A Woman's Journey in Diving Education & Underwater Engineering

An Interview with Li Zhenci, Head of Qingdao Pacific Underwater Technology Co., Ltd.

In the diving industry, defined by technology, engineering, and professionalism, she has devoted more than 30 years. From a state-owned enterprise employee to a company founder, and from basic diving services to professional training and underwater welding technology research, she has grown into a key force driving industry development. Her company operates as a diving training school and serves as the supporting unit for CDSA’s Underwater Welding and Cutting Technology Professional Committee, nurturing a large number of professionals for the industry over the years.

I. Origin of Commitment: Born from Passion, Rooted in Perseverance

Q: How did you first get involved in the diving industry and start your business?

I graduated from university in 1984 and joined a state-owned shipyard. In 1992, responding to national policies, I co-founded Qingdao Pacific Diving Technology Co., Ltd. with a colleague from the shipyard. In 1994, I resigned from the state-owned enterprise to run the company full-time, focusing on ship repair and diving services. Back then, most divers came from the military. Competition was limited, and payments were prompt, which greatly supported our early operations. My connection with diving began with passion, and I have stayed dedicated for over 30 years, still deeply attached to the industry.

Q: How has your understanding of diving training and underwater engineering changed from the early days to now?

In the beginning, our knowledge was limited. We only knew diving ensured ship safety, and training focused solely on basic safety skills. Professional capabilities like underwater welding and deep-water operations were barely covered, and our projects were simple inspections and salvage within 20 meters.

Today, everything is different. Our training covers advanced courses, including underwater welding, heliox diving, diving supervision, and ROV operation. We also plan to introduce virtual reality training systems in the future. In engineering, we deliver end-to-end underwater operation services for water conservancy, nuclear power, offshore wind farms, and oilfields, with independently developed specialized materials. Intelligent underwater equipment is gradually replacing traditional diving work, and China is poised to become a global leader in this field.

Q: What was your original aspiration and motivation for entering this technology-intensive industry?

As a science and engineering graduate, I was familiar with technology. For our generation, the mindset was simple: do a job well, strive to be an industry benchmark. My motivation has always been to achieve something meaningful in life and contribute more to society and others. Seeing the company grow steadily, employees receive year-end bonuses, and their families live happily brings me great satisfaction.

I. Craftsmanship and Excellence: Built on Quality, Driven by Professionalism

Q: Your company has thrived in the industry for 34 years. What is your core strength?

We have overcome numerous challenges—financial constraints, talent shortages, difficult projects, and safety incidents. Our success hinges on quality and credibility: we have never delayed employee salaries, owed suppliers payments, or faced legal disputes due to quality, safety or integrity. Our core strength lies in our corporate culture: people-oriented, fair and inclusive, united and supportive. Building internal strength is the foundation of long-term growth.

Q: As the supporting unit for the Underwater Welding and Cutting Technology Professional Committee, how do you view this technology?

Underwater welding and cutting is highly specialized with enormous development potential. In the past, it relied on manual work with simple, outdated equipment. Today, it is evolving toward intelligence, automation, and deep-water operations. Underwater welding robots enable dry hyperbaric welding, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. CDSA serves as a platform uniting national resources, expertise, and academic teams to drive technological progress. China has joined the global leading ranks, and this technology will play an increasingly vital role in the diving and salvage industry.

Q: What principles do you uphold in training quality, safety management, and technological innovation?

Diving is a high-risk industry, and training marks the start of a diver’s career. We adhere to safety first, life supreme, with training quality as our bottom line—it directly impacts divers’ lives, skills, careers, and family well-being. Continuous innovation is key to enhancing safety, quality, and competitiveness.

I. Women’s Power in Diving: Beyond Labels, Focused on Professionalism

Q: What unique advantages do you believe women bring to management and decision-making in the diving industry?

I never identify myself as a “female entrepreneur,” but simply as an ordinary manager. Gender differences are minimal in management and decision-making, though it is true there are fewer female leaders in the industry. If I had to name advantages, women tend to listen more, communicate better, resolve conflicts, pay attention to details, stay emotionally stable, and unite teams—though this varies by individual.

Q: How do you understand “women’s power in the diving industry”?

Today’s world allows women to fully participate and compete in diving. While men have physical advantages, women excel in carefulness, resilience, and communication. I hope more women join the industry, bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to drive its development. Women’s power is not about “replacing men,” but making the industry more diverse, balanced, and inclusive.

I. Nurturing Talent: Safety as the Foundation, Versatility as the Goal

Q: What qualities do you value most when cultivating diving professionals?

Diving is physically demanding and high-risk. I prioritize three qualities: passion for the profession, courage and dedication, and safety awareness. One must be bold yet meticulous.

Q: What are your observations on industry talent demand and career development trends?

The trend is clear: intelligent technology will reduce manual demand, and divers must become versatile professionals. Future professionals need expertise in project management, human-machine interaction, and intelligent equipment operation and maintenance. Those limited to basic diving work and unwilling to learn new skills will gradually be phased out.

I. A Gentle Path Forward: Rational Advice, Diverse Participation

Q: Do you pay attention to female divers’ training needs, health, and equipment adaptation?

Currently, there are very few female divers, so these topics have not gained widespread attention. In my view, there may not be major differences between men and women in training, health, and equipment adaptation.

Q: What advice would you give women considering a career in diving?

Personally, I do not encourage women to engage in frontline high-risk diving work long-term—it is physically grueling, requires frequent business trips, and makes balancing family difficult. However, I strongly encourage women to participate in the industry in other roles: project management, on-site supervision, intelligent equipment operation and R&D, design solutions and training. Leverage women’s strengths in communication, carefulness, and resilience to bring new vitality to the industry.

Q: How can the industry better support women professionals?

A: The industry can provide targeted training, flexible leave, health check benefits, and guidance. Encourage women to pursue careers in deep-sea diving, national defense projects, recreational diving instruction, intelligent equipment training, and entrepreneurship.

I. A Message to the Industry: Stay Committed, Innovate for the Future

Q: What are your thoughts and expectations on CDSCA’s new Featured Column focusing on women’s power in diving?

This is a meaningful innovation—I have rarely seen coverage on this topic before. I hope the column inspires more young women to explore innovative directions in the industry, fostering greater interest in diving globally. It will also help international peers understand Chinese women professionals and see China from diverse perspectives. The possibilities are endless.

Q: What message would you send to all women persevering, striving, and growing in the diving industry?

A: This industry may seem unfamiliar and complex to women, but stay committed once you choose it. No career is easy, for men or women. Stay true to your aspirations, love what you do, and build your achievements with time and effort.

Q: What changes do you hope to see in the future of the diving industry?

A: My greatest hope is to replace high-risk manual diving with modern equipment as soon as possible. Advance diving intelligence, safety, and efficiency to build a safer, more modern, and sustainable industry.

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