Women Who Tech Dive Amanda Baker -

Amanda Baker

Women beyond diving limits

Name
Amanda Baker

Country of origin
USA

Where you live
South Carolina

Dive club / dive center
Scuba John’s Dive Shop

Highest diving certifications
TDI/SDI Instructor Trainer

How was your first dive (sport diving)?

I learned to dive the weekend after I turned 18. My first dives were cold and, honestly, a bit unnerving due to limited visibility. I didn’t fall in love with diving right away. Instead, it was my love for adventure, challenges, and the underwater world that kept me going. At first, scuba was a challenge to conquer—but over time, it became a passion. Before I knew it, I wanted to dive deeper, explore more, and see places I had only dreamed of. Now, I can’t imagine my life without diving!

What made you transition from sport diving to technical diving?

I transitioned into technical diving because there were dive sites I wanted to explore that lay beyond recreational limits. The history hidden beneath the water has always fascinated me, and that curiosity still drives me today. Wrecks like the U-869, the USS Monitor, and the submerged buildings in man-made lakes first drew me into the world of tech diving.

The lake where I learned to dive is man-made, and the remnants of the town that once stood in the valley before it was flooded can still be seen. One particular site captured my imagination—a home known as Attakulla Lodge, resting at 300 feet (91m). From the moment I heard divers recount its story, I knew I had to see it for myself. That “bucket list” dive became the goal that pushed me into technical training.

What type of technical diving do you enjoy the most, and what draws you to it?

I enjoy all types of technical diving—cave diving, deep diving and wreck diving. What keeps me coming back is the thrill of exploration and the opportunity to see places that few others ever will.

If I had to choose a favorite, deep wreck diving would be at the top of the list. The history behind these sunken ships fascinates me, and there’s something incredible about descending into the past, seeing artifacts and structures frozen in time. That said, as someone who gets terribly seasick, I have a deep appreciation for cave diving, where there are no waves.

What do you consider when looking for technical diving training?

I look for training that will push me to be a better, safer, and more capable diver. I do not just want another card in my wallet. I want an instructor who encourages self-sufficiency, reinforces problem-solving, and shares the knowledge that only comes from real-world experience. I prioritize an experienced and fair instructor who not only has real-world dive experience, but also a passion for diving and exploration. A great instructor should challenge me, emphasize safety and provide practical advice that goes beyond the textbook. I also consider the training environment, ensuring it reflects the conditions I plan to dive in—whether deep wrecks, caves, or cold water.

Besides formal training, what other skills do you think are essential for technical diving?

Besides formal training, several essential skills contribute to success in technical diving. Self-reliance and problem-solving are critical for managing unexpected situations and equipment issues underwater. Situational awareness, keeping track of depth, time, gas and potential hazards is vital for safety. Mental resilience helps with focus and stress management during challenging dives. Physical fitness also plays a key role in endurance and comfort. Ultimately, these skills, along with regular practice and a safety-first mindset, complement formal training and ensure a safe and successful dive.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in technical diving?

As a woman in technical diving, there are definitely challenges. Most of them can be tackled with confidence, preparation and the right mindset. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is being taken seriously, especially when I first started technical diving. There’s still an assumption that women don’t have the same strength or technical know-how, but I’ve worked hard to prove that’s not the case. Gear sizing has also been an issue—most equipment is designed for men, so finding gear that actually fits can be tricky. It’s not just about comfort but also about safety, so I’ve had to get creative with custom gear at times. Despite these challenges, I’ve learned to trust in my abilities. It’s also been important to build a network of supportive dive buddies and mentors who see me for the diver I am, not my gender. Women supporting each other in this space makes all the difference. While diving may still be male-dominated, I’m proud to be part of the growing community of women proving that we belong here just as much as anyone else.

Why do you think technical diving is still a male-dominated sport?

Technical diving has traditionally been dominated by men, mostly due to old perceptions, societal norms, and the physical demands of the sport that haven’t always encouraged women to get involved. Dive boats and dive groups have not always been the most welcoming to women. But things are definitely changing. More women are diving in and breaking those stereotypes, proving what we’re capable of. As we move forward it is crucial for women to have each other’s backs and support one another, sharing tips and encouraging each other along the way. While it’s still a male-heavy field, the growing number of women in diving is helping to shape a more inclusive and balanced future for the sport.

What message or advice would you give to other women considering technical diving?

To any woman considering technical diving, don’t let fear or stereotypes hold you back. It’s not just about physical strength, but determination, problem-solving, and resilience. Surround yourself with supportive people, find instructors who believe in you, and always keep learning. Every dive offers new challenges, but it’s in those moments that you grow the most. Technical diving is an incredible adventure, and you belong in it just as much as anyone else.

What has been your most memorable dive so far?

For me, the people I dive with make the experience truly special. My most memorable dive wasn’t a technical dive, but a personal one—taking my boys to see their first “real” wreck. We dived the Superior Producer in Curacao, and it was an unforgettable experience for all of us, making it my favorite dive to date.

As for my most memorable technical dive, it was diving the U-869 off the coast of New Jersey. This U-boat wreck had been on my bucket list for years, and its history is truly mind-boggling. What made it even more special was sharing the experience with my greatest cheerleader and mentor. That dive will always stand out as one of the most impactful moments of my diving journey.

Have you faced any really difficult moments while technical diving? How did you overcome them?

Throughout my technical diving career, I’ve faced several difficult moments, but I always rely on the same approach: stop, breathe, think and act. One of the toughest challenges was dealing with a rebreather issue during a dive, which I managed with patience and the support of my team. However, the real struggle came afterward. My confidence in both myself and my unit were shaken during that dive. Rebuilding that confidence and learning to trust my unit again meant returning to the basics, which was frustrating but necessary. Technical diving isn’t just about handling physical challenges; the mental aspect is just as crucial. By staying calm, focusing on fundamentals, and trusting the process, I’ve learned to move forward with greater resilience.

What places in the world would you love to dive in, and why?

One place I’d love to dive is Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. It’s such an incredible mix of history and adventure. Bikini Atoll is known for the nuclear tests that were carried out there in the 1940s and 1950s. Now it is known as the “wreck diving capital of the world.” The chance to dive on these historical wrecks and explore a part of the world few people have seen is something I find fascinating. It’s the perfect combination of adventure, history, and technical diving. It’s definitely a bucket list dive location for me.

What are your next goals in technical diving?

My next goals in technical diving are deeply focused on personal growth and skill development. I’m aiming to travel more, exploring new and challenging dive sites that will push my abilities and broaden my experience. I’m committed to continuously improving my technical diving skills, whether it’s diving deeper, navigating more complex environments, or enhancing my overall knowledge of diving science. Each dive presents an opportunity to learn and develop, and I’m excited to see how much I can grow as a diver. Ultimately, my goal is to dive not just to explore the world underwater, but to continuously challenge myself and expand my limits.

Do you have a dive buddy you trust completely?

Yes, I absolutely have a dive buddy I trust completely. Trust and communication are the foundation of any successful dive and it takes time to build that. Open conversations about our abilities, fears, and limitations are key to understanding what we can handle and where we need support. A great dive buddy not only helps you through tough moments but also celebrates your successes. My primary dive buddy and I have been diving together for years, and we’ve built a strong understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This trust and respect make diving more fun.

What qualities do you look for in a great technical dive buddy?

I look for a dive buddy who makes good decisions, puts in the time to practice their skills and is always looking to learn more. It’s important to me that my buddy is actively diving and working on improving, because I need to trust that they’ll be ready for anything underwater. If they’re not diving regularly and staying sharp, I can’t rely on them as a buddy. A great dive buddy is someone I can count on to handle any situation, communicates well and keep things fun while we dive together.

What do you value the most about your dive buddy, both in and out of the water?

What I value most about my dive buddy, both in and out of the water, is the trust and respect we have for each other. Underwater, I know I can rely on them to make smart decisions. I never have to worry about them being reckless. When it comes to communication, I appreciate that I can talk to them about any concerns I have without feeling judged. Above water, they’ve got my back, too. They are the kind of person who will support me and stand up for me if necessary. The loyalty and trust that we share makes them more than just a dive buddy, they are a true friend.