News
Miss Scuba UK on Bridging the Gender Gap in Commercial & Recreational Diving
Having worked in the offshore industry alongside commercial divers for over a decade, Hayley Adlam dived into the world of Miss Scuba UK after seeing a noticeable gender gap not only within the recreational diving world (only 39% of registered PADI divers are women (2021)) but more notably, within the commercial dive sector where a minute proportion of women are represented.
Hayley, as a part of this year’s Miss Scuba UK team duo, aims to inspire other women to not only try scuba diving, but also show that there are plenty of opportunities within the commercial diving sector for all genders through sharing her knowledge and experience of the offshore world.
“During my time operating on offshore wind farm construction and subsea telecommunications vessels, there was a noticeable lack of women in the commercial dive teams working on our projects. I was inspired by the ethos of the Miss Scuba UK foundation whereby one of the primary aims is to encourage other women to take the plunge beneath the waves”.
As such, Hayley, a qualified BSAC & more recently SSI diver, reached out to the organisation in 2019 and has been actively involved in supporting the UK dive industry whilst encouraging other women to try scuba diving ever since.
As an advocate for women’s opportunities within the offshore sector, Hayley’s volunteer work as an active Mentor and supporter of the US organisation ‘Women Offshore’, helps to bridge the gender gap within the offshore industry too. Specifically for maritime, marine science and offshore construction, on an international basis, having mentored women in both Nigeria and Pakistan, both of whom are now actively engaged within the offshore industry.
“Through Miss Scuba UK, I now have the opportunity to combine three of my primary passions in life – scuba diving, marine conservation and marine engineering. I hope to inspire women to not only try SCUBA diving but also to see that there is a whole world of opportunity to explore through delving deeper into their dive practice and perhaps even taking the plunge into the world of offshore construction or marine science as a commercial diver.”
Director Jill Faulkner highlights the importance of the organisation: “Several of the women who have been involved within Miss Scuba UK who hadn’t dived in the past are now qualified divers, with some enjoying their diving experience so much that they have forged a new career path due to the qualifications acquired through Miss Scuba UK.”
Miss Scuba UK has close ties with British owned resort Roots Red Sea in Egypt and Deep Blue Diving in Fuerteventura, where many training and recreational dives have taken place with the organisation, in collaboration with Doncaster based SSI centre Bespoke Diving Adventures.
However, the organisation also undertakes several UK based dive trips each year allowing individuals to complete dry suit, wreck diving and nitrox diver qualifications, to name a few. Another goal during Hayley’s year in this role is to help to raise the profile of British diving; “We have some fantastic dive sites around the UK, including the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our most charismatic UK pinnipeds, the grey seals of both Lundy and the Farne isles, to the infamous wrecks of the Orkney Isles, in addition to numerous beautiful coastal dive sites. I would love to showcase the UK underwater world for the fascinating and diverse dive opportunities it possesses”.
Miss Scuba UK aims to create a safe space for women to explore the opportunities that learning to SCUBA dive has to offer and as an organisation, and has well and truly fulfilled this mission over the past 8 years. After a four year break due to COVID-19 it is now a case of continuing this work and engaging more women to take the plunge.
Hayley will represent the UK at Miss Scuba International in November 2023 at the Smart Resort, Mabul Island and Sipidan Island in Malaysia. Miss Scuba International is a two week long international meeting of like-minded individuals with a passion for our oceans. The programme includes a series of marine conservation projects, educational outreach programmes, climate change conferences, brand sponsored photoshoots and plenty of SCUBA diving in the beautiful waters of Malaysia.
If you would be interested in taking part in Miss Scuba UK in 2024 or if you would like to collaborate with or sponsor the programme, please get in touch via email (missscubauk@gmail.com), Facebook @Miss Scuba United Kingdom, or Instagram @missscuba_uk or @hydro_hayles.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
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This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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