Children from the Karen and Ranchi ethnic groups in the Andaman Islands grew up learning about the sea much like a family language. They gained this knowledge from fathers and grandfathers who could interpret weather from clouds, detect currents in water movement, and identify turtles or fish where others saw only open water. The ocean formed part of daily existence rather than an object of conquest.
For generations this familiarity rarely created paid work. On Havelock Island that pattern is shifting as descendants of fishermen and boat operators train as diving instructors and marine guides, converting traditional sea knowledge into steady employment that affects families and villages.
Poonam Darne and her husband D Santosh founded Gypsy Divers, a PADI-affiliated dive school and resort on Beach No. 2. Darne ranks among India’s early female scuba instructors. Santosh previously worked in theatre. Since opening in 2016 the centre has certified more than one thousand divers, including local youth, students, recreational participants and military personnel.
Many trainees previously fished or operated tourist boats. Their practical skills in reading currents and spotting marine life transferred readily, though classroom theory and certification required extra support through translators. The first group of roughly ten Karen participants completed divemaster training, found positions and encouraged others. Hundreds of Karen and Ranchi residents now work across the islands as instructors, guides and boat captains.
Households that once depended only on fishing report steadier year-round earnings. Children attend better schools and families share achievements previously considered unlikely. Women have also entered the sector; one Ranchi resident began in domestic roles and advanced to administrative duties at the school.
