The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly altered the course of Captain Hamda Al Mansoori’s life, transitioning her from a routine job to the adventurous and sometimes perilous world of the sea. While many women sought new hobbies during this time, the Emirati daughter chose a challenging path – one that begins at the surface and descends into depths exceeding 100 meters. This journey led her to become the first Emirati woman to practice technical deep diving, a feat achieved through courage, knowledge, and a passion for discovery. She now serves as an inspiration, breaking barriers and igniting a love for adventure in Emirati girls. This article explores the remarkable story of الغوص التقني (technical diving) and Hamda’s pioneering spirit.
من العمل الروتيني إلى أعماق البحار: قصة الكابتن حمدة المنصوري
(From Routine Work to the Depths of the Sea: The Story of Captain Hamda Al Mansoori)
Hamda views the sea not as a source of fear, but as an integral part of her identity, a place of healing, and a means of self-discovery. She proudly states, “If we are children of the desert, we are also children of the sea, and we have not abandoned it. We have reached its deepest point.” Her story is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown and challenging conventional boundaries. The initial spark for this transformation came during the global pandemic, a time when travel restrictions and limited activities prompted a search for a liberating and secure space. She found that space beneath the waves.
البدايات: اكتشاف شغف الغوص
(The Beginnings: Discovering a Passion for Diving)
In the beginning of her conversation with “Al Emarat Al Youm,” Captain Hamda reflected on how her interest in diving coincided with the global pandemic. The restrictions on movement led her to seek a vast and open environment where she could feel free and safe. She found that in the sea, and began to unravel its mysteries. “My swimming skills helped me enroll in a specialized course in recreational diving, where I obtained my first license,” she explained. “Then, my passion for the depths grew, discovering that it’s the only place where I don’t feel time, and the perfect space for contemplation and tranquility. I embarked on exploring its depths, constantly raising the bar for my ambitions and seeking more experience and adventure.”
Hamda started with the “Open Water Diver” level, the fundamental and most important certification in recreational diving, often considered the “driver’s license” for divers. She diligently pursued further specialized certifications, earning her Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, Assistant Instructor, and Recreational Dive Instructor qualifications. This dedication ultimately led her to the more challenging and dangerous realm of الغوص التقني (technical diving). “I often heard from instructors that regular diving stops at 40 meters. I wondered why limit ourselves to that depth? When I couldn’t find a convincing answer, I started researching myself, discovering that humans can descend to greater depths using specific and precise techniques. These types of dives take several hours, so I decided to take this step and succeeded.”
رحلة حول العالم: استكشاف أعماق البحار
(A Journey Around the World: Exploring the Depths of the Sea)
Captain Hamda didn’t limit her exploration to technical diving; she expanded her experience to include cave diving and ice diving. “I’ve dived in many places around the world, starting in the UAE in areas of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, where I reached a depth of 85 meters. I continued my journey to Egypt, diving to depths of 110 meters, which was one of the most beautiful and unique experiences of my life. I also dived in Norway under the ice, in Budapest inside the dangerous Molnar cave, and in South Africa, Europe, Asia, America, and Australia. I’ve even dived in the islands of Fiji and Palau in the Pacific Ocean. I believe I haven’t left a continent without diving in its waters, because the sea, for me, has no limits; it’s the world to which I belong.” This relentless pursuit of underwater exploration highlights her commitment to pushing boundaries.
Her passion extended beyond personal achievement to include training others throughout the UAE. “I’ve trained many young men and women, and even entire families – parents and children of different ages,” she described. She consistently encourages others to experience the wonders of the underwater world, emphasizing that “the depths of the sea are not as frightening as some imagine, but rather a space for contemplation and healing. Diving is the only sport where a person disconnects from the noise of life.” This dedication to sharing her knowledge and inspiring others is a key aspect of her legacy. The benefits of الرياضات المائية (water sports) are becoming increasingly recognized, and Hamda is at the forefront of promoting them.
طموحات مستقبلية: مدرسة للغوص
(Future Aspirations: A Diving School)
In conclusion, Captain Hamda Al Mansoori’s journey is a powerful narrative of courage, determination, and a deep connection to the sea. From a challenging pandemic-induced shift to becoming a pioneer in technical deep diving, she has consistently defied expectations. She is now focused on establishing her own diving school, aiming to raise the standards of this challenging field both locally and internationally. “I aspire to establish a school where I can train enthusiasts of this sport and graduate a new generation of Emirati divers who delve into the secrets of the sea with knowledge and experience.” Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, any dream, no matter how deep, can be realized.
Memorable Moments
Captain Hamda recalled some of her most challenging moments underwater, saying, “During one dive inside a sunken ship, the passages were very narrow, and exiting became difficult. However, after utilizing what I learned from cave diving training courses, I dealt with the situation calmly and emerged safely. In another deep dive, I lost contact with my colleagues, so I stopped and calculated the remaining air, and tried to ascend slowly towards the rope until I found them again.”
Hamda Al Mansoori:
- The depths of the sea are not frightening as some imagine, but rather a space for healing and disconnecting from the world’s noise.
- If we are children of the desert, we are also children of the sea, and we have not abandoned it, but have reached its deepest point.
- 40 meters is where regular diving stops, but Captain Hamda goes far beyond that.
