Part of the ocean’s beauty lies in the diversity of its marine life that coexists harmoniously. Each species and organism has a specific role in this vast blue universe. If we take a nod from nature, then we’ll see that embracing the diversity of the human race through empowerment and inclusion is just as necessary for achieving a balance between humanity and nature.
Saving the ocean requires all of us to act together in thousands of ways. We need to stand up for both people and the planet.
As scuba divers, we are ambassadors of the ocean, and today it needs us more than ever.
The more we celebrate our differences while also respecting and cultivating our breadth of abilities as individuals, ambassadors, and activists, the more powerful we will be as a global force for good, empowering ourselves to take the right steps forward in successfully protecting the ocean we love. A diverse and empowered international diving community inclusive of ocean lovers with varying genders, identities, ethnicities, and backgrounds is indispensable for a healthy, balanced life on this planet.
Diversity in Diving Day
Every year, on May 21st, UNESCO leads the celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
On this day, we, too, will celebrate the diversity of the diving community with Diversity in Diving Day. We invite people of all genders, religions, languages, and ethnicities to celebrate. By noting diversity above and below the surface, we aim to cultivate awareness and inclusivity. We want to amplify the PADI ethos that, just like the ocean, our beauty and strength lie in our communities.
To celebrate this day, we asked our PADI AmbassaDivers to share their thoughts on the importance of inclusion in diving.
The PADI AmbassaDiver program showcases the diversity of diving. It inspires people around the world by providing a human connection to the sport. It also amplifies the stories of divers who inspire others to love and care for our ocean planet.
Read how these individuals are encouraging more people to pursue their passions to seek adventure and save the ocean.
Our Ambassadivers on the Importance of Empowerment and Inclusion in Diving
Tara Jain (India) – PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and Head of ReefWatch Marine Conservation
“As divers, we are the guardians, the voices, the torchbearers for the ocean and its conservation. We need more and more people of different races, ethnicities, and genders in the water, and a connection of care created between them and the sea. Diversity in divers means diversity in the kinds of efforts, the uniqueness of ideas, and the places where conservation happens. It also breaks the divisive ideology that expat tourist divers are conservationists driving the economy while local fishermen are the extractors creating the problem. “
Xochitl Clare (United States) – Marine biologist and performing artist dedicated to climate change research and ocean science communication
“To tackle environmental challenges and protect our blue backyards, we must involve individuals of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Diving impassions individuals to find their place in protecting our planet. We, the PADI dive community, are well-positioned to engineer clear pathways and financial support for aquatic scholarship to diversify the next generation of ocean ambassadors to secure a brighter future.”
Hassan Khayal (United Arab Emirates) – Course Director
“Diversity and inclusion are important in diving because we all share the planet, and we should all be enjoying all aspects of its beauty. Moreover, divers who experience the beauty of the underwater world almost always become PADI Torchbearers, turning into advocates for the environment of this beautiful planet that we all share and that we all should be protecting. Together as one human race, enjoying and taking care of our Mother Earth.”
Szilvia Gogh (Hungary) – PADI Course Director and Founder of Miss-Scuba.com
“To me, one of the most exciting parts of diving is diversity. Aside from being underwater, swimming weightless with ocean creatures like octopus, sharks, and rays… My favorite thing about scuba diving is that it opens doors to parts of the world that I would not have ventured through had it not been for diving. Scuba diving allows me to experience different cultures and make friends with people from every continent I visited. Diversity in diving is important because it is what keeps traveling exciting and intriguing. Learning about other cultures makes us emotionally invested, and it is the key to caring, understanding, and tolerance.”
Weldon Wade (Bermuda) – Founder of Guardians of the Reef
“Diversity and inclusion are important in diving because they open numerous opportunities for people and provide important skills and awareness necessary for Islanders to manage their resources and make a decent living doing it as well.”
Rocio Gajon (Mexico) – PADI Rebreather and Scuba Diving Instructor
“Biodiversity is important because we are all torchbearers for the ocean’s health. We become guardians of the ocean in our local dive spots and role models for others who reflect themselves in our lives. The more diversity, the more inclusion, the more minds, the more culture, the more stories, the more we absorb and accept one another. The ocean is our legacy and it is our duty to protect it for many generations and cultures to come.”
Thomas Koch (United States) – PADI Course Director/Founder, Aqua Hands
“The ocean is for everyone, no matter what color, religion, or gender. The ocean has one culture for people who love diving and love our ocean.”
Barrington Scott (United States) – PADI Instructor and USMC Veteran
“I believe diversity in diving is important because it promotes inclusivity, equity, and representation in the diving community. It creates an environment where all individuals feel welcome, respected, and valued, regardless of their background or identity. By celebrating diversity, we can break down barriers, foster understanding, and promote conservation efforts. Inspiring through representation can encourage individuals from underrepresented groups like myself to see themselves as part of the diving community and to pursue their passions and interests in diving.”
Julia Aveline Rabenjoro (Borneo) – PADI Junior Divemaster, Freediver, and Founder of Seed of Hope
“The ocean connects and welcomes everyone, and scuba diving is the gateway to exploring this unknown world. The more inclusion we have in scuba diving, the more representation there will be for other people to relate to, which will inspire them to start the sport. I strongly believe scuba diving can lead to conservation, and the more variety of people the ocean reaches, the more awareness can be raised to protect it.”
Shaan Singh (India) – PADI Rescue Diver and DJ
“A large part of diving is being able to share that feeling and excitement for it with others; without people from different walks of life, being a diver wouldn’t be the same. The importance of inclusion in diving is as important as it’s in any other sport, people from different backgrounds and walks of life have so much to teach you and stories to share, and I feel that’s a huge reason for my love for the sport is meeting beautiful people from around the world.”
Please share this article and why diversity and inclusion in diving are important to you. Let’s inspire more people to join our community and show that there are no barriers at sea.
At PADI, we strive to create an environment of openness across diving. We have a shared understanding that ‘underwater, we all speak the same language.’ We are committed to cultivating ever-present diversity and inclusion across the dive industry. And at the same time, we continue to seek out new ways for all to enjoy access to the ocean and to the transformational power of diving.
Check out this inspiring and informative Facebook Live discussion panel. Join Xochitl Clare, Cody Unser, Alexa Fernando, and Weldon Wade as they talk about diversity and inclusion in diving.
Celebrate Diversity in Diving Day
Each element of the underwater world works together to maintain the critical balance and order on which all life on Earth depends for survival. And, just like underwater, true diversity on the surface can help us create a more equitable and sustainable world for generations to come.
Whether you’re just getting into diving or an experienced role model in our community, let’s work together to make the dive industry as diverse and inclusive as the underwater world.
We look forward to celebrating Diversity in Diving Day with you on the 21st of May.
Remember the beauty of empowerment and inclusion in our community – we are definitely stronger together!
Written by @oceanomartina – Environmental journalist & PADI scuba diving instructor.
