All-Female Class Makes Waves at 2025 Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Ceremony

by Christopher Tobutt

The 22nd Annual International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) Induction Ceremony made history this weekend, honouring an all-female class of international inductees for the first time since its founding. Held at the elegant Hotel Indigo, the event brought together global pioneers, local legends, and emerging talent in a celebration of ocean advocacy, innovation, and legacy.

“Tonight we gather to celebrate a legacy — one that lives beneath the waves and stretches across oceans. This year’s ceremony is especially significant, as — for the first time in its history — the Hall of Fame welcomes an all-female class of inductees,” said Hon. Gary Rutty MP, Minister for Tourism and Trade Development 

Steve Broadbelt, Chair of the ISDHF Board, echoed the sentiment, calling the moment “groundbreaking” and praising the honourees as “extraordinary individuals, from pioneering founders to visionary trailblazers.”

 Early Pioneers

The ceremony paid tribute to two Early Pioneers whose influence shaped the very foundations of scuba diving.

Simone Melchior Cousteau of France was remembered through archival footage of the Calypso and her husband, Jacques Cousteau. Widely recognised as the first female scuba diver and aquanaut, Simone played a pivotal role in co-inventing the aqualung — revolutionising underwater exploration.

Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF), a U.S.-based non-profit honour society, was also inducted. Founded by Jennifer King, Patty Newell Montana, and Carol Rose, WDHOF has championed women’s contributions across science, medicine, exploration, education, and the arts.

2025 International Inductees

Michelle Cove (Bahamas) transformed Stuart Cove Dive Bahamas into one of the Caribbean’s largest dive operations. Her leadership brought in major partners like Atlantis Resort and Carnival Cruise Lines, while her advocacy for shark safety and marine conservation remains central to her mission.

Anne Hasson (USA) revolutionised liveaboard diving with the launch of the Cayman Aggressor in 1984. As Vice President of Aggressor Adventures, she oversees a global fleet of dive yachts and eco-tourism lodges, promoting sustainable travel across premier destinations.

Rosemary E. Lunn (UK) became the first British woman inducted into the Hall. A journalist, educator, and technical diving innovator, she co-founded EUROTEK and TEKDiveUSA, and broke barriers as the first civilian female diver to join the UK Ministry of Defence’s Diving Standards Team.

Trailblazer Honouree

Hidy Yu Hiu-Tung (Hong Kong), an actress and model with 19 years of diving experience, was honoured for her ocean advocacy. As Miss Scuba International’s spokeswoman and ADEX ambassador, she has led ghost net cleanups and co-founded the Bling Bling OCEAN foundation to promote marine conservation through education and charity.

Cayman Islands Honourees

The ceremony also spotlighted five Cayman-based honourees whose work has elevated the islands’ reputation as a world-class diving destination.

Jason Belport, General Manager at JEM Holdings, oversees Little Cayman Beach Resort, Cayman Brac Beach Resort, and Reef Divers. His lifelong dedication to diving began at age 12 and has since shaped the region’s dive tourism.

Courtney Platt, a commercial photographer and conservationist, has completed over 5,000 dives and contributed to eight National Geographic assignments. His advocacy for reef restoration and sustainable seafood choices has made him a leading voice in marine protection.

Michael Schouten, Dive Manager at Southern Cross Club, has logged over 12,000 dives in Little Cayman. Known for his encyclopaedic knowledge and mentorship, he’s guided countless divers through the pristine reefs of Bloody Bay Marine Park.

Peter Hillenbrand, owner of Southern Cross Club and co-founder of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), was recognised for his commitment to marine science and reef preservation.

Emerging Honouree

Ragime Powery, a proud Caymanian from West Bay, was named Emerging Honouree. From snorkelling as a child to becoming a highly-qualified PADI instructor and equipment technician at Divetech, Ragime exemplifies the next generation of ocean stewards.

Keynote: Margo Peyton

2024 inductee Margo Peyton, founder of Family Dive Adventures and Kids Sea Camp, delivered the keynote address. Peyton urged the attendees towards greater conservation measures. Peyton has been recognised for her significant contributions to the diving community, including her role in promoting diving as a family activity and her dedication to youth dive training.