After years of having scuba diving on my bucket list, I finally took the plunge back in June 2023 in Sharm El Sheikh with Red Sea Diving College, completing my Open Water certification. I had never been so tired, yet so accomplished. Each night of the holiday, I returned to my hotel unable to stop talking about the vivid corals in every colour imaginable, tiny reef fish darting around, and schools of bright, shimmering fish weaving between the rocks. Even in shallow water, the life and colour of the Red Sea are unforgettable.
That moment cemented my love for diving, and I was hooked. Immediately, I started thinking: how can I do this hobby at home? I couldn't wait for my next holiday.
Back to the UK
Back in the UK, I connected with my local dive school, Dive World in Sheffield, to continue my journey. I started with drysuit diving which, for me as a newbie, was the second most challenging course but also an important key to UK diving. The UK is home to some fantastic quarries filled with sturgeon, carp, and plenty of sunken wrecks to explore while practising skills. It took me a few dives to feel comfortable, but once I did, the door opened to entirely new cold-water worlds.
First UK Sea Dive: St Abbs
This year, I experienced my first UK sea dive at St Abbs. The first day was very choppy and not for anyone prone to seasickness! Despite the rough conditions, I managed to spot some amazing wildlife. The visibility wasn't like the Red Sea, but the variety of colours and creatures was breathtaking – different starfish, crabs scuttling across rocks, and even the odd jellyfish!
The next day, however, the water was beautifully calm, making it so much easier to explore and enjoy the site. While the UK waters aren't tropical, there's a unique charm in their beauty, and it was a powerful reminder that incredible diving experiences aren't limited to far-off destinations – you just have to be willing to take the plunge.
You don't need to travel far for incredible diving! The UK offers fantastic dive sites with unique marine life and fascinating wrecks, all within reach of your local dive school.
Advanced Open Water and the Thistlegorm
Next, I worked towards my Advanced Open Water qualification with a goal: returning to Egypt to dive the legendary Thistlegorm. I completed specialities including Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigation, Deep, Delayed Surface Marker Buoy, and Drysuit. In between, I enjoyed several UK dives and unforgettable trips back to Egypt, each one fuelling my passion further.
Finally, after completing my Advanced, I took the plunge to see the SS Thistlegorm — one of the most famous wrecks in the world. On both our dives, we were surrounded by thousands upon thousands of shoaling fish, including schools of tuna, and even the safety stop was a wonder. The wreck itself was awe-inspiring: war vehicles, cargo holds filled with relics, and stories frozen in time waiting to be discovered. Every corner held a new surprise, a new slice of history, and it was impossible not to feel humbled by the scale, beauty, and mystery of it all. To this day, it remains the best dive of my life.
The SS Thistlegorm in the Red Sea is a must-dive for any wreck enthusiast. This WWII cargo ship sits at 30 meters and offers an unforgettable journey through history.
Becoming a Rescue Diver
Last month, I took my training even further, completing my Rescue Diver certification and EFR – Primary & Secondary Care (CPR & First Aid) with AED. This course was a whole new experience, challenging me to think critically about safety — not just for myself, but for others too.
One scenario really stuck with me: during a shore/boat simulation, a "diver" called for help in the water. I jumped in with only my mask and fins. Suddenly, the "victim" sank beneath the surface. I felt completely helpless on the surface without my scuba gear, but I stayed calm, called for help, and guided other divers with equipment to the area while keeping track of where the diver had gone down. It was nerve-racking, yet an incredible practice scenario, highlighting the importance of teamwork, communication, and staying level-headed under pressure.
This course completely changed the way I approach diving. It taught me how to assess situations quickly, make better judgement calls, and coordinate a response. While diving is relatively safe, being prepared for emergencies is vital — and now I feel more confident than ever in my ability to help someone in need.
Rescue Diver isn't just about saving others—it transforms how you think about dive safety and makes you a more confident, capable diver in every situation.
Master Scuba and Beyond
I then hit my milestone: Master Scuba Diver. All these qualifications and experiences have been incredible, though I don't feel like a "master" diver yet — I know there are many more dives to log and skills to hone. I'm now looking forward to starting my PADI professional journey.
If you're thinking about diving or wondering what to do next, I can honestly say that scuba diving has been an amazing, life-changing experience. It keeps giving and giving — I've met some incredible people, explored amazing underwater worlds, and, most importantly, developed a true passion for protecting the ocean.
And to think, I started off scared of the open water. Yes, really!