Shaff Naeem, known for holding the Asian record for the 50-hour dive in 2022, is taking on an even bigger challenge: the Across Maldives expedition. This unprecedented journey will cover the full length of the Maldives, from the northern Haa Alif Atoll to the southern Seenu Atoll. The event will be officially launched at the Malaysia Dive Expo in June 2024, with two major phases planned over the next two years.
Phase 1: World Record Attempt in the Malé Region
The first part of Shaff’s ambitious journey will take place in February 2025, when he and his team aim to set a new world record in the Malé region. The dive will start from Hulhumalé and head towards Malé, covering a minimum of 14 kilometers underwater. This world record attempt will not only push the boundaries of endurance but also draw global attention to the Across Maldives project, which seeks to promote ocean conservation and raise awareness about the environmental challenges the Maldives faces.
Phase 2: The Full Across Maldives Dive
In 2026, Shaff will embark on the main event, diving across the entire Maldives. This incredible journey will span 460 kilometers over the course of a month. Such a feat requires careful planning and support from a team of experts, both local and international. The journey will serve as a powerful reminder of the Maldives' unique marine environment and the importance of its preservation.
Environmental Impact and Community Engagement
The Across Maldives expedition is about more than just setting records. It is also a platform for scientific research and community outreach. As part of the expedition, Shaff’s team will gather important environmental data, focusing on underwater terrain, climate change effects, and microplastic pollution in the Maldives’ waters. These findings will be shared with the public, helping to inform and inspire action for a cleaner, more sustainable ocean.
The expedition will also engage with local communities, offering workshops and events on nearby islands to raise awareness about marine conservation. By involving residents in the project, Shaff and his team aim to foster a stronger connection between the Maldivian people and their natural environment.
Collaboration and Support
Shaff’s Across Maldives initiative is supported by a number of organizations, including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence, and Maldives Police Services. The Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) is playing a key role in promoting the event, both locally and internationally, to showcase the beauty of the Maldives and its potential as a premier diving destination.
In addition, the event has gained attention from international dive magazines, further amplifying its significance and broadening its reach.
Fundraising and Support Opportunities
To make the Across Maldives expedition a reality, Shaff is actively fundraising for Phase 1 of the journey. Contributions will help cover the costs of logistics, dive gear, scientific research, and community outreach programs. A documentary about the expedition is also in the works and will be released in 2026.
Funds will be used in the following key areas:
- World Record Attempts: Organizing the dive and acquiring necessary equipment.
- Research Expedition: Collecting environmental data related to coral reefs, microplastics, and ocean health.
- Community Engagement: Hosting workshops to raise awareness about ocean conservation.
- Documentary Production: Capturing the historic dive and its journey for a global audience.
Donors can choose from various reward tiers, including credits in the documentary, event memorabilia like t-shirts and keychains, personalized underwater photos, and even a limited-edition photobook.
A Personal Tribute
For Shaff, this expedition is deeply personal. He is dedicating the Across Maldives journey to his late father, who inspired him with his words: "I wouldn’t be surprised if you dived all across the Maldives." This journey, which once seemed like a distant dream, is now becoming a reality. Shaff is grateful for the support he’s received and looks forward to making his father proud.
To learn more about the expedition or contribute to the project, visit www.acrossmaldives.org. You can also follow Shaff’s previous achievements and current efforts at www.oceansixfifty.org.
By supporting this groundbreaking project, you will not only witness an incredible journey but also play a part in preserving the future of the Maldives’ marine ecosystem.
