Mia DaPonte Is America's Youngest Female Master Scuba Diver
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Most 12-year-olds dream of a big party or a fun sleepover to celebrate their birthday. But Mia DaPonte, from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, had a different goal in mind. She wanted to celebrate by becoming New England’s first 12-year-old — and the youngest female in the US — to earn the title of PADI Master Scuba Diver. This is the highest recreational diving certification offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
To earn the prestigious title, Mia had to be at least 12 years old, complete at least 50 dives, and earn three certifications. They were Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver.
The young girl began her quest at age ten. She spent countless hours in the ocean near Jamestown, Rhode Island, honing her skills. She also completed online coursework and classroom lessons. Along the way, she earned more than six specialty certifications, including Underwater Photography.
Mia's 12th birthday on February 18, 2025, marked the final step in her journey. The waters off New England are too cold for diving during winter. So, she, along with her family and coach Seamus Hastings, went to Cozumel, Mexico, to complete her certifications.
Mia began her birthday morning with a final e-learning exam. Then she completed three dives to demonstrate her skills. On one dive, she and Seamus reached a depth of 58 feet (17.6 m) to meet the deep dive requirement. These dives earned her both the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.
Next, she tackled the most challenging certification — the Rescue Diver. For this, Mia had to lift an adult from the ocean floor to the surface while giving rescue breaths. Her training paid off, and she successfully completed the grueling task. Mia is now part of an elite group — fewer than two percent of divers worldwide — who hold the title of Master Scuba Diver.
"I feel proud," Mia said. "Even though I passed, not all of it was easy. The rescue portion was the hardest physically for me. It was not easy to lift someone to the surface and get in the right position above them for each rescue breath."
"Accomplishing my goal feels like a dream come true," she added.
Mia hopes to become a marine biologist one day. In the meantime, she plans to use her newfound fame to raise money for coral conservation. The sixth-grader also has a new diving goal: the PADI Divemaster certification, which she can pursue upon turning 18.
Resources: Jill DaPonte
