Tech diving future

[Cave Diver]

Jeeeees, any regrets?

Yep. That I waited so long to start diving.

 

[rjack321]

A career in technical diving is way different than a career in commercial diving,

exactly what are these "careers" in tech diving???

 

[AndyNZ]

exactly what are these "careers" in tech diving???

Other than instructing, I haven't been able to think of any.... but I am curious as to what the OP thinks they can do/wants to do.



I think that some of the other replies have missed out that the OP is asking about a career, as opposed to just becoming a (tech) diver.

 

[DCBC]

Just curious as to how to go about getting into a career in Tech or commercial diving?

I don't know what you mean when you say you're contemplating a tech diving career. There's an avenue into becoming a tech instructor, but I don't know how viable this would be for you at this time.

As to commercial diving, the field has more divers than positions at this time. The recent accident of the Deep Horizon will likely slow offshore development in the US. It is expected that there will be a great need within the next few years in the industry, as India and China are really starting to get into offshore development with billions of dollars available.

Course tuition varyies, but student loans are often available. PM me if you would like to discuss a commercial diving career in more detail.

 

[K Mejean]

I looked into commercial diving school a couple of years ago and if I remember correctly the tuition was around $25,000. It was a 16 week program I think.
I see commercial diving as a way to make money and Tech. diving as a way to spend it.
In my opinion you don't get into Tech. diving looking for a career. You do it because you love it and if you somehow manage to find a way to make money at it then good for you. I think its the love of diving that keeps us all involved and willing to spend the amounts of money we do.
I would also say that my only regret is waiting so long to become a diver.

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

Just curious as to how to go about getting into a career in Tech or commercial diving?
Do i need sponsorship and funding or something along those lines?

thaaaaaaaaaaaaankyouu

A career in recreational diving is instructor, guide (when required by local regulations), or dive operation owner/partner/manager.

Same for technical diving; instructor, guide (when required by local regulations), or dive operation owner/partner/manager.

 

[battles2a5]

I'd have to agree with the others. Commercial diving= make money, technical diving = spend money. I shudder to think about the amount of money I've spent on diving so far. With the training, equipment, travel, gas, consumables,and boat fees I'm probably north of $50k so far. If you find a way to get sponsored for tech diving, please let me know!!

 

[vindizzle]

A career in technical diving is way different than a career in commercial diving, in every way - costs, opportunities, day-to-day activities.

What do you actually want to do?

Ideally i was thinking along the lines of tech diving, but both seem equally tempting!
I want something that challenges my brains and pushes me to my limits, and something that lets me travel all over.
I'm into arts and photography so I've also considered media diving as well.

 

[vindizzle]

I'd have to agree with the others. Commercial diving= make money, technical diving = spend money. I shudder to think about the amount of money I've spent on diving so far. With the training, equipment, travel, gas, consumables,and boat fees I'm probably north of $50k so far. If you find a way to get sponsored for tech diving, please let me know!!

Jeeeesus, maybe commercial is the way to go!

 

[battles2a5]

Jeeeesus, maybe commercial is the way to go!

Tell me about it. Now you have me thinking about it and I am sick to my stomach. Let's look at the breakdown:

Education:
Advanced Nitrox/ Deco: $800
Cavern/ Basic Cave: $800
Trimix: $600
Apprentice/ Full Cave: $800
Advanced Trimix: $1000
rEvo Mod 1: $1000

Training Total (so far): $5000

Equipment:
Rebreather: $8000
Regulators (x6): $2400
Doubles (4 sets): $3200
Other bottles (3 40's, 2 80's, 1 30, 2 72's, 2 sets 3L's for RB, 6cf): $1500
Rigging for said bottles: $350
Scooter: $4000
BP's and Wings (2x BP, 4 wings) $1400
Drysuit: $2500
Undergarments, hood, gloves, etc.: $800
Wetsuits: $500
Can Light: $1350
Back-up lights: $250
Shearwater Pursuit: $1500
Fins (2x), Masks (4x): $400
Reels, spools, markers: $600
Lift bags, strobes, jon line, etc.: $400
Booster, fill whips, gas connections: $1800
Camera Equipment: $2000
Accessories: $1000 (easily, there are piles everywhere)
NOTE: this does not include the stuff I have bought, rebought, upgraded, which happens on a regular basis

Equipment Total: $33950

Gas, Maintenance, Consumables:

Sorb @ 170lbs/ year: $540/yr
O2 Cells: $400/yr
VIPs/ Hydros: $500/yr
Reg Maintenance: $300/yr
Gas Pre-rebreater: $2500/yr
Gas Post-rebreather: $1000/yr
Miscelaneous (broken stuff, chemicals, batteries, etc.) $500/yr

Average: $3500/yr
Tech Diving 3 years so far: $10,500

Travel:
I don't want to guess here. I usually have a dozen trips to the coast (charter fees, gas, fills, hotel), 2-3 trips to cave country (hotel, gas, fills, park entry), and at least 1, usually 2 trips to a diving location (flight, hotel, tank rental, consumables, etc.). I'm going to punt and say $5000/yr.

Total for tech diving career: $15,000

Grand Total so far (gulp): $64,450 Technical diving is not kind on the wallet