Hamda Al Mansouri, a 42-year-old Emirati diver, found a new passion for diving during the Covid-19 pandemic. At first, she started diving out of boredom during the lockdown but quickly became captivated by the underwater world. Her journey from pool sessions to open-water dives was marked by a sense of peace and serenity that she found underwater. This new interest led her to push the boundaries of recreational diving, driving her to master technical diving and become a certified instructor.
Driven by curiosity and a desire to explore beyond the conventional limits of diving, Hamda embarked on a rigorous training regimen to enhance her skills. She aimed to dive deeper than the recreational limit of 40 meters, which required her to learn gas consumption management and other technical aspects of diving. Within just three years, she achieved her goal of becoming a technical diver and later a master instructor. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, such as the passing of her friend and instructor Ahmad Al Mazmi, Hamda continued her journey to honor his memory and fulfill their shared dream of diving to 100 meters.
Managing the risks of technical diving involves meticulous planning and execution, including calculating gas consumption and adhering to safety protocols. Hamda emphasized the importance of following the 1/3 rule in technical diving, which divides the total gas supply into three parts for the descent, return, and emergencies. Despite the inherent dangers, Hamda’s passion for diving and her ambition to explore new depths have motivated her to train others and share her knowledge as an instructor.
Hamda’s rapid progress in the field of diving is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the sport. She prioritized diving over other activities and endeavors, focusing on honing her skills and expertise in technical diving. Her ultimate goal is to become a technical diving trainer, especially focusing on empowering and inspiring Emirati women to explore the underwater world. She intends to attend a school in Saudi Arabia or Cairo to further her training and provide others with the opportunity to experience the beauty of the ocean depths.
In conclusion, Hamda Al Mansouri’s journey in the world of diving showcases her passion, determination, and resilience in pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, she remains committed to her goal of becoming a technical diving instructor and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring divers, especially women, to pursue their interests and dreams in the field of underwater exploration. Through her dedication and hard work, Hamda continues to make a mark in the diving community and pave the way for future generations of divers.
