The Life of a Commercial Diver
What is a commercial diver?
A commercial diver is a professional who works underwater to perform various tasks such as construction, repair, inspection, salvage, and search and rescue. Commercial diving is a highly regulated industry, and divers must adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize the risks associated with working in an underwater environment.
Becoming a commercial diver
To become a commercial diver, you need to complete specialized training and certification programs. The training typically includes a combination of classroom instruction, practical exercises, and on-the-job training. The certification programs are offered by various organizations such as the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).
Skills required for commercial diving
- Commercial diving requires a unique set of skills and abilities. To be a successful commercial diver, you must have:
- Physical fitness: Commercial diving is physically demanding, and divers must be in excellent physical condition to perform their job.
- Strong swimming skills: Divers must have strong swimming skills to move around underwater and perform their tasks effectively.
- Mechanical aptitude: Divers must have a good understanding of mechanical systems and tools to perform repairs and maintenance tasks.
- Problem-solving skills: Divers must be able to think quickly and creatively to solve problems that may arise while working underwater.
Daily tasks and responsibilities
The daily tasks and responsibilities of a commercial diver vary depending on the job site and the type of work being performed. Some common tasks include:
- Construction: Divers may be involved in building underwater structures such as pipelines, bridges, and dams.
- Inspection: Divers may inspect underwater structures to identify any damage or defects.
- Repair: Divers may perform repairs on underwater structures or equipment.
- Salvage: Divers may recover items that have sunk underwater, such as ships or equipment.
- Search and rescue: Divers may assist in search and rescue operations to locate and rescue individuals who are lost or trapped underwater.
Risks and rewards
Commercial diving can be a dangerous profession, and divers must be aware of the risks associated with working underwater. Some of the risks include decompression sickness, equipment failure, and underwater hazards such as strong currents, entanglement hazards, and marine life.
Despite the risks, commercial diving can be a highly rewarding profession. Divers get to work in a unique environment and perform tasks that are not possible on land. The pay can also be quite lucrative, with some commercial divers earning six-figure salaries.
Conclusion
The life of a commercial diver can be exciting and rewarding, but it requires specialized skills, training, and equipment. Commercial diving is a highly regulated industry, and divers must adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize the risks associated with working in an underwater environment. If you have a passion for the ocean and are willing to put in the hard work and training required, a career as a commercial diver could be an excellent choice.