Steel Gills
An ocean conservation program inspired by immersion in nature.
Humans have explored 5% of the world's oceans even though they cover 70% of the earth's surface. Life on earth as we know it depends on healthy oceans and yet we know nothing about them.
SCUBA Diving is as close as I've ever gotten to exploring another planet, except it has been this one we're on. Seeing the wonders of the seas in person has given me a deeper appreciation for the interconnected web of life that humanity depends on. As a PADI trained divemaster I've witnessed the same looks of pure joy & wonder on the faces of countless divers I've led on trips.
These wonders are fleeting...
The effects of pollution, overfishing, and global warming are real and present. Unfortunately the warnings from scientists and policymakers have fallen on deaf ears. Documentaries and lectures don't inspire action. Seeing a bleached coral reef, a turtle with propeller damage, or litter on the ocean floor brings the reality of our connection to the ocean into sharp focus. The best inspiration for empathy, learning, and conservation is immersion in nature.
Unfortunately, SCUBA Diving is still very inaccessible to most people. It's expensive, it's technical, and it's decidedly analog. The spectrum of users ranges from novice "resort" divers to highly trained professionals. Most apps serve the latter user because it doesn't pay to make an app for annual use. Even those apps ostensibly for casual divers make the UX too cumbersome and technical.
STEEL GILLS is a conservation project aimed at raising awareness for the state of the oceans by encouraging people to spend more time in them. It's an app for novice scuba divers, and ocean lovers, with a focus on the environmental impact rather than the technical aspects of diving.
Member Experience