Shafraz “Shaff” Naeem is a trailblazer in professional and technical diving with over 30 years of experience at the absolute limits of underwater exploration. An ex-military diver and specialist in Underwater EOD and salvage, Shaff played a pivotal role in evolving the Maldives Coast Guard Diving Unit into an elite force. Today, he remains a key advisor to the Maldives National Defence Force and Maldives Police Service on diving operations and safety.
Internationally recognized as one of the world’s 111 most inspirational technical divers, Shaff is a master of advanced sidemount rebreather systems and high-endurance underwater projects. In 2022, he set an Asian record with a 50-hour continuous scuba dive (Ocean 6/50), a feat of stamina that served as a global platform for ocean plastic awareness and was later immortalized in the film 50 Hours Underwater.
In February 2026, Shaff cemented his legacy with the historic Across Maldives 2026 expedition. Despite a total logistical redesign less than 24 hours before launch, Shaff successfully completed a 335-kilometer underwater journey across North Malé, South Malé, and Vaavu Atolls. The 15-day expedition saw him log over 70+ hours underwater across 35+ dives—including a grueling 16.5km continuous dive—setting new national and regional endurance records officially recognized by the Maldives Book of Records.
Whether navigating deep cave systems, capturing award-winning underwater photography, or speaking on global stages like MIDE and ADEX TekTalks, Shaff’s work remains defined by a singular mission: pushing the boundaries of human resilience to advocate for the protection and conservation of the world’s oceans.
