Why Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah Switched from PADI to SSI

When we opened Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah, we built our dive center on a simple philosophy: offer authentic, personal, and exceptional diving experiences in one of the Maldives’ wildest locations. As a 100% locally-owned center with an all-Maldivian team of SSI-certified guides and instructors, diving is in our blood — and sharing our passion with guests from around the world is what drives us. 

Over the years, our dive family has grown, with guests returning again and again, drawn by the personal touch, small groups, and unforgettable shark encounters that diving in Fuvahmulah is famous for. 

As a close-knit diving family with over 40 years of collective dive experience, we build a strong rapport with our guests – to the point where some of them love the experience so much they come back a few times a year! When you go diving in the Maldives with locals, you arrive as strangers but leave as our extended family. 

As we looked to the future, we asked ourselves an important question: how could we raise the bar even higher?

In 2024, we made a big decision: we transitioned from PADI to SSI  as our exclusive certification agency. Here is why we made the change — and why it matters to every diver who chooses to explore Fuvahmulah with us.

Why We Chose SSI

At Pelagic Divers, quality and safety have always come first. When we looked at the structure behind SSI certifications, we were impressed by how well it aligned with our own standards.

Unlike many agencies, SSI requires every instructor and divemaster to actively renew their professional status every year - and not just by paying a fee. Instructors must complete updated medical evaluations, and skill assessments, and stay up to date with the latest diving protocols. For us, that means one simple thing: our guests are always diving with healthy, fully active, and professionally current instructors.

Switching to SSI gave us an extra layer of confidence. It is not just about ticking boxes — it is about living up to the high expectations we set for ourselves, and ensuring that every dive we offer is as safe, smooth, and unforgettable as possible.

Ready to dive in? Check out: Fuvahmulah - Experience The Ultimate Tiger Shark Dive

About SSI

Established in 1970, SSI was founded with the vision of making it possible for anyone to learn how to dive safely. Since then, SSI has grown into one of the world’s largest and most respected dive training organizations. With more than 3,500 Training Centers worldwide and programs covering scuba diving, freediving, technical diving, mermaiding, and more, SSI is known for its emphasis on real-world training standards and accessible learning — values we share wholeheartedly at Pelagic Divers.

Importantly for us, SSI’s global reputation and presence - with over 100,000 SSI professionals in over 150 countries - ensure your certification will be recognized and welcomed wherever you dive.

What It Means for You

When you dive with Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah today, you are diving with a team that is trained, tested, and refreshed every single year. You are also diving with people who know these waters better than anyone — passionate locals who treat every guest like family.

We keep our dive groups small (just four guests per guide) and limit the number of divers on our boat to a maximum of 12, so you get the attention and space you deserve. Whether you are diving with the legendary tiger sharks of Fuvahmulah or simply admiring the incredible marine life, you can relax knowing you are in safe hands.

Because when you explore the ocean with a local dive team who cares deeply — and stays at the top of their game — your experience becomes more than just a dive. It becomes a memory you will carry for life.

Ready to Experience The Difference with Pelagic Divers?

Join us at Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah and discover the magic of Maldivian diving, guided by passionate locals and certified SSI professionals. 

Contact us today to arrange your next shark diving adventure.