Professional diving

Professional diving refers to underwater diving where the divers are paid for their work. The work in professional diving can be varied, including commercial diving, scientific diving, public safety diving, and military diving.

History

The history of professional diving dates back to the 19th century, when hard-hat diving was developed for salvage operations and underwater construction. The development of scuba diving in the mid-20th century expanded the range of professional diving activities.

Types of Professional Diving

Commercial Diving

Commercial diving involves underwater work for industrial projects such as offshore oil drilling, underwater welding, and salvage operations. Commercial divers often use surface-supplied diving equipment and diving suits that provide thermal protection and shield the diver from hazardous materials.

Scientific Diving

Scientific diving is used for research purposes, including marine biology, geology, and archaeology. Scientific divers often use scuba equipment and may work in a variety of environments, from tropical coral reefs to the icy waters of the polar regions.

Public Safety Diving

Public safety diving is carried out by law enforcement, fire rescue, and search and rescue teams. These divers may perform tasks such as underwater search and recovery, crime scene investigation, and disaster response.

Military Diving

Military diving includes a wide range of activities, from combat to construction, salvage, and reconnaissance. Military divers may use a variety of diving equipment, including rebreathers and specialized diving suits.

Training and Certification

Professional divers are required to undergo rigorous training and certification. Training programs typically include both classroom instruction and practical diving experience. Certification is usually provided by professional diving organizations, such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

Safety and Health Risks

Professional diving can be a hazardous occupation, with risks including decompression sickness, barotrauma, and exposure to hazardous materials. Divers must follow safety procedures and use appropriate equipment to mitigate these risks.

See Also

• Underwater diving
• Diving equipment
• Diving medicine