Technical Support Diver / Medic

Ben, born in Belgium, began diving in 1991. Over the past 25 years, he has taught and dived worldwide, holding trainer levels from five different diving agencies. Ben is a Dive Medic Instructor and a board-certified Hyperbaric Technologist. During his time in Thailand, he achieved record-breaking dives, including a 239-meter dive in Sra Keow cave and the deepest ocean dive at 202.5 meters in the Blue Hole in Dahab. As one of the few cave instructor trainers globally and a co-author of technical training programs, Ben is highly respected in the diving community. He is currently based in Finland, focusing on technical diving training.

Technical Support Diver / Surface Supervisor

Miranda is an Instructor Trainer and technical diver from Toronto, Canada. As a child, she dreamed of traveling the world and spending as much time underwater as possible. Upon finishing school, she began to make both of those dreams a reality. Diving full time for 8 years now, Miranda splits her year between Malta and Mexico. As much as she loves marine life (sharks in particular), after years of cave diving, her path is shifting towards exploration and CCR diving.

Technical Advisor

Michael Menduno (M2) is an award-winning journalist and technologist who has written about diving and diving technology for more than 30 years. He coined the term “technical diving.” His magazine aquaCORPS: The Journal for Technical Diving (1990-1996), helped usher tech diving into mainstream sports diving and he produced the first Tek.Conferences and Rebreather Forums 1.0, 2.0 and most recently Rebreather Forum 4 (2023). Michael is the co-founder and Editor-in-chief of InDEPTH online magazine and senior editor for DAN Europe’s Alert Diver. He is also a contributing editor for X-Ray, writes for Alert Diver (US), DeeperBlue.com and the Journal for Diving History, and is a member of the Rebreather Training Council. In addition, he served on the board of the Historical Diving Society (USA) 2019-2014.

Technical Support Diver / Marine Scientist

Dr. Dominic Bryant is a leading coral reef ecologist with over 15 years of experience in marine conservation and ecosystem restoration. His journey into marine biology began during a transformative trip to the Maldives in 1997, inspiring his PhD research on the effects of human land use on coral distribution across the Central Indian Ocean. The Maldives holds deep significance for Dominic, where he has witnessed the crucial role of conservation policies—such as the ban on herbivorous fish exports—in helping coral reefs recover from widespread bleaching events.

Dominic led groundbreaking expeditions to the Maldives in 2015 and 2017 as part of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey, contributing valuable insights to global reef monitoring and preservation efforts.

He remains passionate about supporting initiatives like the Across Maldives expedition, recognizing that such missions are indispensable for safeguarding the coral reefs that underpin the well-being of Maldivian communities.

Support Diver / Medic

Dr. Sham’aa Abdullah Hameed, known as Anna, is a dedicated marine conservationist and medical professional with over ten years of expertise in marine research and project management. She is the founder of the Ocean Warriors Institute and as an SSI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Platinum Course Director, with a strong commitment to cultivating the next generation of diving instructors, Anna emphasizes rigorous safety protocols and environmental stewardship within the diving community.

Documentary Lead

Dedicated and meticulous cinematographer with an eye for detail. Comprehensive experience with all aspects of video production and post production. Proven ability to handle a variety of simultaneous projects and work under high-pressure deadlines. Bith-o is also a Co-founder of Ocean Six Fifty

"Bith-o is quick to establish rapport with clients and instantly sets them at ease with his professional, yet easy going style. As a cinematographer, Bith-o has a unique perspective of what works within the confines of the lens and is able to produce arresting and memorable imagery along with the soundscapes that goes with it." ~Nathaniel Ober

Mission Coordinator

With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jen Nasym is known for her friendly demeanor and outstanding customer service. Throughout her career, she held supervisory and leadership roles, where her commitment to creating memorable guest experiences earned her recognition for excellence.

Underwater Photographer

Saeed Rashid is a well-known underwater photographer, competition judge, and writer based in the UK. With extensive experience in capturing stunning images of marine life and underwater landscapes, Rashid is recognized for his expertise and artistic vision in the field of underwater photography. He has judged several international photography contests and has been a mentor to many aspiring photographers. Rashid is also a well-known writer for various international dive magazines, where he shares his insights and experiences on underwater photography and marine life. His passion for the ocean and his ability to capture its beauty through his lens and words have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim in the photography and dive communities. He was also part of Shaff's 50 Hour record breaking dive team.

Support Diver / Marine Biologists

Shuhaina (Shuga) is a Marine Biologist and Dive Instructor dedicated to protecting reefs and educating others about unique marine ecosystems. With a degree in Environmental Management and extensive training in marine sciences, she leads impactful conservation efforts. Her background as a coral reef surveyor further enriches her work. Shuhaina is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in marine protection.

Technical Support Diver / Safety Supervisor

Ricardo, originally from Portugal, has spent most of his career diving and working around the world, often in remote locations. What began as a 10-day holiday in Thailand turned into an 11-year adventure, during which he spent over 9 years as a tour leader on a liveaboard, overseeing both recreational and technical diving seasons. With more than 20 years of experience in the diving industry, Ricardo is also a certified hyperbaric chamber operator and a skilled technical diver.

Mission Operations & Logistics Manager

Shiraz has joined the Across Maldives team, bringing a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in Procurement, Logistics, and Event Management. A passionate photographer, Shiraz has even clinched awards in Kodak and national competitions.

Lead Underwater Photographer

Bhushan Bagadia is a photographer based in Bangalore, India, known for his dance and underwater photography. He started his journey in photography while on tour with STEM Dance Kampni, serving as the lighting designer and capturing the experience through pictures. His love for diving began in 2006 during a holiday in the UK, and since then he has been passionate about underwater photography and filmmaking. He honed his skills in underwater photography and film-making by spending two months with Liquid Media in Thailand. He has traveled to several countries to pursue his passion for diving and has been to Australia, Maldives, Indonesia, UK, Thailand, and India. Bhushan also has a background in filmmaking, having studied at the New York Film Academy and taken advanced courses at the School of Visual Arts. He was the lead Underwater Cinematographer during Shaff's 50 Hour record breaking dive in 2022.

Tech Support Diver / Operations

Alexander Bryant, the CEO of Emperor Divers, diving for 30 years, and a professional for 22, Alexander has a deep passion for the underwater world. His extensive background in diving gives him unique insights into the industry, enabling him to lead the company with a focus on safety, excellence, and sustainability. Under his leadership, Emperor Divers has expanded its global presence, offering top-notch diving experiences for all levels of divers. Alex's expertise as a dive instructor ensures that Emperor Divers maintains its reputation for high-quality training, exceptional liveaboard trips, and responsible ocean exploration.

Underwater Video & Photographer

Nadine, a biologist from Germany, left behind the conventional life of her home country to pursue a career in scuba diving. Now residing in Malta, she spends much of her time travelling through Mexico and the US, while also embracing underwater photography. Although she loves teaching, her true passion lies in capturing moments through storytelling, especially photographing more challenging technical wrecks at deeper depths, as well as caves and untouched places around the world.

Dive Support Lead (aka Diver Number 8)

Afsheen, a seasoned telecom professional, is a dedicated diver and underwater photographer. He was also part of the supporting team during the Ocean650 50-hour dive event in 2022.

Support Diver / Marine scientist

Olivia is a content creator, author, and marine conservationist with a passion for diving, free-diving, and underwater photography. With a background in communications, she shifted her career towards marine conservation, earning a degree in the field. Olivia has worked with a coral conservation organisation and an NGOs focused on managing Marine Protected Areas. Her media experience includes roles as a host and editor for a documentary film company and the Swiss national TV and radio station. She loves to blend her deep connection to the ocean with her communications expertise to tell powerful stories that make complex marine issues clear and engaging for a wide audience.

Support Diver / Marine Scientist

Azim Musthag (Zim) is an SSI Master Instructor, accomplished underwater photographer, and dedicated marine scientist. With over two decades of diving experience since 2001, he has cultivated a deep passion for the ocean and its conservation. As the operator of Maldivers, Zim has trained countless divers, sharing his expertise and love for the underwater world. His work in marine science and underwater photography showcases the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, making him a respected figure in both the diving and environmental communities. He was also a key dive team member during the Ocean 650 event.

Support Diver

Masha is an accomplished PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor from the Maldives, with 13 years of experience in diving and luxury hospitality. Her journey has taken her across multiple islands, where she has honed her skills in various underwater environments and worked with divers of all experience levels. After leaving school, diving quickly became her passion as she stepped into the hospitality industry. She soon realized that her true calling lay beneath the waves and worked tirelessly to become a scuba instructor, immersing herself in the intricate beauty of the marine world. Since then, Masha has never looked back, following her passion to new shores.

Today, she is a valued member of one of Saudi Arabia’s largest and most ambitious projects, Red Sea Global. As part of the pre-opening team, Masha plays a key role in establishing this prestigious venture, which aims to reveal the Red Sea’s hidden treasures to the world. She not only focuses on creating unforgettable experiences but is also committed to preserving the environment she cherishes. Over the years, Masha has actively participated in marine conservation projects, particularly those dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating coral reefs.

Through every dive and conservation project, Masha continues to inspire those around her, proving that passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements both above and below the water’s surface.

Documentary Director

Andrew is a long time diver, photographer and writer. Originally from the USA, he has since lived across the Pacific, Asia, and Europe. While living on the island of Guam he devoted himself full time to the ocean, helping many new divers fall in love with the water while working as an instructor and enthusiastic underwater photographer. After much encouragement from his friends and students, he devoted himself full time to taking and sharing his images and writing about diving.

It took time and patience, but within a few years his photos and writing were appearing in dive and travel magazines around the world. To date he has written around 100 articles, four books, and had his photos and videos used in various media outlets on a regular basis. Along with the publishing work came invitations to speak at major dive shows across Asia, Europe, and North America. To this day Andrew is a regular speaker at major dive events; having spoken at many shows from Beijing to Singapore to the United States, and pretty much everywhere in between.

The next logical step for him was to start a media production and publishing company that focused on diving and adventure travel. Fata Morgana Media was born in 2016 and it currently has six titles in publication and thirteen more in production. The writers and photographers for these books are from around the world and feature the most recognizable names in the business. Currently he lives in Germany with his awesome wife Dalice and two daughters Elly and EJ “Doomy”.

Mission Director

Sathom joins the Across Maldives team as the Event Director overseeing the event design and operations. He's also an entrepreneur with an affinity for innovation, product design, illustration and film making. Over the last few years his focus has primarily been on sustainability-driven platforms, products and technologies. He is also a Co-founder of the design firm Studio Surumuthi and non-profit The Eco Org.

Support Diver / Personal Fitness Trainer

Ibrahim Shaz, known as "Bodey," is a seasoned personal trainer with decades of experience in fitness and wellness. He has worked with a diverse range of clients, from elite athletes to everyday professionals, helping them achieve their fitness goals across generations. Specializing in strength, conditioning, and goal-specific training, Bodey’s deep understanding of human performance allows him to unlock each client’s full potential.

In addition to being a Divemaster and part of the support divers team during the Ocean650 event, Bodey is now the personal trainer for Shaff, preparing him to reach peak fitness for the upcoming Across Maldives 2025 event. He will also ensure Shaff maintains his fitness throughout the challenge.

Technical Support Diver

Donarun, born and brought up in India, is one of the few technical diving instructors and rebreather divers in the country. Graduated as a mechanical engineer, his goals are integrating technology into diving. He is involved in building gas analyzers, apps and solutions for dive centers. He spends his time running one of India's largest dive centers and exploring various cave systems in India. He also dabbles in underwater photography and content creation.

Mission Financial Director

Hassan is a finance consultant specializing in audit and assurance. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping businesses thrive, he navigates the complexities of financial systems with expertise. Outside of work, Hassan enjoys diving, exploring the underwater world, and embracing new adventures. He also collaborates with various NGOs, using his skills to support meaningful causes.

Support Diver / Marine Scientist

Zana Shiraz is an aspiring marine biologist and experienced divemaster with seven years of hands-on experience in marine research. Growing up by the ocean and swimming in it daily, she developed a deep curiosity and passion for understanding marine ecosystems from a young age.

She began her journey by participating in small-scale coral restoration projects, which eventually led to a role at the Maldives Marine Research Institute. There, she had the opportunity to collaborate with accomplished local marine biologists and various international research organizations on studies related to coral reefs and sharks. In addition, she contributed to research on marine microplastics and participated in numerous survey expeditions conducted across the Maldives.

Throughout these endeavors, she contributed to several research papers and abstracts on topics such as the state of Maldivian coral reefs, coral recruit density, reproduction cycles and spawning of corals in the region, as well as the distribution and concentration of microplastics in marine ecosystems. Currently, she is pursuing further studies with the goal of becoming a marine biologist, aspiring to conduct extensive research in Maldivian waters.

She was on the support diver team for Shaff's 50 hour record breaking dive.

Technical Support Diver / Underwater Videographer

Dan Sun is a technical diver, sailor, and seller of titanium hardware based in Hong Kong. She is certified to dive up to 100 meters using the Liberty Sidemount CCR and has participated in numerous wreck expeditions, including those at Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll.

Dan shares her journey in technical diving and sailing across various social media platforms to inspire others to pursue their passions, particularly in these historically inaccessible ocean sports.

She founded the Hong Kong Chapter of Ghost Diving and currently operates in the Southeast Asia region. Dan has extensive experience in organizing and recovering ghost nets (abandoned fishing gear) while maintaining the organization’s safety standards.

Her passion project, “DAN SUN TITANIUM,” has introduced thousands of titanium tools to serious divers and marine professionals worldwide.

Before dedicating herself fully to her titanium tool brand, Dan was a veteran in the video game industry, where she worked in human resources. Additionally, she has founded or joined several non-profit grassroots organizations that support women in the video game sector.

Corporate Partnerships Lead

In 2019, Stefan established corporate partnerships for Swissloop, contributing to the team’s 2nd place finish and an innovation award at the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition. He continued to build strategic partnerships for Swissloop Tunneling, the current winner of the Not-a-Boring Competition, and for the EuroTube Foundation, collaborating with industry leaders such as SIX, Sika, Implenia, Nespresso, Swiss Re, ETH Zurich, and the University of St. Gallen.

Support Diver

Shumi, a seasoned diving professional, is a PADI MSDT Instructor and SSI Advanced Dive Control Specialist Instructor. With over 12 years of experience working at luxury resorts and an additional 14 years in the luxury yacht industry, Shumi has spent a significant portion of their career exploring the underwater wonders of the Maldives and beyond.

Underwater Videographer / Drone Operator

Ahmed Rishan is a PADI-certified professional underwater photographer and videographer with a deep passion for exploring the beauty of the Maldives. His journey into diving began when Shaff Naeem took him on his first dive, training him from Open Water Diver to Advanced Diver. Since then, he has collaborated with several luxury brands in the Maldives, working across both photography and videography projects, as well as engaging in commercial and other creative endeavors. His love for the ocean and all it encompasses drives his work, and he is always eager for new adventures, cherishing the opportunity to share special moments with family and friends.