A community-led diving initiative in R. Inguraidhoo has successfully certified 17 young participants after completing a free diving training program aimed at introducing local youth to opportunities within the diving industry.

The course was organized by experienced diving professional Ahmed Sameer, who has spent more than two decades working in the sector, together with his brother Adil Khalid, a diving instructor with over a decade of experience.

Conducted during May, the training provided participants with the opportunity to gain internationally recognized diving qualifications at no cost.

All 17 students who enrolled in the program successfully completed the course and received their certifications.

According to the brothers, the initiative was launched as a way of giving back to the community and encouraging greater youth involvement in the diving industry.

Sameer noted that interest in diving among young people from Inguraidhoo has increased considerably in recent years following similar training opportunities provided to students from the island.

The participants completed the PSS Open Water Diver course, with younger students aged between 10 and 12 receiving Junior Level certification, this qualification allows them to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres under the relevant certification guidelines.

The brothers stated that comprehensive insurance coverage was arranged for all participants throughout the course.

The course concluded with practical diving sessions alongside the students at several of the atoll's most renowned dive sites.

The program was supported through the personal contributions of the two brothers, who covered various operational expenses, including the cost of refilling diving tanks through a nearby resort's dive centre.

Following the successful completion of the course, Sameer said efforts are underway to support participants interested in pursuing advanced certifications.

Plans are also being explored to expand similar training opportunities to young people from other islands within the atoll.