Commercial offshore diver

Commercial Offshore Diver

A Commercial Offshore Diver is a professional who performs underwater tasks related to the construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of offshore structures such as oil rigs, pipelines, and wind farms. This occupation requires specialized training and skills to safely operate in challenging underwater environments.

Training and Certification

To become a commercial offshore diver, individuals must undergo rigorous training and obtain certification from recognized diving schools. The training includes:

• Basic Diving Skills: Learning the fundamentals of diving, including the use of scuba and surface-supplied diving equipment.
• Advanced Diving Techniques: Training in deep diving, underwater welding, and the use of specialized tools.
• Safety Procedures: Understanding decompression sickness, dive planning, and emergency protocols.

Certification is typically provided by organizations such as the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) or the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).

Equipment Used

Commercial offshore divers use a variety of equipment to perform their tasks, including:

• Diving Helmets: Provide a supply of breathing gas and protect the diver's head.
• Surface-Supplied Diving Systems: Allow divers to receive air from the surface, enabling longer and deeper dives.
• Underwater Tools: Such as hydraulic drills, welding equipment, and cutting torches.

Types of Work

Commercial offshore divers are involved in various types of work, including:

• Inspection and Maintenance: Regular checks and repairs of underwater structures to ensure their integrity and safety.
• Construction: Assisting in the building of new offshore installations, such as oil platforms and wind turbines.
• Salvage Operations: Recovering sunken vessels or cargo from the seabed.

Safety and Risks

The profession of commercial offshore diving is inherently risky. Divers face hazards such as:

• Decompression Sickness: Also known as "the bends," caused by rapid ascent and inadequate decompression.
• Hypothermia: Due to prolonged exposure to cold water temperatures.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctions in diving gear can lead to life-threatening situations.

Strict adherence to safety protocols and regular equipment maintenance are crucial to minimizing these risks.

Career Opportunities

Commercial offshore divers can find employment with:

• Oil and Gas Companies: Performing maintenance and inspection of offshore drilling platforms.
• Renewable Energy Firms: Working on the installation and upkeep of offshore wind farms.
• Marine Construction Companies: Engaging in underwater construction projects.

See Also

• Underwater Welding
• Decompression Sickness
• Surface-Supplied Diving

References

• Association of Diving Contractors International
• International Marine Contractors Association