The Diverse Roles and High Earnings of Commercial Divers
What do Commercial Divers Do?
Commercial divers play a vital role in various industries, particularly in sectors that require specialized underwater skills. While the specific tasks they perform may vary, they generally offer a diverse range of services, from inspecting ship bottoms and cleaning marine structures to performing repair and maintenance operations. Their work often requires a high level of technical expertise, safety awareness, and verifiable training from reputable companies.
Key Responsibilities of Commercial Divers
Commercial divers undertake a multitude of tasks, many of which are critical to the smooth operation of industrial and marine structures. Some of the most common responsibilities include:
Industrial Welding and Metal Cutting
One of the essential duties of commercial divers is industrial welding and metal cutting. This task involves repairing and maintaining critical structures such as ship hulls, pipelines, and offshore platforms. Divers must be skilled in various welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). They also need to possess advanced cutting skills to accurately and safely remove damaged sections of metal.
Inspection and Maintenance
Commercial divers perform a variety of inspection and maintenance activities, including checking the structural integrity of ship hulls and offshore platforms. This may involve using specialized equipment to locate and monitor corrosion, cracks, and other structural issues. They also inspect well heads and Blowout Preventors (BOPs) on offshore oil wells, ensuring that these critical components are functioning correctly. These inspections are crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining safe working conditions.
Cleaning and Removal
Another important responsibility of commercial divers is cleaning underwater surfaces and structures. They remove marine growth, such as barnacles and algae, which can negatively impact the performance and efficiency of various systems. Additionally, they may be tasked with cutting off overtrawlable legs from subsea wellheads to facilitate the recovery of wellheads with specialized equipment. This involves precise and skilled cutting to ensure minimal damage to surrounding structures and minimal disruption to operations.
NDE and NDT
NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) and NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) are critical processes that commercial divers often undertake. These procedures involve using specialized equipment and techniques to inspect and evaluate the condition of underwater structures, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards. Divers may use techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and radiographic testing to perform these inspections.
Hyperbaric Welding
Commercial divers may also perform hyperbaric welding, which involves welding in a controlled underwater environment. This requires specialized training and involves using equipment that can withstand high-pressure conditions. Hyperbaric welding is essential for repairing and maintaining underwater structures, ensuring they can withstand the harsh marine environment.
High Earnings and Travel Opportunities
Commercial divers are highly compensated for their skills and expertise. They often earn six figures per year, with some experienced and specialized divers making significantly more. This high earning potential is partly due to the dangerous nature of the work and the need for extensive training and experience. Additionally, commercial divers have the flexibility to travel to various locations, both domestically and internationally, to perform their duties. This flexibility is a significant draw for many in the field, as it allows them to see the world while pursuing a high-paying career.
Conclusion
In conclusion, commercial divers play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing underwater structures in various industries. Their work is physically demanding and carries inherent risks, necessitating a high level of skill and training. However, the rewards, both in terms of financial compensation and the opportunity for global travel, make it an attractive career choice for many. If you're considering a career in commercial diving, it's essential to have a strong safety record, verifiable training, and a passion for underwater work.