Scuba diving has long been viewed as a male-dominated sport, but times are changing! A new wave of inspirational, female PADI Professionals are challenging the status quo. These remarkable individuals are making a difference in their communities, shattering stereotypes, and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in diving. In this article, we shine the spotlight on three extraordinary female PADI Pros. Emma, Nadine, and Natalie have fearlessly pursued their passions, overcome obstacles, and are inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Emma, from Crystal Divers Mauritius, is not only the first Mauritian woman Course Director but has also ventured into the world of technical diving as an instructor. Her trailblazing journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. By defying societal expectations, Emma is empowering women in her community and beyond to explore the depths of the ocean.
In the remote corners of Zanzibar, we encounter the awe-inspiring story of Nadine, the driving force behind Ocean Wonder Zanzibar. Against all odds, Nadine single-handedly established a dive center in a rural area. Her unwavering belief in the transformative power of diving has brought the wonders of the underwater world to the doorstep of communities that previously had limited access. Nadine’s tenacity serves as an inspiration for aspiring divers. She is proof that one person’s vision can create ripples of change in even the most unexpected places.
Natalie’s story takes us to the enchanting waters of Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique. As a single mother, she fearlessly took on the challenge of starting one of the most successful dive centers in the country, Gozo Azul Diving. Through her perseverance and dedication, Natalie has not only become a respected professional but also an emblem of resilience for women everywhere. Her journey demonstrates that the pursuit of one’s passion can lead to success, irrespective of the challenges one may face along the way.
These remarkable women, along with many others like them, are breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of scuba diving. By challenging conventions and forging their own paths, they are not only diversifying the sport but also inspiring others to follow suit. Through their extraordinary achievements, Emma, Nadine, and Natalie serve as beacons of hope for aspiring divers who may have once felt excluded or underrepresented in the diving community.
In the following sections, we will dive deeper into the incredible stories of these PADI Pros and explore the impact they are making in their respective communities. Their journeys will undoubtedly encourage divers from all backgrounds to embrace their own dreams, defy expectations, and make a lasting difference in the world of scuba diving.
Emma Andrews
Nationality: Mauritian and British
Instagram: @crystal.divers.mauritius
Occupation: PADI Course Director and Owner of Crystal Divers Mauritius
Year Certified: 2005
Highest Certification Held: PADI Course Director
Number of dives (estimated): 4000+
Tell us your PADI Pro success story
“Growing up, despite always feeling drawn to, and having a strong connection with the ocean, after two near-drowning incidents, I developed a fear of deep water. So, I wanted to become a scuba diver to try and overcome this, and strengthen my love for the ocean. As soon as I became a PADI Open Water Diver, I wanted more! So, in between studying for my law degree, I made it my mission to become a PADI Pro. After I graduated in 2008, I went on to chase my dream of becoming a PADI Instructor, and started living out my best life!”
What do you love about diving? How has diving changed your life?
“During and after my PADI Open Water Diver course, I fell in love with scuba diving because of the peace it gives me, the sheer enjoyment, but most of all, the incredible community. I met my husband through scuba diving, started a family, and turned our dreams into reality when we set up our own dive centre, Crystal Divers Mauritius, in 2018. Being passionate about strengthening and developing the community that has given us so much, we put our heart and soul into our team, our PADI Pros, and all the divers and students that pass through our doors.”
What does creating positive ocean change mean to you?
“I strive to live my life and run my business in a way that will help to bring about positive ocean change. It’s important to recognize that for change to be effective, we must understand why change is necessary, and make it sustainable. We hope by educating our divers about the importance of the ocean planet, as well as the small changes they can make on a daily basis, we take a big step towards positive ocean change. We can all do our bit, whether it’s recycling, using reef-friendly sunscreen or working to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Why is it important for everyone to take action in saving our shared blue planet?
“Saving the ocean can’t be achieved by one person or a group of people, it has to be a combination of education, collective action and productive partnerships. I try to educate our daughters about the importance of the changes they can make, and how these can help save the ocean, from seafood consumption to responsible energy usage. Through our Crystal Ocean Explorers Program, we make 8 to 14 year olds aware of the threats facing our blue planet, and what they can do to help. Educating the next generation helps ensure that sustained, proactive action is taken on a local basis, in an effort bring about global change.”
Nadine Ostermann
Nationality: German
Instagram: @nadineostermann & @oceanwonder.zanzibar
Occupation: Instructor and Dive Center Owner
Year Certified: OWD January 2018, AOWD May 2018, Rescue 2019, DM 2021, Instructor 2021, MSDT 2023
Highest Certification Held: Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Number of dives (estimated): 800+
Tell us your PADI Pro success story
“I did my Divemaster course in Zanzibar. My plan was to do my Divemaster and IDC in the Philippines, but because of the COVID situation, I had to change my plans. I fell in love with the dive sites here in Jambiani, located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. It felt like home real quick here in the village. I helped in the dive center to get more experience after my Divemaster course. After that, I went to Mexico for the IDC. I came back to Zanzibar and worked for almost 1 year as an Instructor in Zanzibar. In July 2022, I opened my own dive center in Jambiani, Zanzibar. I live my dream.”
What do you love about diving? How has diving changed your life?
“I love to feel like I’m part of the ocean. When I’m diving, I forget everything else. The ocean is my favorite place. It changed my life a lot because it became my life. It makes me happy to be part of the first dives from my students and participants. I love to introduce diving to my students! Joining them on their first dives, and seeing how they grow and develop skills, as well as comfortability, with every dive and then knowing I will be able to certify them at the end. Also, it makes me happy to teach Divemaster candidates. I am able to help them reach their goals and help open doors to so many career opportunities, working as a PADI Pro.”
Why is it important for everyone to take action in saving our shared blue planet?
“Because we are much stronger together. If 50% of people take action and 50% don’t, it still helps lessen the destruction to our blue planet. As more people take action, the more we can increase change to occur. We are already late to take action.
Our blue planet is extremely important.”
Natalie Robinson
Nationality: South African/Namibian
Instagram: @gozoazuldiving
Occupation: Dive Center Owner
Year Certified: 2013
Highest Certification Held: Divemaster
Number of dives (estimated): 2000 I think. I have lost count after the last 10 years owning a dive center.
Tell us your PADI Pro success story
“I am Natalie Robinson, and I have been coming to Ponta Malongane in Mozambique since 2007. This is where my passion for the ocean started and when I decided to do my PADI Open Water course. I eventually could not resist to pack my bags and leave the city life to come to Ponta Malongane, Mozambique. I freelanced for a few years as a Divemaster when suddenly the opportunity came about to buy a dive centre in Ponta do Ouro. In 2014, Gozo Azul Diving started and the rest is history.”
What do you love about diving? How has diving changed your life?
“I love diving so much! It allows me to forget about things that go on at the surface. Instead, I can just listen and enjoy all of the fish and coral life, having no worries in the world. Diving is the most beautiful and relaxing time to spend on your own, to reflect, to think and to block out all outside noise from the busy lives we live! The best part is also being able to connect with mother nature and its beautiful sea life she offers.”
What does creating positive ocean change mean to you?
“I wish I had more time to jump on all campaigns, programs and worldwide organizations and give more to our oceans. Mainly because I think it’s so important to make people aware there is so much harm being done and half of it is all covered up. There needs to be more awareness! We are very lucky to have our coastline a marine protected area, we all make a lot of efforts to keep her clean, look after our marine life and to preserve our reefs/coral life with the correct guidelines about diving correctly to our divers about diving in our area.”
Why is it important for everyone to take action in saving our shared blue planet?
“Its important because the more awareness we create and the more people we get involved, the better it is for everyone and our oceans.”
Why More Women Should Become PADI Pros & How to Encourage More Female Candidates
Encouraging more women to become PADI scuba diving professionals can lead to a positive impact on the diving industry and our oceans. As mothers, creators, and nurturers, women possess innate qualities that align with protecting the environment, making them exceptional divers. This was further emphasized by Nadine Ostermann, “Women are amazing divers, the care, the love, the passion and the beautiful outlook we have on protecting our oceans is embedded in us.“
Female representation in the diving industry is crucial, inspiring others to overcome self-doubt and fears of failure. Natalie Robinson passionately advocates for women in the field, stating, “Why should more women become Pros? Because we are not enough!” Role models like Natalie motivate women and girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly, showcasing the rewards and joys of being professional divers, “It’s so incredible to be with them the first time they see something they have never, ever seen before.”
Furthermore, initiatives like the Female Mauritian Scholarship Program by Emma Andrews aim to bridge the gender imbalance in the industry, providing accessible opportunities and effective support for aspiring female PADI Pros. Emma’s mission is to encourage and support more women to become PADI Pros and she states, “It’s definitely my mission to try and redress this balance as much as possible.”
Balancing career and family responsibilities can be challenging, but with determination and support, women can achieve remarkable milestones in their diving careers. As Emma Andrews demonstrates, “I don’t believe that women should have their journey towards becoming a PADI Pro made easier, or be given any special considerations, it’s more about providing more accessible opportunities, and effective support.“
With more female representation, accessible opportunities, and effective support, women can lead the way in ocean conservation and break boundaries in the diving industry. As Natalie, Nadine, and Emma have shown, women can conquer the world of diving, inspire others, and make a significant positive impact on preserving our oceans for future generations.
Paving the Way
The perspectives shared by PADI Pros Emma, Nadine, and Natalie underscore the significance of encouraging more women to become PADI Professionals. From fostering inclusivity to inspiring confidence, breaking stereotypes, and leading conservation efforts, these trailblazing women are paving the way for a future where gender equality thrives beneath the waves. Their passion and dedication serve as an invitation to all women to embark on this extraordinary journey and become catalysts for positive change in the world of scuba diving.
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