Voices from the Deep: Fearless and Devoted — An Interview with Female Diver Zhao Chunxia

The ocean holds more than one story. The diving industry draws strength from more than one voice.

In the inaugural edition of our new Featured Column, we introduce Zhao Chunxia—a passionate post-90s professional diver, a member of Chongqing Zhanhongtu Rescue & Salvage Co., Ltd., and leader of the Chongqing Emergency Water Rescue Zhanhongtu Team.

From behind-the-scenes logistics to frontline underwater operations, she has built her career along the Yangtze River, protecting lives, property, and irreplaceable underwater cultural relics. This is her story.

I. Origin: Following Heritage, Answering a Calling

What first drew you to diving, and what led you to become a professional diver?

In China, we speak of inheritance—a deep, powerful tradition. I call myself a “second-generation diver.” It was my father-in-law, Liu Lihai, whose devotion to diving inspired me. He introduced me to the underwater world, and I chose to turn it into my life's work.

How is the real underwater world different from what you once imagined?

I used to picture it bright, colorful, and dreamlike. Today I know the work I do—underwater operations and cultural relic protection—is quiet, solemn, and deeply meaningful. It is a mission to guard history resting silently on the riverbed.

What memory stays with you from your very first dive?

On my first dive, I went 30 meters deep to clean the Underwater Museum of Baiheliang—the only underwater museum of its kind in the world. There, ancient carvings lay preserved for over a thousand years.

In that moment, I felt expectation, mystery, and awe all at once. Physical discomfort faded away. I was overcome with respect for history, for those who came before us, and for this profession. Diving gave me a rare, personal connection to a thousand years of culture.

II. Perseverance: Courage, Grit, and Professionalism

What was your biggest challenge in becoming a professional diver?

The hardest battles were physical and mental.

As a woman, I naturally have physical differences from men. Long underwater shifts and heavy gear often pushed me to exhaustion. I also faced stereotypes: some in the industry doubted women could handle frontline diving work.

How did you overcome these barriers?

I kept a simple, strong belief: If others can do it, I can. If others cannot, I still can.

I turned every challenge into growth. I learned from experienced divers, improved my skills, and proved myself through consistent, reliable performance. In time, I earned respect—not in spite of being a woman, but because of my professionalism and courage.

What has been your most fulfilling moment in your career?

Working on relic maintenance at the Underwater Museum of Baiheliang.

Descending to 40 meters, I watched the ancient inscriptions glow under the lights. I was documenting the stone fish carvings. When my fingertips touched the cold stone, I felt as if I were speaking across centuries to the people who created them.

In that moment, I understood: diving is more than a job. It is a duty to protect cultural heritage. That sense of purpose is unlike anything else.

III. The Female Diver's Perspective: Care, Strength, and Confidence

As a female diver, what health and safety practices do you prioritize?

I pay close attention to physical protection, especially during menstrual periods. Cold water can strain joints, so I always warm up and stretch thoroughly after dives.

I also take care of my skin with sun protection and moisturizing to reduce irritation from the underwater environment. We protect history—but we must also protect ourselves.

What advice do you have for women new to diving?

Choose well-fitted female-specific wetsuits and masks—proper gear supports safety and performance.

Mentally, never limit yourself because of gender. Be patient, trust your training, and believe in your ability. Women belong in this industry, and we can excel.

IV. Her Voice, Her Strength: To Every Woman in Diving

Our Featured Column honors women across diving: divers, family supporters, logistics, health, and equipment professionals. What would you like to say to them?

With mountains and seas in your heart, no boundary stands in your way.

Women are not defined by gender today—we are defined by our roles, our work, and our contributions. I see no division between men and women in our profession, only people doing their best.

To every woman in this industry: You are unique. Your worth is undeniable. Your beauty is without definition.

What message would you leave for other women who love diving?

I stand here because others paved the way. Thank you to every woman who persists in diving—your value deserves to be seen and celebrated.

May you keep shining in the water you love. Live without limits. Move forward fearlessly.

#WomenOfTheDivingIndustry