A Short History of Women in Diving
Zale Parry, 1955
Women have made massive contributions to marine science and the scuba industry. Their achievements were often overlooked, which did very little to slow them down. They each seem to have had a strong relationship and ease with the sea that fueled their passion, curiosity, and rigor. They focused on what they loved—and in doing so, they broke barriers.
Mid-Century Pioneers
Al Tillman and Dottie Frazier, 1957
In the 1940s and 50s, when scuba equipment was first being developed, women began making their mark. In 1955, Dottie Frazier, already a seasoned diver, signed up for an underwater instructors certification course. She was told the course was for men only. Dottie showed up anyway, becoming the first female scuba instructor in the world. She went on to train hundreds of divers.
Zale Perry on the cover of Sports Illustrated, 1955
Zale Parry achieved remarkable feats of her own. In 1954, she set a deep-diving record of 209 feet—very impressive! Her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated helped to popularize recreational diving, and her work testing equipment for Scientific Underwater Research Enterprises contributed directly to making diving safer for everyone.
Dr. Eugenie Clark, known as "The Shark Lady," began her groundbreaking research in the 1940s. Her work revolutionized our understanding of shark behavior and helped dispel many myths about these magnificent creatures. She founded the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory (now the Mote Marine Laboratory) and has her own U.S. postage stamp!
Dottie Frazier, Zale Parry, and Dr. Eugenie Clark were among the first women inducted into the Diving Hall of Fame.
Eugenie Clark aka “The Shark Lady”
Eugenie Clark with a bull shark in Mexico, 1974
Photo by David Doubilet
Today’s Pioneers and Protectors
Today, women have a stronger presence in diving. Organizations like the Women Divers Hall of Fame, established in 2000, celebrate women's contributions to all areas of diving. Female instructors, underwater photographers, marine scientists, and technical divers continue to push forward with their work, making waves in this space.
However, modern diving comes with modern challenges; our ocean’s health is in decline. As a result, diving has become inextricably tied to conservation, with women like Dr. Sylvia Earle leading the charge. At 89 years old, Sylvia continues to be a prominent oceanographer and conservation advocate, most notably, with her initiative to define and protect Hope Spots—marine ecosystems that are vital to the ocean's health.
Sylvia Earle, 1970
In Sylvia’s wake are two impressive young divers: Ocean Ramsey and Madison Stewart. They each bring a fresh perspective to shark conservation. Their work bridges marine science and modern marketing prowess, using social media, filmmaking, and the lure of diving to advance marine protection.
Despite all the hurdles, from ill-fitting gear designed for men to gender bias, these valiant women have pushed on. Their groundbreaking work inspires each new generation to dive, whether in pursuit of scientific discovery or the simple joy of being underwater. As they map uncharted waters and champion marine conservation, they transform our understanding of the natural world—creating waves of change that will have lasting impact on marine science and our oceans for generations to come. ✿
