SDI Instructor Mohamed El-Maraghy -

Mohamed El-Maraghy

Stories from Diving with an SDI Instructor

Name: Mohamed El-Maraghy

Country of origin: Egypt

Place of residence: Dahab, Red Sea, Egypt

Dive club / dive center: Divers Bay

Highest diving certifications: SDI Course Director / TDI Trimix 75

Highest instructor certifications: SDI Course Director / TDI Trimix Instructor

What inspired you to become a dive instructor?

I’ve tried a lot of different adventures over the years, but nothing ever hooked me up until I tried scuba diving. At first, I was nervous, but once I descended, it was like nothing I had ever experienced. The freedom of flying weightlessly, the peace of the underwater world, it felt like I had finally found my thing. That’s when I knew diving wasn’t just a hobby, it is my passion & I want to share it.

Now that I’m an instructor, there’s nothing more rewarding than introducing others to the 71% of our earth that is covered by water and seeing the spark in their eyes when they experience that same sense of wonder.

What motivates you to keep teaching diving every day?

Seeing my students learn diving is like watching my own babies grow up right in front of my eyes. From nervous first-timers, to confident and skilled divers. Watching them overcome fears, understanding buoyancy and discover the ocean’s magic never gets old to me. I feel happy when I see them gain confidence and enjoy what they’re doing. The ocean has a way of changing people and I love being a part of that journey. It’s what keeps me excited to teach every single day.

What do you think is the most important skill a student should master before being certified?

The one skill I emphasize the most when teaching is mastering buoyancy. Without it, you’re not truly diving. Buoyancy is the foundation of everything else in diving, it affects your comfort, your energy consumption, skills performance and your ability to explore the underwater world. Once my students understand buoyancy, they unlock a whole new level of freedom and confidence underwater. It’s a game changer and it’s amazing to see them experience that moment when everything clicks together. This is what turns a beginner into a true diver.

What do you think sets apart a good instructor from an exceptional one?

Staying up-to-date with knowledge, understanding the industry’s latest news and updates from my organization along with information from other diving organizations. A great instructor doesn’t just teach, they should always keep learning, evolving and adapting. Sharing knowledge with other instructors, keeping up with new techniques, safety standards and gear advancements ensures that my students get the best, safest and most fun experience possible. It’s about being proactive, not just in the water, but in staying informed. An exceptional instructor brings the latest knowledge to every dive. That’s what makes all the difference.

Why did you choose SDI as the diving agency you work with?

I wanted to be part of an organization with such a strong legacy like SDI. I’ve been an instructor with other organizations before, but I chose to be with SDI because they truly trust and empower their instructors to teach in their own style with the organization’s standards which is something I really value. I also appreciate how they stay up to date with the latest standards and practices in diving. SDI offers both technical and recreational diving under one umbrella, which is the perfect fit for me as I’m an instructor because it gives me the flexibility to teach a wide range of courses all under #OneDiveFamily.

Which courses do you enjoy teaching the most and why?

In recreational diving, I absolutely love teaching the Open Water course. It’s incredible to see students take their first breaths underwater and realize they’re entering a whole new world. In technical diving, I enjoy teaching Intro to Tech because it opens up new levels of diving and introduces a whole new set of skills. Both courses have one thing in common: they shift your mindset. In Open Water, it’s the confidence to trust the underwater world and yourself, and with Intro to Tech, it’s the mindset shift towards more complex diving. Watching students evolve in both is truly rewarding.

What do you hope your students remember about you after completing your courses?

I hope my students remember that I helped them conquer their fears and overcome their mind blocks, not just in diving, but in life as well. I want them to realize that diving isn’t just about skills, it’s about exploring the bigger portion of our Mother Earth with confidence. My goal is for them to leave with the belief that they can conquer any challenge, underwater or above. I want them to feel that their diving experience was truly life-changing, just like it was for me. If diving can shift their perspective and improve their lives, I’ve done my job. That’s what I hope they take with them beside the good diving skills.