Celebrate the Honorees September 18–20, 2025 – Reserve Your Induction Ceremony Tickets Today!
The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF), in partnership with the Cayman Islands Ministry and Department of Tourism, proudly announced its 2025 inductees on International Women’s Day — and made history in the process. For the first time since its founding in 2000, all inductees to the prestigious Hall of Fame are women, recognizing their pioneering contributions to diving, conservation, education, innovation, and adventure.
The ISDHF, established to celebrate individuals who have significantly advanced recreational scuba diving worldwide, will officially induct these extraordinary women at a ceremony in the Cayman Islands on September 20, 2025.
The 2025 class includes:
- Simone Melchoir-Cousteau (France) – Early Pioneer
- Women Divers Hall of Fame (United States of America) – Early Pioneer
- Michelle Cove (Bahamas) – Inductee
- Anne Hasson (United States of America) – Inductee
- Rosemary E. Lunn (United Kingdom) – Inductee
- Hidy Yu Hiu-Tung (Hong Kong) – Trailblazer
These trailblazers join a long line of celebrated ISDHF members, including Jill Heinerth (2020), Dr. Eugenie Clark (2010), and Cathy Church (2008), cementing women’s vital role in shaping the global dive community.
William Cline, Executive Director of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, shared:
“This year marks an extraordinary moment in the history of the ISDHF as we welcome our first all-women class of inductees. These remarkable women have driven innovation, conservation, education, and exploration across the global dive industry. Their legacy serves as a powerful reminder that inclusivity and diversity make our community stronger. With Women’s Dive Day coming up on July 19th, I personally invite divers, industry partners, and ocean advocates to join us in Grand Cayman for the festivities — and to celebrate these incredible honorees who continue to inspire us all.”
Meet the 2025 Inductees
Simone Melchoir-Cousteau (France)
A pioneering explorer and partner to legendary oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Simone Melchoir-Cousteau was key to the development of the Aqualung, which revolutionized recreational diving. She was instrumental in the acquisition and operation of the research vessel Calypso, and became the world’s first female aquanaut in 1963. Known affectionately as “La Bergere,” Simone supported, nurtured, and inspired countless divers, leaving a lasting legacy for women in exploration.
Women Divers Hall of Fame (USA)
Founded in 2000, the Women Divers Hall of Fame™ (WDHOF) honors women’s contributions across all areas of diving, including science, medicine, technology, archaeology, training, media, safety, and underwater sports. To date, 260 members from 22 countries have been inducted, and WDHOF has awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships and grants to foster future generations of divers. Its mission continues to lift up women leaders in diving and marine conservation.
Michelle Cove (Bahamas)
An innovator in dive tourism, Michelle Cove built Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas into one of the Caribbean’s largest operations, partnering with resorts, cruise lines, and film productions. She is a shark dive leader, conservation advocate, and the driving force behind the Bahamas Shark Sanctuary. Today, through Resort Lifestyle Ltd., she continues to promote ocean education, youth programs, and world-class diving experiences in the Bahamas.
Anne Hasson (USA)
As a founder of the Cayman Aggressor in 1984 and now Vice President of Aggressor Adventures, Anne Hasson has transformed the liveaboard industry. She oversees brand identity and customer experience for a global fleet of dive yachts, lodges, and cruises. Anne is a champion of sustainable diving, eco-friendly practices, and high industry standards, helping Aggressor Adventures achieve worldwide acclaim.
Rosemary E. Lunn (United Kingdom)
A journalist, educator, technical diving innovator, and industry leader, Rosemary Lunn is the first British woman to receive this ISDHF honor. She co-founded events such as EUROTEK and TEKDiveUSA, shaping safety practices and innovation in advanced diving. Rosemary’s influence extends to military diving standards, professional education, and strategic collaborations that strengthen diving’s future worldwide.
Hidy Yu Hiu-Tung (Hong Kong)
Actress, model, instructor, and marine conservation advocate, Hidy Yu blends her public profile with ocean protection. She co-founded the Bling Bling Ocean Foundation and leads ghost net cleanups and outreach efforts across Asia. From serving as Miss Scuba International’s ambassador to organizing ocean cleanups, Hidy Yu demonstrates how diving can empower environmental action and inspire change.
Induction Week Details
During the week of the ISDHF annual ceremony, diving fans and industry professionals are invited to join several days of celebration and connection in Grand Cayman. It’s the perfect opportunity to schedule your next dive vacation around this landmark event.
What’s on the Agenda?
WELCOME RECEPTION
- Date: September 18, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Pedro St. James
- Dress Code: Work Casual
- Admission: Free
HALL OF FAME CEREMONY
- Date: September 20, 2025
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Hotel Indigo
- Dress Code: Elegant
- Admission:
- Advance Purchase: $125 (July 1 – September 19, 2025)
- At the Door: $150 (September 20, 2025)
- Group Discount: Buy nine (9) tickets and receive one complimentary ticket
For event tickets, program details, and travel resources, visit https://isdhf.visitcaymanislands.com/events.
As the dive community looks ahead to Women’s Dive Day on July 19, the Hall of Fame and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism invite divers from around the world to join in celebrating these inspiring honorees and experiencing Grand Cayman’s legendary diving culture.