14 Scuba Diving Records by Guinness, Including the Deepest Scuba Dive

If, as a general rule, you already clutch your head when you hear about a new record, when it comes to scuba diving records, you feel like your head is going to explode.

Yes, I know, I’m just an ordinary person with a tendency to go unnoticed. Apparently, there are two types of people: those who set records and those like me, who think, “For the love of God, what’s the need!”

But of course, I am already amazed by the feats of technical divers, so it’s no wonder I’m blown away by scuba diving records.

Let’s take, for example, the scuba diving depth record established by Nuno Gomes, which was considered an impossible barrier to overcome, one of those marks set to endure over time and become eternal. However, the star of the seas, Ahmed Gabr, still had something to say about it. With diving records, the word “impossible” loses all its meaning.

Are you ready to go from one amazement to another? Take a look at the content list and the diving records we will explore in it.

1. World Records in Deep Diving or Diving in The Limits of The Possible

1.1. Deepest Scuba Dive (Male) And Deepest Scuba Dive in Sea Water

The Egyptian Ahmed Gabr broke two scuba diving records with the same feat.

Ahmed Gabr’s passion for diving began at an early age when he first discovered the joys of exploring beneath the waves. Over the years, he honed his skills and became a certified combat diver of the United States, the only one in the entire Middle East! With each dive, he pushed the limits of human capacity, both mentally and physically, leaving a mark in the history of diving while achieving the deepest dive ever performed by a man, which is also the deepest dive in seawater. By the way, he is an SDI Instructor Trainer Ambassador.

The Egyptian Army officer decided to plunge into the captivating Red Sea in Dahab, Egypt, on September 18, 2014. With unwavering determination, he descended to an incredible depth of 332.35 meters (1,090 feet and 4.5 inches), taking only 15 minutes, while it took him 13 hours to return. Just imagine the pressure he had to endure!

1.2. Deepest Scuba Dive (Female)

There are also fearless women breaking scuba diving records. Karen Van Den Oever got the scuba diving depth record. Karen is a South African explorer who ventured into the depths of Boesmansgat cave in Northern Cape, South Africa, on October 27, 2022. With determination in her heart and a mission to break barriers, she reached an astonishing depth of 246.56 meters (808 feet)! She used a bottom mix of trimix 4/90 for this achievement. During her bold dive, Karen experienced the well-known High-Pressure Nervous Syndrome (HPNS), but she didn’t give up.

Karen’s love for diving is deeply rooted in her scientific background, having graduated from the renowned University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is not only a CMAS diving instructor but also a former member of the University Sub-Aqua Club. With her incredible achievements, Karen has shown that the limit is not the sky but the impressive depths of the ocean.

By the way, do you know who trained her? Nuno Gómez, who held the deep diving record for a few years. This diver took just over 14 minutes to reach 318.25 meters and 12 hours to ascend to the surface.

2. The Legacy of Scuba Diving Records: Inspiring New Generations Through the Oldest Scuba Divers

2.1. Oldest Male Scuba Diver

Imagine a world where age is just a number and adventure knows no limits. That’s the world where William Lambert lived, a true legend and the world’s oldest male diver. On September 7, 2020, William celebrated his birthday with a dive in Pearl Lake, South Beloit, Illinois, USA. He was an astonishing 100 years and 2 days old. Can you believe it? He is proof that the spirit of exploration has no boundaries, no matter how many candles are on the birthday cake.

William claimed that before discovering the wonders of diving, he simply existed, and thanks to this sport, he began to truly live life to the fullest. William Lambert intended to break the diving record at 101, but he didn’t get the chance to do so.

2.2. Oldest Married Couple to Scuba Dive – Aggregate Age

Grace and Philip Hampton have spent countless years exploring the depths of the ocean together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. From the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos to the vibrant coral reefs of Bonaire and Belize, they have traveled far and wide, always ready to embark on their next aquatic adventure. They demonstrate that love, curiosity, and a sense of wonder can keep the spirit of exploration alive at any age.

On July 4, 2017, they totaled 171 years and 329 days between them. The dynamic duo submerged themselves in the waters of Cayman Brac, BWI, Cayman Islands, to break a diving record as the oldest diving couple.

2.3. Oldest Scuba Diving Club

If you think Dressel Divers is a prestigious club at 30 years old, wait until you hear the stories of Groupe Pêche et d’Etudes Sous-marines (GPES), the oldest diving club in the world. This Club was founded on June 24, 1941, in La Ciotat, France, making it 81 years old in 2023.

GPES has nurtured generations of divers, sharing their expertise and fostering a love for the underwater world. With each dive, they continue to inspire and push the limits of what is possible.

3. The Marathon of The Depths: The Longest Scuba Diving Records

3.1. Longest Open Saltwater SCUBA Dive (Female)

Let’s talk about diving at great length!

Cristi Quill is a true pioneer in the underwater realm. She holds the record for the longest dive performed by a woman in open saltwater. For an astonishing 51 hours and 25 minutes, Cristi explored the depths of La Jolla Shores in San Diego, California, United States. It was July 11, 2015.

Cristi’s incredible feat was part of the “Put Pressure on Cancer” campaign. She bravely took on this challenge to raise awareness and support research against the disease, after losing her mother to breast cancer. It is impossible not to admire her determination and passion.

3.2. Longest Open Saltwater SCUBA Dive (Male)

Now, let’s delve into the depths with Saddam Killany, the record holder for the longest dive in open saltwater performed by a man. From November 5th to November 11th, 2020, this extraordinary diver spent an astonishing 145 hours, 25 minutes, and 25 seconds submerged in the waters of Dahab, Egypt.

Saddam’s journey to this record was no easy feat. He meticulously planned for over three years, training, practicing, and even customizing his equipment to enhance his flexibility underwater. His passion for diving and unwavering commitment truly paid off.

3.3. Longest Scuba Dive (Enclosed Environment)

Cem Karabay spent eight days in a pool to surpass his own diving record by two days. From October 21st to October 29th, 2011, he set the record for the longest dive in the world in a controlled environment. For an astonishing 192 hours, 19 minutes, and 19 seconds, he remained submerged in the Activity Plaza at Caddebostan Beach in Istanbul, Turkey. This is a giant pool with water maintained at a constant temperature of 35 degrees Celsius.

It is true that Cem didn’t break this diving record alone. He had a team of 20 people present at all times to exchange his air cylinders, bring his favorite meals, and even provide him with a relaxing massage.

3.4. Longest Scuba Dive in Open Fresh Water

Jerry Hall is an American diver who chooses freshwater to break diving records. More specifically, he chooses South Holston Lake, located near the city of Bristol on the Tennessee-Virginia border, USA.

Jerry Hall has achieved various world records in dive duration. In 2002, he remained submerged for 71 hours, 39 minutes, and 40 seconds. In 2004, he surpassed his own record with 120 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds.

It took 7 years for another American diver, Allen Sherrod, to surpass his record in 2011, but Jerry did not give up and focused on reclaiming the record in 2013. His plans became a reality at 13:42 on Friday, August 2, 2013, when he emerged after 144 hours (6 days), 1 hour, and 42 minutes.

Although the media did report on these last two diving records, Guinness does not include them in their records. What could have happened?

3.5. Longest Submergence Underwater with On One Cylinder E Cylinder

While some people can’t make a scuba tank last even half an hour in shallow waters, Jacobus Jacobs managed to stay submerged for 8 hours, 20 minutes, and 38 seconds. On January 27, 2007, the diver carried only one 12-liter tank when he submerged at All About Scuba in Rustenburg, South Africa. We are sure that he just had his head under the surface.

4. The More People Breaking World Scuba Diving Records, The Better

4.1. Largest Scuba Diving Lesson

The Indonesian Navy gathered an impressive total of 2,465 enthusiasts for the most populous diving lesson in history. On August 16, 2009, they submerged at Malalayang Beach in Manado, Indonesia, where they practiced essential diving techniques such as mask and regulator recovery at a depth of approximately 10-15 meters.

4.2. Most People Scuba Diving Simultaneously

Now, imagine the captivating sight of the longest underwater human chain ever formed. This remarkable feat was achieved on August 1, 2019, when a total of 578 divers held hands in an event organized by the Indonesian Women’s Association (WASI) in the vibrant city of Manado, in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. After seven impressive minutes, they emerged from the water, forming a human chain symbolizing the celebration of Indonesia’s 74th anniversary.

This is not the only diving record held by the association, as they also achieved the record for the largest flag displayed underwater using scuba diving equipment, of course. But these ladies didn’t stop there, there’s more!

4.3. Longest Human Chain Underwater

Let’s wrap up this collection of diving records with an extraordinary scene where 3,131 passionate divers gathered to dive simultaneously. The remarkable women of the Indonesian Women’s Organization (WASI), led by Mrs. Tri Tito Karnavian, once again took the lead in this extraordinary endeavor. Just two days after forming their human chain on August 3, 2019, the waves of Manado Bay welcomed another diving record.

These diving records not only showcase the spirit of adventure but also highlight the power of unity and the love for exploring the depths of our magnificent oceans.

So, while you and I may not break a diving record ourselves, let me tell you that there is no doubt that we do love this sport.