encouraging action, Ocean Six Fifty aims to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Maldivian waters.
Ocean Six Fifty is committed to building a thriving, sustainable diving industry that not only supports local divers but also contributes positively to the broader community. Through diving-related events and strategic partnerships, the foundation seeks to celebrate and promote the unique beauty and rich culture of the Maldives.
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