Maldives’ first and only PADI Five Star Career Development Center, the Maldivian Academy of Diving, has officially opened its doors in K. Himmafushi. This new academy signifies a major step forward for professional dive training in the Maldives.
The Academy is dedicated to providing top-tier, professional-level dive training programs that meet the most rigorous standards set by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). They recently concluded their inaugural PADI Instructor Development Course on March 3rd, and their next PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course is scheduled for July 29th to August 13th, 2024.
Leading the Academy is Adam Ashraf, a PADI Platinum Course Director for both 2022 and 2023. For the past decade, Ashraf has been running Dive Desk, a highly successful dive center in Malé. In fact, Dive Desk was the most successful PADI professional development center in the Maldives in 2023, earning the prestigious PADI EMEA Platinum Professional Development Excellence Award. This award recognizes the center’s exceptional performance in training new dive professionals, with Dive Desk being the only Maldivian center and one of only ten in the entire Europe, Middle-East & Africa (EMEA) region to receive this recognition.
Platinum status for both the Course Director and the Dive Center is not given lightly. It’s awarded based on a strict criteria of the number of professional-level certifications issued by PADI. Adding to Dive Desk’s accolades, they were also awarded the PADI Outstanding Contribution to People and Humanity Award last month for their dedication to fostering opportunities for Maldivians in the diving industry.
Despite a decade of success and consistently running the top PADI professional development programs in the Maldives for the past seven years, Dive Desk faced challenges. Limited space at their facility and the high cost of accommodation for students staying in Malé for extended periods were significant hurdles. The Maldivian Academy of Diving was established specifically to address these issues. Located in Himmafushi, the Academy offers a more spacious learning environment and affordable accommodation options for students, all within close proximity to the capital city. The Academy will soon be offering on-site dorm rooms as well.
The Academy caters to all levels of diving experience, from those just beginning their underwater journey to seasoned divers seeking to become instructors. They offer a comprehensive range of courses and certifications to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their diving goals. The opening of the Maldivian Academy of Diving represents a significant milestone in Adam Ashraf’s ongoing mission to empower Maldivian youth to pursue careers in the diving industry.
visit M.A.D for Diving website for more info and our PADI IDC schedule for Dive Careers Maldives.
PADI Divemaster Skills workshop in the Buddha View pool, Koh Tao Thailand
My days are usually filled with workshops or lectures on diving theory. This allows me to have constant variety in my schedule, and the flexibility to try new things. Since I’m constantly working with divers of such a diverse background, I can easily adapt and change things to meet their needs. For example, if I know they have completed the workshop before, or have more experience under their belt, I can add new skills to challenge them. I always enjoy coming up with new ways to make my workshops as beneficial as possible for my candidates.
PADI Divemaster Skin Diving Workshop Koh Tao Thailand
Allowing myself to keep learning as well, definitely gives me an advantage in my own teachings. I was very excited to complete my Tech40 & Side mount course. Even though I’m teaching within a recreational scope, I can incorporate these skills in my workshops to make my candidates more knowledgeable and well-rounded. In Tech40, a large amount of time was given to dive planning. We calculated our own personal surface air consumption rate, then used a more conservative SAC rate, to figure out exactly how much gas we would need for each stage of our dive. Every single ascent and stop was planned in advance, and we were taught to follow it diligently. It was great to apply this concept to the Deep Dive Scenario workshop.
I had the candidates collect data on their dive to calculate their own SAC rate, then use it to plan the second dive. Supervising the workshop in side mount configuration, allowed me to also act as an emergency drop tank, where my candidates could simulate emergency decompression, breathing out of my long hose. ( A great tip a I learned from my Tech Instructor Julien Fortin). The point is that the more we learn, the more we can pass down as teachers. Even if it doesn’t directly apply to you and what your are doing at that time, it will allow you to have a better understanding and respect for your trade.
PADI Divemaster certification Buddha View, Koh Tao Thailand
I hope to keep my candidates excited about diving, and allow them to continue to grow as I do. It's an amazing feeling, to see how much someone can accomplish in such a short time. I remember how it felt to lead my first dive, and the pride that came with being a leader. I can see that feeling evolve in my own students, and I am glad to be a part of it.
Everyday I get to wake up and go to a job I love, in an office that constantly amazes me. Thanks for the great advice dad!
PADI Divemaster celebration at Buddha View Koh Tao, Thailand
