Construction worker to commercial diver

A closed bell diver shares his thoughts

Like many commercial divers, Gabriel didn’t start out in commercial diving. He has worked as a bar tender and in the construction industry before looking for a career that offered job satisfaction and excitement. Already a keen sport diver, training as a commercial diver was the obvious step in a new career.

Originally from Ontario, Canada, Gabriel says “I was made aware that commercial diving gives you the opportunity to travel, which I love. Plus you can make a decent living at it.”

Now based in Melbourne, Australia, Gabriel admits that, while you do work away, the longer periods of time off make it worth it, “I spend most of my time off at home with my girlfriend in Australia and I go traveling any chance I get.”
construction-to-diving. There is a downside to be aware of: “It’s a unique environment, not at all like working in an office. A few years ago I had an accident whilst underwater and almost lost my leg in a lifting procedure. The fact that when something goes wrong, it can go terribly wrong, is what I least enjoy.”
Gabriel recently trained as a closed bell diver at the only ADAS closed bell training establishment in Australia, The Underwater Training Centre Tasmania, allowing him to expand his career and look for work in a new capacity. Would he recommend a career in commercial diving? “Sure if you are not claustrophobic, you like working in the dark and you don’t mind always being wet. It isn’t easy as it’s a specialised field where persistence is the key. In my opinion the positives outweigh the negatives listed above though. You can have a great lifestyle, travel lots due to the time off and make a very decent living.” Pay rates vary according to the sector divers are working in, their qualifications and experience.