From Nurse to Emergency First Response Instructor: Shahiq’s Journey with Dive Desk

Shahiq gazing out at the turquoise Maldivian ocean, where his passion for diving began.

At Dive Desk, we are always inspired by the journeys of our students who take their passion for the ocean to new heights. One such inspiring story is that of Ismail Shahiq Shiyaad—a medical nurse by profession, an underwater photographer by passion, and an Emergency First Response Instructor by purpose.

“The very thought of turquoise oceans makes me homesick, and every time I take a vacation and head home to Maldives, I try to make the full use of it. Between catching up with friends and spending time with family, I join fun dives and indulge in my passion for underwater photography.” – Shiyaad

Shahiq completed several courses with us at Dive Desk, including his PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Underwater Photography Specialty, Emergency First Response (EFR), and EFR Instructor courses. Today, he lives and works in Queensland, Australia, but the call of the turquoise oceans of the Maldives always brings him back home.

Why First Aid and CPR Training Matters

Despite being a trained nurse, Shiyaad chose to complete his Emergency First Response course and quickly progressed to the EFR Instructor certification. Why? Because he recognized how critical these life-saving skills are—not only for medical professionals, but for everyone.

He explains that First Aid and CPR are often misunderstood or underestimated in the community. Many people assume medical help will always be instantly available. In the Maldives, where healthcare centers are spread out across islands, delays in emergency response are inevitable.

“What if an incident were to happen to you, your family, or friends? What can you as a bystander do while waiting for an ambulance or during a boat ride to the nearest healthcare center? Getting trained in First Aid and CPR teaches you what you can do on the scene to delay deterioration of the injured person and potentially help revive them until professional help arrives.” – Shiyaad

In such moments, the actions taken in the first few minutes after an incident can mean the difference between life and death—or determine whether someone makes a full recovery or lives with long-term complications.

A Message to Families and Communities

Shiyaad emphasizes that everyone can and should learn basic First Aid and CPR. In particular, he recommends it for:

• Families with children

• Individuals with high-risk medical conditions

• Community leaders, teachers, and dive professionals

“You can help save lives,” he says, reminding us that emergencies often strike closer to home than we expect.

Combining Healthcare and Diving

For Shiyaad, becoming an EFR Instructor was the natural next step—allowing him to combine his professional background in nursing with his love for diving and photography. His goal is to use his knowledge to educate and empower others to be prepared for emergencies.

He also strongly believes in the value of internationally standardized curricula, which provide consistent safety guidelines and teach best practices.

“I wish to see more Maldivians going out to the ocean, exploring and appreciating the true beauty of our reefs. And I wish to see more people certified as Emergency First Responders in our community! Don’t let societal fears hinder you from going out and exploring nature.” – Shiyaad

Through the Lens of an Underwater Photographer

When he’s not working as a nurse or teaching first aid, Shiyaad spends his free time underwater with his camera, capturing the stunning beauty of Maldivian reefs. His photographs not only showcase marine life but also serve as a reminder of why protecting and respecting the ocean matters so much.

We are proud of his journey and the way he has combined passion, profession, and purpose. His story is a true inspiration for young Maldivians to pursue their dreams while making a positive impact on their community and environment.

Shiyaad, thank you for letting us be part of your journey. We can’t wait to see where your diving, photography, and teaching take you next! 🌊📸