Happy Women's Dive Day! Today PADI® Dive Shops around the globe will host thousands of divers of all genders, ages and experience levels for a global celebration of shared adventure and passion, creating even more stewards of the ocean.

To celebrate one of the biggest days in diving, we take a look at the women who are using their passion for marine conservation to create projects, businesses and movements to drive lasting change for our ocean planet.

Project Azraq

Co-founders Amy and Nour both entered the scuba diving world to connect more with the ocean, and linking this with their passion for protecting the environment, they quickly realized they needed to take action. Project Azraq collaborates with the local dive community to provide marine education, reef monitoring and regular Dive Against Debris surveys to drive protection for the waters of the Red Sea and the marine life that call it home. 

As divers we have the privilege of witnessing the daily life of the ocean. The more you immerse yourself in the underwater world the more beauty you observe and the deeper you fall in love with it.” However bearing witness to its daily wonders also means witnessing the destruction of our ocean. When we meet it was apparent for us that it was no longer enough to work in the ocean, we also needed to help protect it. 

Ocean Mimic

Chelsea and Emma were starting their dive careers in a PADI Dive Centre in Malaysia when they felt compelled to act after seeing that the plastic consumption around the world was devouring our oceans and lands at an alarming rate. They decided to create Ocean Mimic, which is not only a sustainable surf and dive wear company to help ocean lovers all over the world make better choices when it comes to water garment but also an online community aimed at inspiring everyone to take better care of our planet through plastic-free life tips and advice.

The swimwear line is the vehicle to fund the movement. Without it, the movement will lose momentum. The whole purpose is to inspire people to protect the ocean through our ocean inspired prints and patterns, explains Emma, we see the brand as a recognizable uniform for those who join Ocean Mimic. 

SLO active

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SLO active founder, Janaya Wilkins, grew up in New Zealand, surfing and exploring the endless stretches of beaches and from a young age, developed deep concerns for marine conservation. With a guiding value of purpose over profit and the cause of marine conservation, SLO active gives people the option to buy better, not more, enabling them to join the movement against fast fashion. Their garments are ethically made using the most cutting edge plant based rubber, Yulex Pure, which provides a sustainable alternative to neoprene.

Giving back to the ocean is at the heart of everything we do, it’s our way of expressing gratitude. Our giving model, Earth to Ocean, is dedicated to being active and hands-on for the cause, as well as empowering the right people, always with a grassroots approach.