Women Who Tech Dive Manuella Ghabriel -

Manuella Ghabriel

Women beyond diving limits

Name
Manuella Ghabriel

Country of origin
Egypt

Where you live
Dahab, Red Sea, Egypt

Dive club / dive center
Freelancer

Highest diving certifications
Extended Range, SDI Instructor

How was your first dive?

I was really excited to try scuba diving and scared at the same time. I was unsure of what to expect, but the moment I descended I was fascinated by this hidden world and I left all my fears on the surface.

Once the dive had ended, I knew this wouldn’t be my last dive as it was just the beginning of a new adventure.

I always loved the underwater world but never experienced its magic until that moment. It was as if I had found something that was truly tailored for me. Since then, I knew that I wanted to become a diver, just an Open Water diver to watch the vibrant coral reefs and fishies. Little did I know I would become where I am today.

What made you transition from sport diving to technical diving?

I was always scared of decompression sickness and what Nitrogen could do to the body, so I decided to take the Advanced Nitrox course to make me feel more confident that I have access to O2-rich gases while doing deep dives. Before joining this course, I did my Intro to Tech course and it was a game changer. I loved the twinset configuration & how this course improved my diving skills. I found myself drawn to the whole concept behind technical diving, and my mindset shifted from “Technical diving is for crazy people” to realizing that it's safe as long as you stick to your training limits. Somehow, everything else just followed.

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

I enjoy practicing open circuit (OC) technical diving the most because the transition from recreational diving to OC tech was accessible and straightforward. Since you’re using the same tanks and buoyancy techniques, it felt like a natural progression. What really draws me to OC is that even in closed circuit rebreather (CCR) diving, OC is still needed as redundancy. Mastering OC techniques from the very beginning is very important and it provides a solid foundation for more advanced diving. It’s all about ensuring safety and confidence in every dive.

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

Besides formal training, I believe the key skill for technical diving is mindset. Being flexible to shift your mindset is crucial to progress in Tech diving. As well as staying calm and in control of your emotions no matter the situation is essential. Your mind can either get you into trouble or help you stay safe, so learning to manage stress and think clearly underwater makes all the difference. Confidence and mental preparation are just as important as physical skills when it comes to technical diving.

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

To all the women considering technical diving, I’d love to tell you to focus, stay dedicated, and remember that you are in control of every situation. Tech diving isn’t just for men. Women are proving themselves everyday so this is your time to shine bright. Reading & expanding your knowledge is very important in tech diving and you should never stop learning. Practice your underwater skills until they are second nature & the most important thing is to stick to your training limits. With that, you'll do amazing things. Trust yourself, you've got this!

What has been your most memorable dive so far?

My most memorable dive has definitely been the famous Blue Hole Arch in Dahab, Egypt. Since the beginning of my tech diving journey, I’ve always wanted to experience it, but because of its reputation as “divers cemetery” I knew I needed to be fully prepared before attempting it. I didn’t want to dive there until I was confident in my skills and training. When I finally did it, I felt an immense sense of pride and joy knowing I had reached a level of confidence and training where I could handle a dive like this. The dive itself was incredible, and the scenery was absolutely worth it.

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

One place I would absolutely love to dive is the caves of Mexico. I’ve always been captivated by the unique beauty of caves. There's something incredibly thrilling about knowing you're in the heart of the Earth, surrounded by water. Cave diving is my next big goal as it's not only fascinating, but also offers a whole new set of skills to master. I can't wait to take it one day.

What are your next goals in technical diving?

Another big goal of mine is becoming a technical instructor. I never imagined I’d become a recreational instructor, and here I am. What I love most is shaping my students’ mindset into a technical one & building a solid foundation from their very first breaths in the water. I’d love to pass on my passion and experience in tech diving in the future. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others develop the skills and mindset that make them confident, safe divers.

Do you have a dive buddy you trust completely?

Having my instructor as my favorite buddy is truly special. Some people might think having their instructor with them in the water all the time would feel like being watched too closely and not as fun. But for me, it’s the complete opposite. I actually find it really comforting and rewarding. Every dive is an opportunity to improve, and having that guidance makes it easier to grow while still having an enjoyable time.

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 his brutal honesty. Since he’s also my instructor, he tells me exactly what I'm doing well and what I need to improve. He’s also incredibly caring of one’s abilities so I always feel safe diving with him because I know he’ll never put us in a dangerous situation. The best part is his broad knowledge, it keeps me confident and reassured that we’re in safe hands.