The idea for a book Dive Maldives developed almost immediately on arrival in the Maldives in 1986. I soon realized, however, that the sort of book I envisaged was a long term project, that required extensive first hand knowledge of dive sites and the marine life in each of the tourist atolls.

Out in the atolls, it was not easy to get around, and with so many islands, and so little accurate information available, it took a lot of time to get the material needed for Dive Maldives. I had a great deal of help from diving instructors and elderly Maldivians who provided many details such as the traditional island, reef and channel names.

I should particularly give credit to Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Loutfi who has devoted his life to the geography and history of the Maldives since working as a Liason Officer for the British in Addoo Atoll during World War 11.

Over the years many people assisted me in studying marine life and I owe particular thanks to Rudie Kuiter and Neville Coleman who joined me for diving safaris in the Maldives and later wrote books for Atoll Editions.