August 2025 marks an exciting milestone for SSI as the world’s leading business-based dive training agency launches a multi-week video shoot at the breathtaking Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, in partnership with Sub Oceanic Maldives.  The production will result in a series of updated, high-quality training videos, lifestyle visuals, and brand content that will be seen by divers and dive professionals worldwide.

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More than just a video shoot, this project represents a strategic alliance between world-class hospitality, elite dive training, and professional media production. Together, Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa, Sub Oceanic, and SSI are embarking on a large-scale project to promote diversity in the diving community and create high-end, engaging training videos, elevating how dive education is delivered globally.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa: A Natural Fit for SSI’s Vision

Located in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives is a chic, eco-conscious island sanctuary surrounded by 50 world-class dive sites. Its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life made it the destination for its stunning natural beauty for SSI’s latest production.

But it is not just about the beauty. The decision to partner with Le Méridien Maldives reflects a shared commitment to marine education, and high-end travel experiences.

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The resort’s General Manager, Thomas Schult, shared:

“We are honoured to be selected by SSI as the location for their new training videos. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers a truly inspiring backdrop, where crystal-clear waters surround a thriving reef teeming with sea life.

Our naturally formed island is home to a flourishing marine ecosystem, making it an ideal setting for professional dive content and for guests looking to discover the beauty of the underwater world.”

SSI selected Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa as the backdrop for this large-scale production not only for its stunning natural environment but also because of its alignment with SSI’s values of ocean conservation, marine education, and engaging dive programs.

The resort’s operating philosophy seamlessly supports SSI’s mission, making it the ideal partner for this project. Guests at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa can engage with the underwater realm through curated diving and snorkeling experiences offered by Sub Oceanic Maldives — the on-site dive center and proud SSI Training Center.

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Discover more about Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa →

SSI + Sub Oceanic Maldives = A Collaboration Rooted in Excellence

At the heart of this exciting collaboration is Sub Oceanic Maldives, a premier SSI Training Center renowned for its expertise, professionalism, and enriching guest experiences. Their team is assisting with logistics, underwater shooting coordination, location selection, and safety management throughout the entire production.

Florian Gansl, Sub Oceanic Maldives’ Head of Operations, shared:

“Sub Oceanic Maldives is incredibly grateful for the trust of SSI to execute such a huge Video Project. Our biggest concern from the beginning was that the vast number of turtles at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa House Reef might swim too often through the scenes. We very much appreciate that the SSI Production Team is willing to take that risk!”

This partnership goes beyond surface-level support. Two Sub Oceanic instructors - Alejandro Embid Ruiz de Conejo and Chun-Ping “Pyng” Lin - are also starring in the video shoot, further proving the depth of talent within the Sub Oceanic team.

Their local insight and technical skills ensure that every moment captured on film reflects the real-world quality of SSI's educational programs - delivered with clarity, elegance, and authenticity.

Learn more about Sub Oceanic Maldives →

Meet the Models: SSI Professionals Chosen from Around the Globe

Earlier this year, SSI issued a global casting call open to SSI Instructors worldwide. The response was overwhelming. The goal was to find models who are passionate about diving, skilled at demonstrating techniques, and eager to inspire others by reflecting diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders.

After reviewing applications from dozens of countries, six outstanding SSI Professionals were selected to participate in the shoot. These individuals represent the diversity, passion, and skill of the global dive professional community SSI was looking for - and now, they are about to become the new faces of SSI training.

Meet the Cast:

• Alejandro Embid (Alex), 29 – Spain, SSI Open Water Instructor
• Kornel Toth, 47 – Hungary, SSI Divemaster Instructor
• Gordos Mateo Gojunco, 42 – Philippines, SSI Instructor Trainer & Certifier
• Sita Angela Jaekel, 35 – Indonesia, SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer, XR Instructor
• Chun-Ping “Pyng” Lin, 37 – Taiwan, SSI Master Instructor
• Jacinta Kimani, 29 – Kenya, SSI Open Water Instructor

Each model brings a unique perspective and cultural background to the project. Whether it is Gordos’ years of teaching across Asia, Jacinta’s fresh perspective from East Africa, or Sita’s deep passion for inclusive dive education in Indonesia, each brings something unique to the table.

Together, they reflect what SSI stands for: a truly global community of passionate, professional educators.

What the Shoot Includes

The shoot is focused on capturing three primary categories of content:

1. Skill Demonstration Videos

From mask clearing to buoyancy control, all the essential scuba skills will be recorded in high-resolution detail - designed to replace and enhance all existing SSI training materials. These videos will be used across SSI's global platforms to support beginner, advanced, and specialty courses.

2. Real Diving Footage

SSI aims to capture inspiring lifestyle photos that feature stunning reef dives, thrilling wreck dives, and exciting encounters with marine life. The natural beauty of the Maldives will provide a visually exciting backdrop for new lifestyle images that capture the essence of being an SSI diver.

3. Lifestyle & Surface Content

Beyond the dive, the shoot will also capture the whole dive travel experience - from boat preparation and pre-dive briefings to post-dive relaxation, resort moments, and group camaraderie. This content will be useful in enhancing SSI's message through their marketing, website, and promotional channels.

Follow Along for A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

While the final videos will reflect SSI’s polished, professional brand image, the shoot itself is an all-hands-on-deck production. SSI’s media and training teams, alongside Sub Oceanic’s staff, are working together daily to choreograph dives, capture ideal conditions, and coordinate schedules across multiple sites.

The team is also documenting behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and stories that will be shared after the shoot concludes - offering the SSI community a chance to see the people, passion, and planning that go into every frame.

Expect to see teaser clips, Instagram Reels, and exclusive sneak peeks that will share the joy and camaraderie of what being an SSI professional is all about. Until then, SSI invites its community to follow along online, meet the models, and share in the excitement.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Dive Education

This project is more than just a visual update for SSI. It is part of a long-term strategy to modernize dive education and support SSI’s global network of professionals with engaging, up-to-date content.

The collaboration with Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and Sub Oceanic Maldives showcases what is possible when world-class training meets world-class hospitality and dive operations. It is a shared vision: one that blends eco-conscious chic travel, marine education, and captivating storytelling to attract and inspire the next generation of divers.

Stay Tuned for Updates and Behind-the-Scenes Content

Want to be the first to see the new videos and behind-the-scenes moments? Follow @divessi on Instagram and visit divessi.com to stay connected as the Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa project unfolds.