Adam Ashraf: Inspiring the Next Generation of Maldivian Dive Professionals

As a PADI Course Director traveling across the Maldives, I have the unique opportunity to conduct Instructor Development Courses in various islands, making the dream of becoming professional-level divers accessible to more young people despite the geographical dispersion of our population.

Whenever I visit new islands, I make it a point to meet school students and introduce them to the world of scuba diving. For many, the first time they hear “scuba diving,” they associate it solely with tourism. This is why I emphasize that working at resorts or liveaboards is not the only option. Diving opens doors to careers in marine biology, research, climate adaptation studies, underwater photography and videography, commercial diving, engineering, and more.

In February 2023, I had the pleasure of speaking at A.Dh. Atoll Education Center and A.Dh. Omadhoo School. We were also able to reward lucky draw winners—a boy from Omadhoo School and a girl from AD. Atoll Education Centre—with the opportunity to complete their PADI Open Water Diver Course at Omadhoo Drift Divers Dive Center. Special thanks to the team at Scuba Inn for supporting the development of future dive professionals and to everyone who helped make these events successful.

Adam Ashraf inspiring students at A.Dh. Education Center about scuba diving careers.

• 
  

Adam Ashraf engages with students at A.Dh. Omadhoo School, highlighting diverse diving career paths.

Having worked as a dive professional for over 20 years, I have witnessed firsthand how choosing diving as a career can transform lives. Many of my students now lead dive centers and liveaboards, while others work in marine biology, underwater welding, filmmaking, photography, and entrepreneurship by establishing their own dive centers.

Our reefs and marine life are our greatest natural resources, and it is vital that Maldivians benefit from them. Scuba diving plays an important role in national development, as Maldives is 99% water. During my sessions, I share my experiences and allow students to ask questions—most frequently about how to get started, course costs, and potential career returns.

To become a professional diver:

1. Begin with the PADI Open Water Diver Course.

2. Progress to Advanced Open Water Diver, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver, and finally Divemaster.

Dive Desk, based in Male’, offers all levels of PADI courses—from beginner to instructor. To become a PADI Instructor, prerequisites include being a diver for at least six months, certification as a Divemaster, and logging 100 dives, which usually takes about a year. With health and fitness, diving can be a lifelong career filled with adventure and exploration.

We are proud to provide these opportunities to young Maldivians, inspiring them to pursue rewarding careers in diving while fostering a deeper appreciation for our oceans.