"It's a very happy day. As a trainer, this is the happiest day I wanted to see," said PADI course director Zoona Naseem, one of the most experienced divers in the Maldives. She was speaking at the inauguration of the rescue diver training program in Gaaf Dhaal Madaveli on Friday evening.
Zoona, who has spent 28 years in the diving industry and continues to train people in the field, noted that tragic incidents have occurred when fishermen dive for baitfish without following safety standards.
She believes the government’s decision to have a rescue diver on every fishing boat is a great initiative.
“The purpose of a rescue diver is to ensure that a diver can be taken for treatment without further problems in case of emergencies,” Zoona said.
Participants of the program.
"If a diver faces a problem and treatment is delayed, he could be disabled for the rest of his life. But if he gets the treatment he needs quickly, he has a better chance of surviving," she added.
Several trainings have to be done to become a rescue diver. Participants will learn open-water diving, advanced diving courses and rescue techniques. They must also complete a first aid course.
In the first program in Madaveli, Dhevvadhoo, Kolamaafushi and Villingili, 25 people rescue divers will be trained.
This is a pledge made by President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu. The Cabinet decided to launch the program on December 24.
According to the Fisheries Ministry, efforts are underway to begin the program in Addu and Laamu atoll next week.
Fisheries Minister Shiyam (r).
Speaking at the launch of the program, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said the President's decision to have a rescue diver on every fishing vessel shows his passion for the fishing industry.
After the program was launched, Shiyam dived with the course participants and instructors. He is a professional diver.
