About SeaQuest Diving Academy
Pioneering underwater education in India since 2010
SeaQuest has been at the forefront of diving education in India for over a decade, transforming novice swimmers into confident underwater explorers. Our comprehensive approach to diving instruction combines cutting-edge techniques with time-tested safety protocols, ensuring every student receives world-class training in the pristine waters of India's magnificent coastline. From the coral gardens of Andaman to the historic shipwrecks off Goa, we have guided thousands of divers on their underwater journeys, building a community of passionate ocean advocates who respect and protect our marine environment.
Our Story
The SeaQuest story began in 2010 when marine biologist Dr. Vikram Malhotra returned to India after completing his doctorate in marine conservation at the University of California. Having witnessed the incredible biodiversity of Indian waters during his research expeditions, Dr. Malhotra was determined to share this underwater paradise with fellow Indians while promoting responsible diving practices.
Starting with a small dive center in Goa, Dr. Malhotra partnered with experienced diving instructor Priya Sharma, who had been teaching recreational diving across Southeast Asia for nearly a decade. Together, they established SeaQuest with a simple yet powerful vision: to create India's most comprehensive and safety-focused diving education program that would introduce people to the wonders of underwater exploration while instilling deep respect for marine ecosystems.
In the early years, SeaQuest faced numerous challenges including limited infrastructure, skeptical local communities, and the need to establish credibility in a market dominated by international operators. However, through unwavering commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and personalized instruction, the academy gradually built a reputation for excellence that attracted students from across India and beyond.
The breakthrough came in 2013 when SeaQuest became the first Indian diving academy to achieve PADI's highest recognition for training standards. This milestone opened doors to partnerships with marine research institutions, environmental organizations, and tourism boards, allowing SeaQuest to expand its operations to multiple locations including the Andaman Islands, Kerala's backwaters, and the pristine waters of Lakshadweep.
Our Mission & Values
Safety First
Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do at SeaQuest. Our rigorous training protocols, regular equipment maintenance, and continuous instructor development ensure that every dive is conducted with the highest safety standards. We maintain a perfect safety record across all our operations, with comprehensive emergency response procedures and partnerships with local medical facilities at every dive location. Our instructors undergo annual recertification and participate in ongoing safety workshops to stay current with the latest diving safety practices and emergency management techniques.
Environmental Stewardship
We believe that diving education must go hand in hand with marine conservation. SeaQuest actively participates in coral restoration projects, beach cleanup initiatives, and marine research programs across India. Our students learn not only how to explore the underwater world but also how to protect it for future generations. We have partnered with the Wildlife Institute of India and Marine Biological Association to conduct regular biodiversity surveys and contribute to marine conservation databases. Every certified diver from SeaQuest becomes an ambassador for ocean conservation, equipped with knowledge about marine ecosystems and practical skills for environmental protection.
Community Building
SeaQuest is more than a diving school; we are a close-knit community of ocean enthusiasts who support each other's underwater adventures. Our alumni network spans across India and includes marine biologists, underwater photographers, dive masters, and recreational divers who regularly organize group expeditions and conservation activities. We host monthly diving meetups, annual underwater photography competitions, and specialized workshops on marine life identification and underwater navigation. Our community platform connects divers with similar interests and experience levels, fostering lifelong friendships and diving partnerships that extend far beyond the classroom.
Excellence in Education
Our educational philosophy centers on personalized instruction that adapts to each student's learning style and comfort level. We maintain small class sizes with a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of 1:4 to ensure individual attention and skill development. Our comprehensive curriculum covers theoretical knowledge, practical skills, emergency procedures, and marine ecology, providing students with a holistic understanding of diving. We use modern teaching methods including underwater communication systems, video analysis for skill improvement, and virtual reality training modules for complex scenarios. Our graduates consistently achieve higher-than-average pass rates on international certification exams and demonstrate superior underwater skills and safety awareness.
Our Journey Through the Years
Academy Founded
Dr. Vikram Malhotra and Priya Sharma established SeaQuest in Goa with a single dive boat and unlimited passion for underwater education. The first batch of 12 students completed their Open Water certification in the crystal-clear waters off Calangute Beach, marking the beginning of what would become India's premier diving academy.
First Major Expansion
SeaQuest opened its second location in Havelock Island, Andaman, bringing world-class diving education to one of India's most pristine marine environments. This expansion included the acquisition of our first custom-built diving vessel and the establishment of partnerships with local marine research institutions for student field trips and conservation projects.
PADI Excellence Recognition
SeaQuest became the first Indian diving academy to receive PADI's prestigious 5-Star Dive Center designation, recognizing our exceptional training standards, safety protocols, and customer service. This achievement established our reputation as India's leading diving education provider and opened doors to international recognition and partnerships.
Kerala Operations Launch
We expanded our operations to Kerala's stunning coastline, establishing dive centers in Kochi and Kovalam. This expansion introduced our students to Kerala's unique underwater topography, including ancient coral formations and diverse marine life that thrives in the Arabian Sea's warm waters. The Kerala operations also marked our first foray into specialized technical diving courses.
Conservation Partnership
SeaQuest partnered with the Wildlife Institute of India to establish the Indian Ocean Coral Restoration Project, training our advanced students in coral transplantation techniques and marine ecosystem monitoring. This groundbreaking initiative has since restored over 5 hectares of damaged coral reef and created employment opportunities for local fishing communities as marine conservation technicians.
Lakshadweep Expansion
We opened our most remote and exclusive training facility in Lakshadweep, offering advanced diving courses in some of India's most pristine waters. The Lakshadweep center specializes in deep water diving, underwater photography, and marine biology courses, attracting students from across Asia who seek to experience India's last untouched marine paradise.
Digital Innovation
During the global pandemic, SeaQuest pioneered virtual diving education in India, developing comprehensive online theory courses, virtual reality training modules, and remote mentorship programs. This innovation allowed us to continue education delivery while maintaining social distancing, and has since become an integral part of our blended learning approach.
Research Center Establishment
SeaQuest established the Indian Underwater Research Center in partnership with leading marine science institutions, focusing on climate change impacts on Indian marine ecosystems. The center conducts cutting-edge research on coral bleaching, marine biodiversity, and sustainable diving tourism while training the next generation of marine conservation professionals.
Leadership Team
Dr. Vikram Malhotra
Founder & CEO
Dr. Malhotra holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from UC San Diego and has over 20 years of experience in underwater research and education. Before founding SeaQuest, he led marine conservation projects across the Indian Ocean and contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications on coral reef ecology. His vision of combining recreational diving with marine science education has shaped SeaQuest's unique approach to underwater exploration. Dr. Malhotra is also a certified PADI Course Director and Technical Diving Instructor, regularly leading expeditions to remote diving locations across the Indo-Pacific region.
Priya Sharma
Co-founder & Head of Training
Priya is one of India's most experienced diving instructors with over 15 years of teaching experience across Southeast Asia. She holds PADI Course Director status and specializes in technical diving, underwater photography, and instructor development. Before co-founding SeaQuest, Priya worked with dive operations in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Maldives, gaining extensive experience in tropical marine environments. Her expertise in dive safety and emergency management has been instrumental in establishing SeaQuest's industry-leading safety protocols. Priya has trained over 200 diving instructors and has been featured in numerous diving publications for her contributions to diving education and women's participation in technical diving.
Captain Rajesh Kumar
Operations Director
Captain Kumar brings over 25 years of maritime experience to SeaQuest, including 15 years as a commercial diving operations supervisor and 10 years in the Indian Navy's special diving unit. His extensive knowledge of Indian coastal waters and weather patterns ensures safe and efficient diving operations across all SeaQuest locations. Captain Kumar holds advanced certifications in boat operations, dive rescue, and maritime safety, and has been responsible for developing SeaQuest's comprehensive safety protocols and emergency response procedures. His leadership has been crucial in maintaining SeaQuest's perfect safety record while expanding operations to challenging and remote diving locations throughout India.
Dr. Anita Krishnan
Research Director
Dr. Krishnan joined SeaQuest in 2018 to lead our marine research initiatives and conservation programs. She holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the Indian Institute of Science and has conducted extensive research on coral reef ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Her work on climate change impacts on marine biodiversity has been published in leading scientific journals and has informed conservation policies across South Asia. At SeaQuest, Dr. Krishnan oversees our coral restoration projects, marine life monitoring programs, and citizen science initiatives that engage our diving students in meaningful conservation work. She also leads specialized courses in marine biology and underwater research techniques for advanced students pursuing careers in marine science.
Recognition & Achievements
Industry Awards
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PADI 5-Star Dive Center Excellence Award (2013-2024)
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Indian Ocean Diving Safety Excellence Recognition (2015)
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Best Diving Education Provider - India Tourism Awards (2018)
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Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award - Government of Goa (2019)
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Outstanding Contribution to Marine Conservation - WWF India (2020)
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Innovation in Diving Education - Asian Diving Expo (2021)
Conservation Impact
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5 hectares of coral reef successfully restored across Indian Ocean sites
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Over 10,000 kg of marine debris removed during cleanup expeditions
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25 local fishing communities trained in sustainable marine practices
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150+ marine species documented through citizen science programs
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12 marine protected areas supported through research and monitoring
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500+ students trained in marine conservation techniques annually
Training Excellence
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98% first-time certification pass rate across all course levels
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Zero serious diving incidents in 14 years of operation
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Over 200 diving instructors trained and certified
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5000+ recreational divers certified across all skill levels
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85% of advanced students pursue additional specialty certifications
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International recognition from 15+ diving certification agencies
World-Class Facilities
SeaQuest operates state-of-the-art diving facilities across four prime locations in India, each equipped with modern amenities and safety equipment that meet or exceed international standards. Our facilities have been designed with both student comfort and safety in mind, featuring climate-controlled classrooms, equipment storage areas, and comprehensive first aid stations.
Custom Dive Vessels
Our fleet of 8 custom-built diving boats ranges from intimate 12-passenger vessels for personalized training to large 30-passenger boats for group expeditions. Each vessel is equipped with emergency oxygen, first aid stations, dive platform, equipment rinse stations, and satellite communication systems.
Equipment Center
Our equipment inventory includes over 500 complete diving systems from leading manufacturers including Scubapro, Mares, and Cressi. All equipment undergoes rigorous maintenance schedules and is replaced according to manufacturer specifications. We also maintain specialized equipment for technical diving, underwater photography, and marine research.
Research Laboratory
Our marine research laboratory features microscopy equipment, water quality testing instruments, and specimen preparation facilities that support our marine biology courses and conservation research projects. Students gain hands-on experience with scientific equipment used in professional marine research.
Training Pool
Our dedicated training pool at the Goa facility allows students to practice essential skills in a controlled environment before open water training. The pool features multiple depth levels, underwater communication systems, and underwater obstacle courses for advanced skill development.
