The vast expanses of the seas possess a remarkable capacity to furnish us with copious amounts of vital oxygen. How shall we persist in our inhalation if our oceanic realms face peril? The resolution lies within the realms of investigation and voyaging. This endeavor stands to be significantly enhanced if females actively engage in such pursuits. Scholars propose that the inclusion of more females in domains such as deep-sea diving, marine research, and oceanic studies shall yield more substantial outcomes in safeguarding our marine environments from contamination. But what impetus drives females toward this endeavor? The elucidation is as follows.
The immense oceanic bodies, which enshroud three-quarters of our planet, harbor myriad enigmas awaiting revelation! At the age of 88, Sylvia Earle, a renowned figure in the realm of oceanography, ardently avows that true enlightenment lies in the exploration of the ocean’s depths. Her lifelong commitment to the exploration of marine expanses has propelled her to descend to depths of 1200 feet, earning her the epithet ‘Her Deepness’. Not only did she establish Mission Blue, but she also led maritime expeditions alongside her daughter, Liz. Sylvia’s unyielding ardor for marine life has catalyzed pioneering initiatives, including leading an all-female team on a maritime voyage to raise awareness about marine conservation.
The role of women in oceanography: Sylvia vehemently underscores the distinctive advantages that women possess in the realm of underwater exploration. She notes that their physical attributes, such as diminutive stature and enhanced lung capacity, render them better suited for endeavors such as deep-sea diving. Sylvia implores women to embrace their inherent qualities and vigorously pursue careers in marine biology, oceanography, and underwater photography. Despite the fact that 69 percent of the diving industry is dominated by males, Sylvia remains sanguine about the burgeoning participation of females in the exploration of the seas as oceanographers and deep-sea divers.
Pioneering expedition: The pioneering ‘Aqua-lung’ apparatus for subaquatic traversal was invented by French naval officer Jacques. The genesis of this invention was inspired by Jacques’s spouse, Simone, who gained renown as the first female deep-sea diver. Subsequently, a plethora of women followed suit. In our nation, Neela Bhaskar from Chennai has achieved the distinction of being the first certified cave diver in the country. Just as on terra firma, there exist enigmatic caverns beneath the ocean’s surface. Hazardous gases emanating from these caverns also contribute to marine pollution. These intrepid explorers shall delve into these caverns, furnishing essential data for research purposes.
A burgeoning interest in maritime exploration: Maya Pillai, Palak Sharma, Madhumathi, and Archana Sardana are among those who are forging careers in deep-sea diving. The Women Divers Hall of Fame organization champions female divers worldwide by offering scholarships and fostering networking opportunities.
Traditional Indian maritime explorers: In the region of Pamban, situated between Sri Lanka and India, the ambient temperatures tend to be elevated. To shield their extremities from the jagged rocks beneath the waves, they tightly bind them with cloth, while donning rubber sandals. Furthermore, they secure a pouch around their waist to ward off venomous aquatic creatures. Each of these individuals is between the ages of fifty and sixty years. Undeterred by age, they fearlessly plunge into the depths. After holding their breath for a brief duration, they harvest the coveted golden seaweed. Upon reaching the shoreline, the seaweed is transported and sold by weight. Devoid of any sophisticated equipment akin to modern scuba gear, these women epitomize the traditional Indian divers who have honed this skill across generations, harvesting seaweed. This occupation is exclusively undertaken by females, with males abstaining from participation. It demands a considerable degree of fortitude and endurance. Adherence to predetermined breath-holding intervals is paramount. This is how these individuals eke out their livelihoods. The seaweed is only harvested during periods of minimal wave activity. Following the harvest, they pause briefly before resuming their search once the seaweed has replenished itself. Over 5,000 individuals in Tamil Nadu derive their sustenance from this pursuit.
The realm of marine science and maritime exploration abounds with opportunities, underscoring the importance of raising awareness regarding deep-sea diving, asserts Richa Malik, a seasoned scuba instructor.
“The oceans, the fount of pristine oxygen, are imperiled by plastic and other forms of waste pollution. The warming of oceanic waters precipitates the decline of seaweed. As a seasoned diver, I am acutely cognizant of this predicament. It is imperative to augment the ranks of divers to combat the scourge of marine debris,” opines Neela Bhaskar, a cave diver.