Divers that belong to professional or industrial diving organisations are well aware of the variations between offshore and onshore diving; however, the average amateur diver may be unaware of the distinctions. Understanding what is required for each environment is critical for both protection and fun when diving.
Offshore Diving
This is diving that occurs in oceans, gulfs and seas, as the name implies. The majority of support comes from the surface, generally in the form of boats or immovable platforms. Divers in mild water use wetsuits, whereas those in colder or more dangerous areas use a dry suit or other protective equipment. Divers must be more thorough while cleaning their offshore diving equipment, ensuring that corrosive saltwater is removed each time the gear comes into contact with water.
Because of the necessity for a big workforce, offshore employment is frequently the first step into commercial diving for newly qualified divers. The oil and gas sectors use divers to check and repair the underwater infrastructure involved in extracting oil from the seabed. Due to the difficulties of accessing oil platforms, divers are frequently required to labour for several days or weeks, braving lengthy hours and dramatically changing weather and keeping their offshore diving equipment in check every time. Offshore underwater diving services is the riskiest job for professional divers because of the challenging and dangerous working circumstances and the inexperience of the divers.
Onshore Diving
As opposed to river diving, inland diving occurs in rivers and lakes, frequently near reservoirs, bridges and pontoons. Based on the area and depth of the dive, these divers may require surface or SCUBA assistance. Because inshore commercial diving takes place in freshwater, diving gear is less likely to corrode. However, diving equipment maintenance must still be thoroughly performed before and after each dive.
In contrast to offshore jobs, most freshwater commercial underwater diving services assist with civil engineering works. Inshore commercial diving services can work shorter days and avoid weeks of continuous labour since bridge structures and dams must be assessed for integrity regularly, which means they may be operating in current or other tough environments.
Other Types of Diving
Scientific diving for study can occur both on and off the coast, and it usually takes place in shallow seas. Depending on the environment, divers can be surface assisted or employ SCUBA equipment, and a scientific diver is more likely to describe himself as a scientist first and then a diver second.
Divers take underwater photographs in both on- and offshore conditions. Commercial divers with advanced training may be hired to operate cameras for feature films, documentaries and animal studies.
Amateur divers who want to pursue a career as commercial divers must evaluate a wide range of circumstances. Divers with specific talents, such as camera operation or expertise in marine biology, might contemplate specialised occupations, but those just starting have fewer alternatives.
What Is It Like to Work as a Commercial Diver?
Onshore divers enjoy a better working environment because they operate largely in freshwater and have more regular hours.
