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As said divers are a dime a dozen. Everything aside, divers are hired for thier ability to complete a task under water. Starting out is a tough road but once traveled, you may have picked up or proved your skills. Working with others, strong communication skills and an abilllity to just pick up and go are strong points for a new hire. Having other topside skills will only open the door that much wider. If you can do it topside you can (or should be able to)be trained to do it underwater. Remember that diving is just a way to get to "your job".
See you topside! John
 
What is said above s true. We are no different in this sector of work than any other spot. There is always someone new, with more drive and ambition than the "old dogs" of the industry, who have gotten comfortable and semi-lazy in their positions. It happens in every field out there...and these new, highly trained, hungry, agressive divers are going to start making their way into the profession.

It basicly boils down to: Those that want work will always find it! :wink:
 
Hi Scott, welcome to the industry btw. I liked what you said about working. I agree that what's required is for the new diver to get engaged and to work; to accept any job at any rate of pay (as necessary to maintain employment and rack-up the hours). Obviously the certifications are a necessity, but that goes without saying. Certifications in themselves can't be depended upon to get you work today. I believe that the two major factors for success are:

1. Your ability to actually do the job properly (and get along with your team); and

2. Who you know (and who knows you).

With experience in the industry comes a reputation. If it's a good one, it forms the foundation for a diver's future. You are in-fact being watched.
 
Hi all my dear friends out there.

first of all, let me introduce myself: I am 35y.o., male, single, from Malaysia.
I am working as a bank officer currently and have zero knowledge/ experience in technical work eg. welding etc...
I studied science subjects during my high school and did my finance degree from local university.---> No engineering background / technical knowledge. I am certified as PADI OWD and Advanced OWD in year 2009.

I have been reading and gathering information abt commercial diving recently.
I have also communicated with TUCT, Australia regarding their CD course.

I have talked to my dad and friends about my intention to get certified as a commercial diver.
My dad's reply: Not a good choice. It's too dangerous.
My friend's reply: How well is the chance of employment and the pay?
No one stood up and says: it's a good decision, just go ahead!

So, I am in a dilemma now.
1) Should i go ahead and pursue my dream?
2) Is it easy getting a job for a newly certified Commercial Diver? How well is the pay?
3) have read a few forum here in Scuba Board, and some has mentioned that the job market doesn't seem too good. I think most of the members in SB are from US, right? Are the job market same around the world (US / Europe / S.E.A)? I do not know who else that i can consult regarding my questions. Someone out there, please advice.
5) Any Commercial Diver from Malaysia that I can contact and seek for advice / opinion?

Please help and advice...Thanks.

Best Rgds,
KC
 
KC

First and foremost commercial divers require excellent mechanical skills including rigging, piping, welding, and seamanship. You can’t expect to get these in a diving school. Another trait is being exceptionally resourceful so you can get the job done with limited resources. The lifestyle can be difficult to begin at 35 because you can expect to work weeks offshore at a time.

Unless you were absolutely miserable every minute in your career in finance, I would be surprised if you would be fulfilled as a commercial diver. Commercial diving is NOT about diving for a living, it is about getting heavy construction and repair work done that happens to be underwater. I don’t want to brush you off but this industry is very harsh. It is as near a polar opposite from working as a banking officer that I can imagine. I believe Oceaneering has some facilities in Malaysia that you could visit. Best of luck.
 
Hi Akimbo,
Thanks for your opinion and advice. I will continue to get more information on commercial diving.
Hope to get some feedback from you again in future if i need. You are most welcomed to add on or update me whenever you have anything crosses your mind, ya?

by the way, are you currently involved in commercial diving industry? what's your age, if you don't mind....
Just want to know more friends from this CD industry to have a better picture.
 
KC

I am 60 so it has been years since I have been in saturation. I still do a little consulting and product development. Most of my work was in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico but you might PM (Private Message) Sat Diver who works closer to your area. He just completed an extraordinary rescue described in this post: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/accidents-incidents/392451-tragedy-happiness.html#post6015361

I re-read your post and want to emphasize that you should make sure you are pursuing the career that really is your dream. Successful commercial divers can have some great years financially. Unfortunately, a great many don’t invest well and not many are able to do it very late in life. I think it is fair to say that many party too much during their early and peak earning periods.

If you are serious about commercial diving start immediately by taking night courses in Diesel mechanics, welding, and pipe fitting. It will give you a small taste of the work and some basic knowledge that is far more important than you learned in recreational diving classes. Also get a good book and learn to tie all the common sailing and rigging knots blind-folded. Do some recreational dives in black-water harbors and salvage some junk on the bottom for practice.

I would also suggest getting a laborer’s job in the offshore oil industry and try it for six months to a year. You will see if that life is in line with your dream and will be important on a resume once you complete commercial diving school.

Take this in the context of knowing nothing more about you than your messages. If the diving you have been doing thus far is closer your to dream, you might consider investigating the recreational diving industry. The upside income potential is certainly less, but it is a career you could do for many more years and is more compatible with the background you described. I encourage everyone to pursue their dream. My only concern is you have your sights on the right target.
 
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Hi KC,

I too would echo the statements of Akimbo and would encourage you (given your age and background) not to get involved in commercial diving at this stage of your life. As has been already stated, Commercial Diving is about the work, not about the diving. You get paid to do the job; diving is just the vehicle to get to the job site. Thirty-five is a late start; given you possess no construction/repair experience. The competition for jobs is high, with tons of "divers with tickets" (few with construction experience).

I was the Regional Diving Operations Director, for the Asia Pacific/India region for Global Industries (until 2004); after which I became a private diving consultant for big oil (retired last January). We operated twelve surface-supplied air/mixed gas diving systems and three saturation diving systems in the region. Global Industries as a company is one of the largest offshore commercial diving operations in the world with revenues of approx. one billion dollars annually. The Asia/Pacific India region has offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Batam and Perth, so you could contact one of these offices for more specific information on their current hiring policies. Good luck!

Wayne



kc:
...I have been reading and gathering information abt commercial diving recently.
I have also communicated with TUCT, Australia regarding their CD course.

I have talked to my dad and friends about my intention to get certified as a commercial diver.
My dad's reply: Not a good choice. It's too dangerous.
My friend's reply: How well is the chance of employment and the pay?
No one stood up and says: it's a good decision, just go ahead!

So, I am in a dilemma now.
1) Should i go ahead and pursue my dream?
2) Is it easy getting a job for a newly certified Commercial Diver? How well is the pay?
3) have read a few forum here in Scuba Board, and some has mentioned that the job market doesn't seem too good. I think most of the members in SB are from US, right? Are the job market same around the world (US / Europe / S.E.A)? I do not know who else that i can consult regarding my questions. Someone out there, please advice.
5) Any Commercial Diver from Malaysia that I can contact and seek for advice / opinion?

Please help and advice...Thanks.

Best Rgds,
KC
 
Thanks Akimbo...
Thanks Wayne....
Hope to stay in touch with you guys...

I really appreciate your advice.
Although I am still a bit reluctant to give up my wish, but i know i got to be realistic..
I got to wake up and look for other alternatives.. with good pay and fun (maybe)?
I got to really think through / seriously consider every facts that I am having now.
Thanks again.

KC
 
KC,

I think Wayne and Akimbo have covered the important points. I see from your post that you are single-becoming a commercial diver is a good way to retain that status. If you decide to ignore your voice of reason, please do yourself this favor. Before you decide to shell out money and time for training in the commercial diving, take a job working in the off shore oil field just to get a taste of what it is like to live and work away from your comfortable and familiar zone.

If you love diving, perhaps a career in scuba instruction or becoming a dive master/guide would be a more reasonable and attainable goal for a person of your age.

Good luck in whatever direction you take,

Couv
 
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