Blog 
Dive Desk & Maldivian Academy of Diving

In 2025, the Maldivian Academy of Diving received the Gold PADI Instructor Development Center status, marking another milestone in its journey of excellence.

In 2025, Adam Ashraf was recognized with Gold PADI Course Director status, continuing his legacy of excellence in dive education.

Our Co-Founder and Course Director, Adam Ashraf, has been honored with the 20-Year PADI Membership Award and Service Plaque at the age of 40. This milestone recognizes his lifelong dedication to diving, professional training, and shaping the future of Maldivian dive education through Dive Desk and the Maldivian Academy of Diving.

The Maldivian Academy of Diving proudly receives the PADI Five Star Career Development Center rating, marking a new milestone in professional dive education in the Maldives.

The Maldivian Academy of Diving achieved Platinum PADI status in 2024, establishing itself as the only Platinum Instructor Development Center in the Maldives.

In 2024, Adam Ashraf earned Platinum PADI Course Director status for the second year in a row, making him the only Maldivian to achieve this distinction.

Dive Desk had the privilege of inspiring grades 8–10 students at Dh. Hulhudheli School during #PADIawareweek with a presentation on scuba diving, marine conservation, and career development. Led by PADI Course Director Adam Ashraf, the session opened young minds to ocean-related opportunities while emphasizing the importance of protecting Maldives’ marine environment.

In 2023, Adam Ashraf earned Platinum PADI Course Director status in just six months, showcasing his dedication and impact on dive education in the Maldives.

Adam Ashraf shares his journey as a PADI Course Director, introducing Maldivian students to scuba diving careers and creating opportunities for the next generation of dive professionals.

Dive Desk has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Economic Development to deliver fully funded dive training through the Maldives COVID-19 Emergency Income Support Project. Aspiring dive professionals now have the chance to learn from the Maldives’ most experienced instructors and the world’s largest PADI Pro training network.

At Dive Desk, we take pride in shaping young professionals. Meet Sushant Joshi, a commercial pilot whose life changed after his first dive with us. From completing his Divemaster training to becoming an instructor and launching Scuba Reels in Mumbai, his journey shows how diving can turn passion into profession.