Mikko Paasi
A Passionate Technical Diver, Explorer, and Filmmaker
Mikko Paasi is an experienced technical diver and underwater explorer dedicated to discovering and documenting the hidden depths of our world’s waters. His professional diving career began in 1998 at the Ojamo Mine, and soon after, he relocated to Thailand, where he established and continues to operate Koh Tao Divers.
As a seasoned technical diving instructor, Mikko provides training in SSI, PADI, and TDI technical diving courses, specializing in both backmount and sidemount configurations. He is a certified diver for Kiss Sidewinder, Revo, and XCCR rebreathers and serves as an instructor trainer for KISS Sidewinder and SF2 eCCR systems, offering courses up to hypoxic trimix 100m.
Mikko Paasi Beyond diving
Mikko is an accomplished underwater cameraman and filmmaker. Over the past decade, he has contributed to numerous documentaries and films, including the acclaimed Untold Arctic Wars. He has also been featured on-screen in productions such as “Sukeltaja” (“Diver”), National Geographic’s “The Rescue”, and “The Cave”. In addition, he authored the book “Sukellus valoon – Mikko Paasi and the Incredible Rescue Operation”, chronicling his experiences.
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Mikko Paasi exploration
His passion for exploration has taken him to some of the world’s most uncharted wrecks and cave systems, including Burma Maru, Trusty Star, HMS Gentien, and extensive cave networks in Mexico, Sardinia, and Norway.
Mikko’s expertise extends beyond exploration—he plays a crucial role in rescue operations. As a member of the Surat Thani Rescue team, he was instrumental in the 2018 Thai Cave Rescue, which saved 12 young football players and their coach from the flooded Tham Luang Cave. His firsthand experience has been shared worldwide through presentations, featuring exclusive video and photo documentation of the dramatic mission.
Mikko Paasi
Recognized for his contributions, Mikko is a Member International of The Explorers Club NY and has been honoured with prestigious awards, including a 1st Class Knight Grand Cross from the King of Thailand and a Life-Saving Medal from the President of Finland. He also leads Bottomline Projects, an international NGO focused on scientific exploration expeditions, further showcasing his commitment to underwater research and discovery
Mikko can be contacted directly by the following means: