Spotlight on Commercial Diving
UNDERWATER OPERATIONS SITS AT THE VERY HEART OF OCEAN KINETICS’ SERVICES, WITH OUR EXPERT TEAM OF DIVERS HAVING OVER 30 YEARS’ COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE.
Our divers are trained to carry out a broad range of work, from repairing pipes to constructing a wharf – and even salvaging a sinking vessel.
No matter the scale of the project, we always ensure our practices are accredited with the latest health and safety certifications. Our divers are required to complete an extensive training process outlining health and safety protocols, for both themselves and the environment in which they are working.
MEET GRANT MCNAB, JUST ONE OF OUR HIGHLY REGARDED DIVERS.
What training did you undertake to become a commercial diver? What interested you about this career path?
My interest in diving first came from working alongside other divers when I was working as a salmon farmer. I was given the opportunity to do my commercial scuba diving ticket in 2009 which I completed in Oban. Following this I worked for my first diving company for six years which was mainly salmon farm-based diving. This work gave me great experience and used to working in an underwater environment. In 2015, I decided I wanted to try surface supplied diving which was the next ticket level. I did this in Fort William and completed the four-week HSE Surface Supply course. I was employed by Ocean Kinetics following this.
How do you ensure safe practices are carried out?
The best way to ensure safe practices are carried out is to make sure we keep up to date with legislation. We work alongside David Georgeson, Ocean Kinetics’ Health and Safety advisor. David puts in place our risk assessments and method statements for the jobs we complete. It is important that as a team we work together to provide a high standard of work and care and stick to all procedures that have been put in place.
What is the most challenging aspect of this job?
The most challenging aspect of the job is the fact that every day is different. Ocean Kinetics does a wide range of different work so the ability to adapt and think on your feet is pretty important. That being said, this is the aspect of the job I really love.
What skills do you need to do your job effectively?
Working as part of the dive team, the most important part of the job is to keep each other safe and reduce risks. I think the best way to do that is teamwork and good communication.
What does a typical workday look like?
On a typical workday, the dive team meets in the morning, we get our job list and from there we make a plan for the day. This can range from gathering equipment for the job, setting up the site to carrying out the job itself.
You can read more about our diving and marine works. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch:
Roger Goudie
roger.goudie@oceankinetics.com
T: 0774 067 5464
RELATED NEWS
