SDI Instructor Mohamed Zaki -

Mohamed Zaki

Stories of diving with an SDI instructor

Name: Mohamed Zaki

Country of origin: Egypt

Place of residence: Egypt/Belgium

Dive club / dive center: Sparrow Academy

Highest diving certifications: Advanced Trimix

Highest instructor certifications: Trimix 75/Technical DPV

What inspired you to become a dive instructor?

Since I was a child, I’ve always been drawn to the water. I was a competitive swimmer for many years, and the ocean felt like a natural extension of that passion. Over time, my curiosity grew deeper—literally—and I became fascinated with exploring underwater environments. Becoming a dive instructor felt like the perfect way to share that passion while helping others safely experience the beauty of the underwater world.

What motivates you to keep teaching diving every day?

My passion for the ocean is my driving force. Every day, I have the chance to change people’s perspective, helping them fall in love with the sea. I also love connecting with students from all over the world—diving truly unites us beyond language and borders. That connection and transformation keeps me inspired.

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

Without a doubt, buoyancy control is essential. It’s one of the core foundation skills and directly affects safety, comfort, and environmental protection underwater. Mastering buoyancy early helps divers build confidence and develop other advanced skills more effectively.

How do you stay up to date with the latest diving techniques, equipment, or standards?

As an instructor, staying current is very important to me. I travel often, teaching and diving with some of the best instructors around the world. I attend international dive shows like Boot, and I’m always reading and learning to ensure I deliver the most up-to-date training possible.

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

I started my journey as a technical diving instructor with TDI, and later became an SDI instructor. What drew me to SDI was the flexibility it offers instructors. It allows us to adapt our teaching styles and better support student development. SDI helps create skilled divers who are situationally aware and well-prepared for the dynamic nature of diving.

Which courses do you enjoy teaching the most and why?

I especially enjoy teaching the Intro to Tech course and Technical DPV. Intro to Tech lays the foundation for safe and effective diving through team-based systems, dive planning, and awareness. Technical DPV is exciting because it combines advanced diving skills with exploration, which is a personal passion of mine.

How does it feel to see your students grow as divers?

It’s an incredible feeling to witness the growth of a diver from beginner to confident ocean explorer. Building a community of former students who love and respect the underwater world is something truly special. Knowing that I played a role in helping them discover the ocean in a safe and meaningful way makes me proud to be part of the SDI family.