Speaking of my own experience of scuba diver training it wasn’t until I was on my PADI Divemaster course in 2012, that I had a female Instructor. After hundreds of boat trips, in multiple countries, it is still common to find myself as one of a few female divers. However, as a female dive instructor in a male dominated industry it is exhilarating to know there is an ever-growing number of women in the scuba diving industry.
From the inspirational Dottie Frazier, the first female scuba instructor in 1955 and legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, to Gemma Smith, the first women ever to dive the world famous Antikythera Shipwreck, there are a growing number of global icons for women in diving. We have become pioneers in all aspects of the diving industry, from instructors, to scientists, technical divers, oceanographers, filmmakers, marine biologists and environmental scientists; achievements spanning 70 years. The list of influential women in diving is so large, it is difficult to mention everyone in this one article. In Divers Down alone, we have myself and Michela Colella, Elicia Steenekamp, Dominique Gallarte, Danica Sulayao and Shine Olvido.
There are now multiple platforms empowering and educating women in diving. Girls That Scuba run by Sarah Richard now has nearly 55,000 followers/users; the largest community of female scuba divers in the world. With the introduction of PADI Ladies day in 2015, scuba divers from around the world have come together to celebrate women in diving, share their love for the ocean and encourage others to get involved. Last year there were around 900 PADI Ladies Day events in 85 countries.
This year we celebrate women in diving by running two events on PADI Ladies Day Saturday 21st July. At Divers Down Fujairah, we will be running a ladies ‘pool party’ including a scuba refresher and pleasure dives for those that are looking to get back into diving or the Discover Scuba Diving experience for those that wish to try diving.
Event Details:
Scuba Diving Refresher & PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program
Meeting time: 09:30
Location: Divers Down Fujairah – Miramar Hotel
Pool Session: 10:00
Boat Trips: 12:30 and 15:30
Scuba Refresher and two dives – 395 AED
PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (including 2 boat dives) – 445 AED
Please contact info@diversdownuae for all bookings and further information.
In Dubai, we will be hosting a social evening for women in the UAE. Event plans are still to be confirmed. If you are interested in joining us either in Fujairah or Dubai, please email me Nicola.l@diversdownuae.com
