The combination of "female" and "diver" is not commonly used, and neither are "female" and "industry". As a result, the term "female industrial diver" is not frequently encountered. However, Ezgi Vatansever is an inspiring example of this rare profession.

 

Gözde Nur Keser, Setur Marinas Kuşadası Front Office Representative

 

 

Ezgi Vatansever, the sole female industrial diver in Turkish marinas, is frequently asked whether women can work as industrial divers. This often leads to further inquiries such as "What are the challenges of this profession?" and "What obstacles do you face as a woman in this field?" To answer these questions, Ezgi reflects on her childhood experiences and shares her insights. Currently employed at Setur Kuşadası Marina, her story is both remarkable and inspiring.

 

According to Ezgi, her passion for the sea has been with her since childhood, but at that time, she never thought it would lead her to become an industrial diver. Initially, her interest in diving was purely a hobby. However, things started to change when she joined her school's underwater club. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for diving and decided to pursue it professionally.

 

Thanks to the underwater club, Ezgi's life took a different direction. When she realized that she could no longer ignore her passion for the sea, she made the decision to leave her biomedical engineering education and start studying underwater technology. "After that, I didn't want to stop, thinking that maybe I could become a professional, so I decided to take the plunge," she says. During summer breaks, she worked at diving schools in exchange for free training.

 

 

As she pursued her education, Ezgi encountered people who encouraged her to take bold steps towards her goals, and her determination to succeed as a woman in this field ultimately led her to choose industrial diving as a career path.

 

As we continue our conversation, Ezgi shares with me that her initial dream was to work as an industrial diver in a marina. However, due to her fear of being rejected because of her gender, she hesitated to pursue this career path. Fortunately, when she applied for a job at Setur Marinas, her fear vanished as she received strong support from the managers and the human resources department. The yacht owners at the marina also welcomed her with surprise and applause, often congratulating her. Through her work as a seafarer at Setur Marina Kuşadası, she demonstrates that women are just as capable as men in performing a variety of jobs.

 

When asked about her favorite aspect of diving, Ezgi expressed a love for the "silence and solitude of being alone with her thoughts" underwater. Her fascination with octopuses and the feeling of strength she gets from working underneath large boats are also among the reasons she enjoys her job as an industrial diver. It's evident in the sparkle in her eyes that she has a deep passion for her work.

 

 

As our discussion draws to a close, I inquire how it feels to be the sole professional female industrial diver in Turkey's marinas. Ezgi expresses her pride but emphasizes that she does not wish to be the only one. She repeatedly stresses the need for more women divers in the industry, firmly believing that women can excel in this profession.

 

Ezgi Vatansever's story highlights the significance of pursuing one's passion, shattering stereotypes, and inspiring those who are hesitant to follow their dreams. Her inspiring journey can serve as an excellent example for anyone who has the courage to pursue what they truly believe in.