Ten-year-old Ira Aditya Raut becomes the world’s youngest qualified scuba diver and sets five other records during a diving challenge in the Andaman Islands
SHAHEED DWEEP: Ira Aditya Raut, a 10-year-old student from Karwar, Karnataka, has achieved six world records in scuba diving, including the distinction of becoming the world’s youngest qualified scuba diver.
Ira reached the milestone at the age of 10 years, 17 hours and 35 minutes during a record-setting session at the Dive Tribe Centre in Shaheed Dweep, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
A Class V student at Naval Children School, Karwar, Ira is the daughter of Commander Sneh Budakoti and Commander Aditya Raut, both serving officers in the Indian Navy.
Six Records Cover Diving Skills and Marine Life
Ira’s six records recognise different aspects of scuba diving and underwater performance.
Her achievements include displaying the highest number of scuba diving hand signals in one minute, identifying the highest number of pieces of diving equipment underwater and covering the greatest distance underwater in one minute. These three records fall within the category for participants below the teenage age group.
She also identified the highest number of marine animal species while scuba diving. The remaining two records recognise her status as the youngest qualified scuba diver and her achievement of setting six world records in a single day.
Diving Qualification and Records Verified
Scuba Schools International (SSI) certified Ira’s scuba diving qualification. Arvinder Singh Bhatti of the International Book of Records adjudicated and verified her six records.
The achievement highlights her preparation and ability to complete several underwater challenges at a young age.
Speaking about the experience, Ira said, “Scuba diving underwater has been an exciting experience for me. I am happy that I could set these records at such a young age. I want to continue learning new things and exploring the underwater world more closely.”
Family Inspiration Fuels Her Interest
Ira comes from Maharashtra’s Buldhana district and is the granddaughter of retired Commander Ashok Rajaram Raut. Her parents’ careers in the Indian Navy have influenced her interest in exploring new challenges.
Her achievement may inspire other young people to pursue adventure sports while developing curiosity about the environment and marine biodiversity.
By combining a recognised diving qualification with six record-setting feats, Ira has taken a significant step in her young sporting journey.
