Nadine Al-Manqour

Nadine Al-Manqour is a CCR Instructor with roots in both Spain and the Middle East, and is the founder of Black & White Diving, based in Malta. With an academic background in Politics and International Relations, Nadine eventually transitioned into diving after discovering a deep passion for diving and for teaching. Today, she instructs divers at all levels, from Open Water to CCR Liberty Sidemount. Fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Japanese, Nadine connects with a diverse global community of divers.

Being based in Malta allows Nadine to provide an ideal environment for both recreational and technical diving, thanks to the island’s accessible shore entries, reliable weather, optimal training depths and rusty historic wrecks to visit. Outside of teaching, she enjoys cave diving and collaborating with underwater photographers around the world.

Interview:

What (or who) persuaded you to become a professional diver?
Growing up, all I wanted was to do something meaningful with my life, so I studied Politics with the hope of making a positive impact. But I soon realized my job would be too far removed from the people I truly wanted to help. Around that time, I had started diving and was deeply inspired by my instructor; their direct positive influence on students was exactly the kind of impact I had been searching for. Instructors are powerful advocates for the ocean and the climate. They change how people see the world and help others realise what they’re capable of. So I completed my Divemaster and Instructor courses, not knowing where it would take me. Seven years later, I’m still here, thankful every day to be doing what I love.

What’s the biggest challenge you face when diving?
My biggest challenge was actually transitioning from open circuit tec diving to rebreather diver. Working in the dive industry means doing a high volume of dives each year, which builds strong muscle memory, to the point that you stop thinking about what you do in the water, you just do it. Relearning buoyancy control was difficult and, at times, frustrating. But more than anything, I had to learn to be patient with myself.

Which diving achievement are you most proud of?
Becoming a CCR Liberty Sidemount Instructor. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others begin their CCR journey and discover the possibilities rebreather diving offers.

What was your first dive like?
It was during a family holiday in the Dominican Republic. I’ve always loved water sports, so when I saw diving advertised, I thought, “must be easy!”, and signed up for the Open Water course… and oh, did I struggle! But I loved every second of it. I knew I had found my passion. I remember seeing a chart on the wall with all the courses and specialties you could take and thinking, “how beautiful that you can take so many diving courses”. And this feeling is still there after so many years, you never stop learning in diving.

Why do you prefer rebreather diving?
Open Circuit started limiting where I could go, especially with gas costs. Switching to CCR meant I could finally explore Malta’s best wrecks and take my students there too. It’s more efficient, and honestly, I feel safer on it. On top of that, one of the most transformative aspects of switching to a rebreather is also how it changes your encounters with marine life.

What’s your favorite piece of gear?
My black and grey twinset wing from Halcyon. Yes, to some it’s just a wing, but for me, it was one of the inspirations behind starting my own diving operation. And because I can’t only choose one piece of gear… my rebreathers!

Favorite dive spot?
I would say for familiarity and memories Cirkewwa’s Marine Park in Malta, I know each corner and rock there like the back of my hand. For fun diving Mexico for its caves, or Egypt for the reefs and wrecks.