Regarded as "the Godfather of the Maldivian diving industry" Hussain Rasheed, better known as Sendi, was born in Male', the capital of the Republic of Maldives. He started diving in 1981 and became a PADI Divemaster in 1986, an Instructor in 1993, and Course Director in 2000. He currently focuses on teaching PADI Professionals and has been a mentor to literally thousands of new divers. Sendi has given numerous presentations at local schools, sharing his love and knowledge of diving and the marine environment, thus ensuring that the next generation of Maldivian's understands their importance to the Maldivian economy, and also to the nation's culture. Using regional television he has been able to further expand his programs delivering them to a much wider national audience.
In recognition of his many efforts on behalf of diving and the marine environment, Sendi has received both the Maldive Tourism Award, and the Presidential Award. Each of these are major career acknowledgements, and together they recognize his contributions and ongoing dedication over many years.
Sendi is a keen underwater photographer and dedicated diving professional. When asked about what he likes most about his work instructing divers he noted that, "It is the satisfaction that they will become environmental ambassadors. So, for the Professionals… they will become the ambassador trainers. I enjoy every moment, on all levels, and have so many good memories."
Sendi has been actively involved in the lobbying of all marine protected species and dive sites in the Maldives since he started scuba diving. As a witness to the decline in the area's shark population he has been active in opposing shark finning and the sale of shark souvenirs such as jaws and teeth, and was an effective supporter of the 2010 national legislation that provided protection to sharks.
Sendi's 37 - year career shows his deep love of the ocean that he actively works to protect, and his educational abilities that produce a continuing stream of diving professionals that become Maldivian Ocean Ambassadors.
Since his first breaths underwater, Sendi has seen the Maldives diving industry grow from a few explorers to a multiple million - dollar industry that directly benefits thousands of local Maldivian many of who directly or indirectly owe their role in the industry to him. Sendi thanks his father for inspiring him to venture out into the blue, and to succeed in his chosen field. "He taught me that the ocean was not something to fear, but that it had much to offer." His wife of 30 years and their two children, he credits with the rest of his impressive journey.
The immensity of the contribution that Sendi has made towards diving in the Maldives is indisputable.