UNDERWATER EXPLORER.
EXPEDITION LEADER.
OCEAN STORYTELLER.
Shaff Naeem is a Maldivian underwater explorer, former military clearance diver and instructor, technical diving professional, expedition leader, underwater photographer and podcast host. His journey began in 1989 and now spans more than three decades.
During nearly 15 years with the Maldives National Defence Force, Shaff was a founding member and instructor of the Coast Guard Diving Unit. He helped train divers from the Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Special Forces before continuing his work in exploration, technical diving, photography and ocean storytelling.
Across Maldives became a test not only of underwater endurance, but of resilience.
During the 2026 expedition, Shaff completed a 16.5-kilometre continuous underwater dive using a Divesoft Liberty sidemount rebreather and Seacraft DPVs.
Critical institutional and logistical support was withdrawn just before the project began, forcing the six-person team to reorganise the operation with limited resources. Despite these setbacks, the expedition continued for 15 days across North Malé, South Malé and Vaavu Atolls.
The 16.5-kilometre dive became the defining achievement of Across Maldives—a demonstration of determination, adaptability and the refusal to abandon an ambitious project when much of its original support structure had collapsed.
Ocean 6|50 was a landmark diving event aimed to raise awareness and advocate about the damaging effects of ocean plastic pollution, climate change, and the marine ecosystem. A dive event that was in planning since 2018 by Shafraz Naeem, also known as Shaff, an ex-military diver, technical diver, and instructor from the Maldives.
The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of tourism and diving in the Maldives, bringing together a diverse group of local and international diving professionals, marine scientists, and environmental activists. A total of 178 divers participated in the event to show their support for the cause.