Dive Desk Signs MoU with Ministry of Economic Development for Funded Dive Training

Dive Desk and the Ministry of Economic Development sign the MoU to deliver funded dive training programs under the Maldives COVID-19 Emergency Income Support Project.

Dive Desk is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Economic Development on 19 May 2022, as an accredited dive education provider to deliver employment-based skills training under the Maldives COVID-19 Emergency Income Support Project (MCEISP). This project, signed between the Republic of Maldives and the International Development Association – World Bank Group, provides opportunities for upskilling and training to increase employability for individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through Job Center.

For young Maldivians aspiring to become professional divers, this initiative is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Government is offering full funding for course fees along with a monthly stipend, making it possible for students to train without financial burden. Candidates will have the chance to learn from the most experienced Maldivian team of pro-level training instructors and benefit from the global expertise of Dive-Careers.com, the world’s largest international PADI Pro training network.

Over the past five years, Dive Desk has proudly produced the greatest number of professional-level divers in the Maldives. Our dedication was recognized in February 2022, when we received 2021 PADI Award for Exceptional Growth in Professional Training in the Maldives. With this scholarship program, we hope to continue doing what we love most: guiding young Maldivians into the dive industry as responsible, knowledgeable, and ethical professionals.

Dive Desk recognized with the 2021 PADI Award for Exceptional Growth in Professional Training, alongside the government-funded dive training opportunity announcement.

Applications opened on 26 May 2022 and can be submitted online via the Job Center. Available funded training tracks include:

1. Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Emergency First Response Provider, Rescue Diver to Divemaster

2. Emergency First Response Instructor, Assistant Instructor to Open Water Scuba Instructor

Applications will be evaluated by the Ministry of Economic Development. Selected candidates are expected to begin training on 1 June 2022, and the deadline for applications is 31 October 2022.

Good luck, future dive professionals!