Diver Exploits: Canadian Army Vet Digs Archaeology and Shooting Pictures Underwater

Diving is a passion for me. Whether it’s work related or recreational, I love it. My first non-recreational diving course was at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) in 2010, in beautiful Bamfield, British Columbia. I completed the Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS) scientific diver level one course here. It was a blast, and I […]

Thinking Globally: New Zealand School of Commercial Diver Training

The New Zealand School of Commercial Diver Training (NZSCDT) began over a decade ago in 2002 and currently pumps out up to 150 trained commercial divers a year. The school started due to an urgent need to raise the level of New Zealand diving industry standards within the diving industry to include formal training and […]

Teacher of 1: Benefits and Limitations of Self-taught Welding

  You can teach yourself to change your car’s brakes, modify a computer program and even peel a banana the right way. All of us live in the Information Age, and no matter what interests we have, we’re confronted with the same message With enough information, you can teach yourself how to do weld. Aspiring underwater […]

Training off the Coast of Africa for the Rest of the World

I dive for two reasons: Support for my family and the insane, unbridled thrill I get underwater. Hailing from South Africa, I trained as a diver in Seadog commercial diving school in Saldahnha Bay, SA. Over seven nationalities went through the course with me, including those from Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Indian, Nigerian and, of course, other […]

Before the Big Leagues: Life as a Tender

No one enters the army as a general. And no one starts their first job as a full-fledged, high paid underwater welder. If you’re like the vast majority of divers, prepare for your first job title: Dive tender. Dive tenders “tend” to the needs (and wants) of commercial divers. They’re usually busy for most of the […]

The Antithesis of Underwater Welding: Underwater Burning

I had always wanted to be an astronaut. Who didn’t right? That was the ultimate adventure, not to mention the fact that one got to wear a cool space suit and work with some very outlandish equipment. When I found out I was blind as a bat however, that little fantasy of mine came to […]

German Trained Welder-diver: Uwe’s Journey into a Commercial Diving Career

When I finished school in Germany, I never dreamed of such a career. I am very fortunate to do what I do for a living. I can combine two of my greatest passions in my life, welding and diving. Being a welding engineer educated in Germany, I had to start my career with an apprenticeship […]

5 Ways to Boost Mechanical Skills: #2 is CRUCIAL for Welders

When I was in high school, we had a term for people who could ace tests, but then walk out the door and not understand a single way to apply their “book” knowledge. We called them “Four - Oh’s.” That referred to their incredible GPA (4.0) and lack of street smarts. Don’t be one of those […]

Experienced Welder to Underwater Welder: Full Speed Ahead

(Journeyman - Master Tradesman): I have 2-5+ years of experience with topside welding. How can I become an underwater welder? Have you ever watched professional surfing on the TV? They make it look easy; as one wave falls and another folds over to take its place, surfers carve out the inside of each massive tidal […]

Beginner Welder to Professional Welder-diver: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Opportunity

(Apprentice - Journeyman welder): I have less than two years of experience with topside welding. How can I become an underwater welder? Advantage - You As a beginner welder, you have several distinct advantages over others. You’re young (at least at heart) You’re gleaning from more experienced welders Safety standards are much higher for you […]