The following letter is an ode to all the female trailblazers who dared to break barriers, paving the way for countless others. It's a heartfelt thank you to those who have or are continuing to revolutionize the diving industry, ensuring equal access and opportunity for all—encouraging both new and professional divers to protect our oceans. It’s also an invitation to all the women out there who are waiting for a sign to take the leap.

Gender Disparity in the Diving Community

The depths of the ocean are open to all, and it seems, finally, the era of males dominating the sport of diving is over. It's astonishing that the now frequently heard term 'women in diving' was virtually non-existent sixty years ago. Now boats set sail every day, brimming with enthusiastic women who are geared up and ready to explore the ocean's depths. My open water instructor, Imogen, was among the only 20% of PADI professionals who are women, though that number is growing as part of a growing shift in the industry. Imogen helped me conquer fears and inspired me as I learned to embrace the ocean’s unknowns.

While the diving community has made significant strides towards inclusivity in recent years, we still have the opportunity to reach the industry's potential for growth and innovation in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Encompassing 70% of the Earth's surface, the ocean serves as a conduit for global unity, capable of sending a powerful message of peace and balance to humanity.

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Strength Comes in Small Steps

Maybe the ocean has been calling you, yet you hesitate to answer. I understand. You sense that the ocean is where you belong and feel drawn to it, but you're apprehensive about having to prove it to others. For as long as you can remember, you've been told that you aren't strong enough to handle heavy loads, that such tasks are better suited to your brothers. But you've come to realize that strength is not merely about physical prowess; it's about confidence in your abilities.

Scuba gear can be cumbersome and it takes time to acclimate to carrying your equipment. I have come to cherish the joy of carrying my first tank, fingers eventually finding the right grip on the valve even while my body doubted its capacity. Though seemingly one small act, lifting a tank onto your shoulder might serve as the catalyst for realizing you're capable of achieving big things.

I remember the supportive hands on my back, the encouraging voices, the warm smiles. Feelings of pride and curiosity grow with each experience, uniting divers across gender or any perceived differences. Women demonstrate that tenderness need not be suppressed in the demanding realm of diving, as there is ample space for compassion and high standards.

Finding Support in a New Environment

If you ever question your competence or fit, consider it a challenge. Your determination will thrive in the face of challenges, transforming into an inexhaustible fuel. And soon, as your experience builds, you'll be eager to extend a warm welcome to your sisters and others. You'll offer the support you once yearned for, ensuring that everyone feels valued and seen.

Social media offers unlimited access to stories of the seas, you connect to an organic community of women sharing the same dreams, the same fears. Strangers become family, in tune to your innermost thoughts. Ocean currents help you find inner balance. Rough waters offer a sense of peace. Though sometimes hostile and always ephemeral, the ocean shapes souls and heals wounds. Increasing the presence of women in diving isn't just about bridging the industry's gender gap; it's about rekindling a collective passion for the ocean, reinvigorating the essence of conservation efforts.

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Switching Gears: Become an Ocean Guardian

You may not anticipate witnessing the ocean’s beauty in decline, but your sense of care extends to the deepest depths. Like many women, and many divers, you feel compelled to safeguard its magic, making conservation your priority. Devoting your life to the ocean will imbue you with a profound sense of purpose—one that endures.

During my time in Indonesia, I had the privilege of meeting the Coral Catch Superwomen, a local, all-female diving team dedicated to restoring the country's coral reefs. The overwhelming number of scholarship applications received annually gives rays of hope for the future of the diving community: a united force of torchbearers, swimming together to safeguard our precious marine world. In this monumental endeavor, inclusivity is paramount, ensuring that everyone has a stake in conservation efforts.

Join Us, All Salty Souls

To all my fellow salty souls out there, the diving industry needs your passion, your joy, your intelligence, your resilience. Sea water floods your veins, you know how happy you feel when immersed. Maybe all you need, to make it real, is someone reminding you: we got your back. Get your gear ready, hoist that tank on your shoulder, it’s going to be a thrilling ride.

PADI's Women's Dive Day marks its 10th anniversary on July 20, 2024 with events around the globe that celebrate the diverse talents and achievements of women divers, as well as encourage newcomers with every background to explore the ocean. The day serves as a platform to advocate for gender equity in the industry while also inspiring and empowering more women to discover the wonders of the ocean.