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.

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

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.

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.

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 Videographer

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Strategic Partnerships Lead

Sophia Nasif is a photojournalist/documentary photographer, who specialises in social justice activism topics such as the climate emergency, the cost of living crisis and racial equality. Her work has occasionally led to her advocating on this topics in the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the UK.

Her current research work is around the Maldives and the effects of global warming on the country and the community. She primarily works with NGOs, including Blue Marine, Maldives Resilient Reefs, South Asian Heritage Month UK, and more.

Additionally, with her previous background in film, TV and commercial, she also has strong experience in partnerships, with previous clients including RANKIN, Darren Aronofsky, the Royal Opera House and more.