Miss Scuba is an international beauty pageant dedicated to celebrating beautiful women that can swim as well as to promoting marine conservation, held annually in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. According to the organisers, “It is time that an event such as this is produced to celebrate, not only the inner beauty and courage of modern women, but also to simultaneously advocate worldwide marine conservation.” Nepal is as far away from the ocean as can be, however, no place or person is totally divested from the grim consequences of rising sea levels and the destruction of undersea ecosystems and all in all, marine conservation seems a worthy cause not often taken up by beauty pageants.

Organised by Models’ Association Nepal, the auditions and the pageant itself will take place in the ensuing months and the winner of the local pageant will go on to participate at the Miss Scuba International in Malaysia. The winner will also receive a hefty cash purse along with the opportunity to part take in films, music videos, and various media events. Pageant hopefuls need to be between 17 and 28, be at least 5 foot 2 inches or above in height, and be able to communicate in English. Auditions are set to take place on May 31 at the Red Diamond restaurant in Naya Baneshwor. 

Selected candidates will receive special courses on public speaking and personality development provided by esteemed individuals from the Nepal modeling circuit. Participants will also be trained in fitness, yoga, self make up, swimming and diving.