Ocean 6|50 – A dive for hope by Shafraz Naeem

16 January, 2022

On the 50th anniversary of the Tourism and Diving Industry in the Maldives, Maldivian technical diver Mr. Shafraz Naeem will be attempting to spend 50 hours underwater. This event aims to raise awareness and advocate for a sustainable solution to tackle the issues of plastic pollution and the conservation of marine species and ecosystems in the Maldives.

This record-breaking event is set to be held from 25th to 27th February. Show your support and commitment by signing the pledge against plastic pollution and climate change. Registrations are currently open for everyone. Interested candidates send a mail to [email protected] or call at 7388536. The event amenities include a 25 minutes dive, pledge certificate, photo session, free merch, and refreshments. Ocean 650 will be taking place near Kuda Guri in South Male Atoll near Anantara Dhigu.

Mr. Shafraz Naeem, the primary diver of this event is an ex-military diver instructor, Navy Clearance diver, an SSI recreational dive instructor, techni diver, explorer, and an underwater photographer. He has 27 years of experience in the industry and has trained divers in the Maldivian Coast Guard, Special Forces, and Marines. Ben Reymenants, dive planner and technical diver who is listed as one of the world’s best technical divers and trainers, will be on hand at the event guiding and monitoring the safety of the main diver and supporting divers. Support Team Leader of Ocean 6|50 Azim (Zim) is a Marine Biologist and an underwater photographer who would be leading the support dive team.

This event is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and the National Boating Association of Maldives.

The amount of microplastic pollution in waters around the Maldives is amongst the highest in the world and has the potential to severely impact marine life in shallow reefs and threaten the livelihoods of island communities. The increasing rate of production and release of ever-larger volumes of hazardous and environmentally harmful materials, like plastics, will exceed our ability not only to manage all that excess waste but to so much as monitor its release. Time is of the essence when it comes to tackling plastic waste as plastic pollution in the planet’s oceans, show your support towards a more sustainable plastic-free future with Ocean 6|50.

If Mr. Shafraz completes the full 2-day immersion, he would then hold the national and regional record for the longest open saltwater scuba dive. Team IMTM wishes Mr. Shafraz and all the event participants Goodluck! For more information visit oceansixfifty.org.