Women and the diving industry
When most people think of scuba diving, there is the pretense that it is a male driven sport, for men... But times are changing! Diving is for everyone and women are claiming their space in the dive industry; from first-timers up to professional levels leading the next generation of divers. And honestly? It’s about time.
At Purple Dive we very proud to be part of, and helping inspire this change:
Purple Dive was founded by 2 women, and all the shareholders are women
Our general manager is a woman
Our Course Director and head of training is a woman
…we may not be a fully female team – but the women are in charge!
Slowly but surely, with a bit of effort, enthusiasm and an inspiration to make change, we can (and intend to) close this gap. So lets look at the numbers and see what the task ahead of us is…
The Big Picture
Since PADI certified its very first divers back in 1967, more than 30 million certifications have been handed out worldwide. That’s 30 million people who took the plunge into the underwater world!
As of 2024, 39.3% of all new certifications were earned by women. That’s up from 38.5% in 2019. It may not be a huge leap, but it is steady progress in the right direction.
Almost 4 in 10 new divers today are women, which shows that scuba diving isn’t just “for the boys.” The ocean belongs to everyone and women are steaking their claim!
The Professional Picture
These numbers drop significantly when we look at the professional levels (Divemaster and above)
Only about 20% of dive professionals are women, and when you reach the very top, only 15% of Course Directors are female.
That means women are out there learning to dive, loving it, and exploring the reefs… but fewer are taking the leap into professional and leadership roles. It’s a gap the industry (and Purple Dive) is intent on closing.
At Purple Dive
Here at Purple Dive, we run regular Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses. With thanks to our female Course Directors and female IDC Staff Instructors; we have seen big growth:
In 2023: 40% of our Divemaster candidates were female, and 40% of our Instructor candidates were female
In 2024: 58% of our Divemaster candidates were female, and 56% of our Instructor candidates were female
This year so far: 58% of our Divemaster candidates were female, and 65% of our Instructor candidates were female
A serious positive move forwards, and we want to see that keep going!
PADI Women’s Dive Day
One milestone that is striving to make a difference is PADI Women’s Dive Day; launched back in 2014, every July, divers around the world come together to celebrate women in diving—whether through all-female dive trips, clean-up events, coral planting, or just getting more women in the water for the very first time.
It’s more than just a day on the calendar. It’s about visibility, community, and breaking down the old stereotype that scuba diving is a male-dominated hobby.
Asia-Pacific: leading the way
The Asia-Pacific region is now the most popular place in the world to get certified. With warm waters, incredible reefs, and bucket-list animals like manta rays and mola mola, it’s no wonder divers flock here. And more and more, women are among them—signing up for courses, joining liveaboards, and falling in love with life underwater.
Why representation matters
The more women we see in diving—especially in instructor and leadership roles—the more welcoming the industry becomes. It gives new divers role models. It makes training spaces feel safer and more inclusive. And it reminds us all that passion for the ocean has nothing to do with gender. Plus, women divers often bring a strong voice to marine conservation efforts, helping to protect the very ecosystems we love to explore. In other words: empowering women in diving doesn’t just change the industry—it helps protect the planet too.
Looking ahead
We’ve come a long way since those early days of scuba. Nearly 40% of new divers are women, women-led dive centers are popping up around the world, and global events are celebrating diversity in the industry.
There’s still work to do, especially in closing the gap at professional levels—but the tide is turning. Every woman who straps on a tank, leads a course, or opens a dive shop is helping to shape the future of diving.
So here’s to all the women making waves, inspiring others, and showing the world that the ocean is for everyone. Let’s keep growing those numbers!
