Shaff Naeem

Shafraz “Shaff” Naeem is a trailblazer in professional and technical diving with more than 30 years of experience. An ex-military diver, he specialized in Underwater EOD, amphibious operations, and salvage, serving as both an operator and instructor. He was instrumental in building the Maldives Coast Guard Diving Unit into what it is today — an elite, well-trained force that continues to uphold the highest operational standards.

Beyond his military career, Shaff has explored deep cave systems and reefs across the Maldives, consistently pushing the boundaries of technical diving. He is also a pioneer in underwater photography, earning national recognition with First and Second Place awards in the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board’s photography competition in 2007.

In 2022, he set an Asian record with a 50-hour continuous dive, an achievement that highlighted his endurance and technical mastery while raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution and commemorating the Maldives’ 50th anniversary of tourism and diving. This record also showcased his expertise in advanced sidemount rebreather configurations, designed for flexibility and efficiency during long-duration dives.

Today, Shaff advises the Maldives National Defence Force and the Maldives Police Service on diving operations and safety. He is currently leading the ambitious Across Maldives project, a series of record-setting long-distance dives. The initiative began with a 14-kilometer dive in February 2025 and aims to culminate in a 460+ kilometer dive across the Maldivian archipelago in 2026 — an unprecedented endeavor blending exploration, endurance, and advocacy for ocean conservation.

Interview:

What (or who) persuaded you to become a professional diver?
My path into professional diving started in the military, where I trained as a Navy Clearance Diver. Later, I became an instructor, shaping and training divers for demanding environments. Those years gave me discipline, a technical mindset, and a deep respect for the ocean. When I left the military, I knew I didn’t want to pursue a conventional career, I wanted to continue diving, to train others, and to share the same skills and passion that had shaped me. Helping build the Maldives Coast Guard Diving Unit into the elite, highly trained force it is today is one of my proudest early contributions. Becoming a professional diver was never just about a career; it was about carrying forward that mission of excellence and passing it on.

What’s the biggest challenge you face when diving?
Diving challenges are many, but the ocean’s unpredictability is always the biggest one. Conditions can change in an instant; currents, visibility, temperature, equipment, and even your own body can behave differently than expected. For me, the challenge is to always stay calm, centered, and adaptable. That mindset comes from my military background, where preparation, composure, and awareness were the difference between success and failure. Whether it’s a technical dive, a wreck penetration, or a long-duration record attempt, the challenge is not just physical but mental, controlling your headspace, anticipating problems before they happen, and being ready to solve them when they do. That balance between preparation and adaptability is what keeps every dive safe and successful.

Which diving achievement are you most proud of?
I’ve been fortunate to experience many milestones, but two achievements stand out. The first is becoming one of the only internationally recognized technical divers from the Maldives. Coming from a small island nation with limited access to advanced diving resources, I take pride in proving that with determination, discipline, and training, you can rise to an international level. The second is my 50-hour continuous dive in 2022, which became an Asian record. That dive wasn’t just about endurance, it was about raising awareness of plastic pollution and marking the Maldives’ 50th anniversary of tourism and diving. It required meticulous planning, flawless sidemount configuration, and a strong support team. Now, leading the Across Maldives project feels like a continuation of that legacy. The project combines exploration, conservation, and record-setting, with dives like the 14-kilometer challenge completed in February 2025, and the ambitious 460+ kilometer archipelago dive planned for 2026.

What was your first dive like?
I still remember it as if it were yesterday. My first dive was off the reef at Alimatha Resort in 1989. I was just 10 meters underwater, but it felt like I had entered another world. Sharks and rays passed me by, completely unbothered by my presence, and for the first time I experienced the silence and weightlessness of being beneath the waves. That dive gave me a profound sense of connection and humility, it made me realize how small we are compared to the ocean, and yet how much it has to offer if we respect it. That single moment sparked a passion that has grown into a lifelong career.

Why do you prefer rebreather diving?
I was first introduced to rebreathers during my Navy Clearance Diver course, where they were vital for combat dives and underwater EOD operations. The technology fascinated me from the very beginning, and ever since then I’ve preferred them for both professional and personal diving. Rebreathers allowed me to extend dive times, dive deeper, and move silently without bubbles, making me almost invisible to marine life. As an underwater photographer, this is invaluable; it allows me to capture moments without disturbing the environment. For technical expeditions and record-setting dives, the efficiency and flexibility of rebreathers are unmatched. But beyond the utility, I also enjoy the precision they demand; diving a rebreather keeps you sharp, disciplined, and always learning.

What’s your favorite piece of gear?
Each piece of gear I own has a story, and each plays a role. My underwater camera system is one of my favorites because it allows me to share the ocean’s beauty and fragility with others, hopefully inspiring the same respect and curiosity that drives me. My Divesoft Liberty Rebreather is my trusted partner in technical exploration, it gives me the confidence to attempt dives that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. And then there are my old Jetfins, which I’ve had for 28 years. They’ve been with me through thousands of dives, from military operations to personal explorations, and they remind me of where this journey started.

Favorite dive spot?
The Maldives will always be my favorite dive destination, not just because it’s home, but because of the incredible diversity of dives it offers. From shark-filled channels with powerful currents, to Manta cleaning stations, to deep caves and wrecks, the Maldives has it all. Each dive site presents its own challenges and rewards, and even after thousands of dives, I’m still humbled and inspired by what I see here. It’s where I learned discipline as a diver, where I set records, and where I continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.