At the inaugural Huailai International Ice Diving Carnival, the DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver had the honor of accompanying Guinness World Record holder for deepest scuba dive, Ahmed Gabr, on his first dive in China. Additionally, Gabr was invited as a guest on this episode of "DIVINTOK Dive Talk" to share his unique and memorable experience diving with the support of the DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver.
Guest Introduction
Ahmed Gabr is an Egyptian diver with over 14 years of diving experience. A seasoned diving instructor and technical diver, he has been teaching diving for 17 years and previously served as a special forces officer in the Egyptian military.
On October 3, 2014, Gabr set the Guinness World Record for the deepest scuba dive, reaching a depth of 332.35 meters (1,090 feet 4 inches) in the Red Sea, Egypt—a record that remains unbroken. His descent took only 12 minutes, while the ascent required approximately 15 hours. Preparing for this achievement took Gabr four years of intensive training. Continuously pushing the limits of human endurance, he has made remarkable contributions to the field of diving and deep-sea exploration.
In-Depth Interview
Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself?
Gabr: I'm Ahmed Gabr, the Guinness World Record holder for the deepest scuba dive. I've been an ice diving instructor for two years and have been ice diving for over six years, mostly in Russia. This is my first time diving in China.
Q: What advice do you have for divers looking to try ice diving?
Gabr: I highly recommend ice diving, but there are several factors to consider. Equipment and extreme conditions are critical, and there are strict rules to follow. Here are a few key points:
First, temperature awareness is crucial. Even experienced divers, including technical divers, can face extreme cold and even hypothermia. The first attempt is always the hardest.
Second, proper equipment is essential. I prefer to put on my drysuit while it's still warm, rather than waiting until it gets cold, which can make it difficult to use my hands. Minimizing exposure to the cold is key.
Gabr preparing his gear in the tent
Third, safety is paramount. Here, some divers use only a single tank, which can be risky. You should always have two regulators or a system with two outlets, such as a dual-tank manifold or an H-valve/Y-valve. Regulator freeze-ups and buoyancy control device (BCD) malfunctions can be life-threatening. Having two regulators effectively doubles your chances of survival.
There is potential to establish an ice diving center here, similar to those in Russia. With the right planning and execution, it would be an easy achievement for China given its advanced technology.
Q: How do you think the DIVINTOK underwater communication system benefits ice diving?
Gabr: This was my first time using the DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver, and it was an incredible experience. Most divers struggle with communication underwater, so having a reliable system is a game-changer. Typically, ice divers rely on a safety line for signaling, but pulling a rope doesn't always convey the full message. Direct communication greatly improves safety and efficiency for instructors, safety personnel, and divers alike.
Diving with the DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver made me feel like an astronaut. With this technology, instructors on the surface and divers below can easily exchange information, significantly enhancing safety and peace of mind. This represents a major step forward for the industry.
During the Huailai International Ice Diving Carnival, Ahmed Gabr and a team of divers embraced the challenge of ice diving. The DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver played a crucial role, serving as a bridge for real-time communication between Gabr and the surface team. It allowed him to share the fascinating underwater scenery while keeping the team informed of his status at all times.
As night fell, Gabr’s enthusiasm for diving remained undiminished. He suited up once again to explore the icy depths in darkness, relying on the DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver for vital communication.
During one of his dives, Gabr's safety line became entangled with his pressure gauge. Surface safety personnel noticed the issue through the ice and immediately informed Gabr via the DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver. Following their guidance, he turned to the left, successfully untangling the line and avoiding a potential hazard.
The DIVINTOK Dive Transceiver utilizes advanced underwater acoustic communication and signal processing technology to deliver high-quality real-time voice transmission. Whether for diver-to-diver communication or coordination between underwater and surface teams, DIVINTOK ensures clear and precise messaging. Its wide communication range and stability make it reliable even in complex underwater and extreme low-temperature environments. This means divers can engage in seamless communication for training, underwater photography, rescue operations, and more, receiving real-time guidance and support.
This extraordinary blend of ice, adventure, and courage was made even more remarkable by the collaboration between Ahmed Gabr and DIVINTOK. Committed to enhancing diver safety and communication, DIVINTOK continues to push the boundaries of underwater technology. This partnership with Gabr further solidifies DIVINTOK’s expertise and excellence in the diving industry.
We look forward to the future as DIVINTOK joins more diving enthusiasts in exploring the unknown and pushing new limits!
