Dubai schoolgirl hopes to become the world's youngest certified scuba diver

Ellie-May Craig will undertake the assessment for her scuba diving certificate on her 10th birthday, the earliest possible date

A Dubai schoolgirl is hoping to become the world’s youngest certified scuba diver.

Ellie-May Craig, from the UK, has already aced her theory examinations in preparation for the practical assessment, which she will complete on 10th birthday on December 31.

If she passes that, she will go on to complete her open water diving certificate the following day, which could see her match an existing record held by a 10 year-old boy from India, Parth Sanghvi, and make her the youngest girl to achieve the feat.

The certification has a minimum age limit of 10.

“I have always loved being underwater. I love all the colours and everything,” said Ellie-May, who is hopeful and confident about her chances of obtaining the certificate.

“It is relaxing. You can’t hear anything.”

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. DECEMBER 2020. Ellie May with her grandfather Ray Hewitt. Ellie, a nine year old who lives in Dubai, is aiming to be the world's youngest certified scuba diver. She makes the attempt on the 31st, when she takes the exam in Dubai. (Photo: Reem Mohammed/The National) Reporter: Section:

Ellie-May, who has lived in Dubai almost all her life, was inspired to make the attempt after growing up seeing the UAE’s many record-breaking achievements.

“Because she came here when she was one, she doesn’t remember England and she sees all the records going on here,” said her grandfather, Ray Hewitt, 57, who is himself an experienced diver.

“Dubai sets world records all the time, for different things. She wants to be the one to hold a record for the UAE.”

The year five pupil of Gems FirstPoint School, got into diving a couple of years ago after visiting the Maldives on holiday.

“We bought her and her brother a basic snorkelling kit,” said her mother, Tracey Craig.

“She just absolutely loved it. She would be out on the water all day if we allowed it.”

The whole family visited the Maldives again earlier this year, when Ellie-May and her grandfather spent a lot of time out on the water, completing 11 open water dives.

“I put a set on her as I am a very experienced diver,” said Mr Craig.

“You are safe to go to five metres. While we were swimming around we had the camera rolling.

“We had turtles coming past, and a shark come close. She didn’t bat and eyelid.”

Ellie-May has completed a beginners course, but is not allowed to complete the scuba diving certificate until she turns 10.

“She’s already taken all the exams, which they let her do early as there is a lot of studying. I think there is about eight exams you have to take,” said Mr Craig.

“They won’t let you put anything on until you know everything. She passed them with flying colours,” he added.

The family are immensely proud of Ellie-May, whatever happens on the day.

“She’s like our real life mermaid,” said Ms Craig.