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Synthetic Chains Made with Dyneema® Help Ensure Diver Safety

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As deadlines get tighter and ever-larger structures are expected to be installed, repaired or removed, underwater rigging providers are seeking ways to increase their productivity while maintaining high standards of safety. 

The essential underwater operations performed by commercial divers support a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, aquaculture and transportation. Traditionally, steel chains have been used to support activities such as underwater welding, underwater installation, rigging, maintenance and repairs. However, many in this profession have experienced the difficulties of handling heavy and cumbersome steel chains underwater. They require regular inspection and care to combat corrosion and can potentially be hazardous to commercial divers and their equipment. 

But what if there was a high-quality alternative which can do everything steel chains and slings can – only better?

Synthetic chains made with Dyneema® are 85% lighter than steel chains of the equivalent strength, making them much easier to handle underwater. Certified by DNV for lifting and lashing applications, synthetic chains allow for fast and easy handling. They also make lifting oblique, irregular shaped items when underwater far simpler due to their easily adjustable length. Positioning, coiling and storing synthetic chains made with Dyneema® is also easier and faster than working with traditional steel, and the benefits don’t stop there. It is no surprise that synthetic chains made with the world’s strongest fiber are more durable than steel chains. This durability means less wear and tear, a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.

Most importantly, synthetic chains made with Dyneema® make underwater operations safer. Synthetic chains are naturally buoyant in water, reducing the strain on commercial divers and conserving much-needed oxygen. In addition to buoyancy, their low weight properties, fabric-like texture and low noise generation help prevent injury or damage to crew and cargo. The fabric-like texture of synthetic chains made with Dyneema® puts a stop to accidents caused by damage to diving suits, as well as any potential damage to ships, tools, loads and underwater structures that can result from strong currents. Safety is also enhanced as a result of synthetic chains’ resistance to corrosion, eliminating the risk of this causing loss of strength and, ultimately, unexpected failure. 

Discover more about game-changing synthetic chains made with Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber: https://www.dsm.com/dyneema/en_GB/applications/ropes-lines-slings-chains/synthetic-chains.html 

*This is a sponsored post by DSM

We at cDiver.net will occasionally accept sponsored posts in order to help cover the costs of running this site. We only partner with companies or products we feel would add value to the commercial diving community.
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out: info@cdiver.net

Just another day at the office

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Saturation Diving. A good day at the office.

Saturation divers not only have the dangerous job of dive for long periods of time under hazardous conditions but are also our aquatic ambassadors! How many new friends (or meals) can you count?

Just another day on the job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbf0zh2HK_k

New vs Used Commercial Diving Helmets

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We recently published a survey on our Facebook page and received a response from over 100 commercial divers.
The results were closer than we had expected! A close to 50/50 split between divers who punched a brand new helmet when they began diving and those who purchased a used one.
new vs used commercial diving helmets
So which should you choose if you are just starting out?
A new commercial diving helmet can run you upwards of $10,000 depending on the type of helmet you need. And in the market of diving helmets, you absolutely get what you pay for!
Firstly, make sure you buy the right helmet for the job you need.
There are two types of commercial diving helmets.
A full-face diving mask or a diving helmet.
1- A diving mask will be lighter and a bit less expensive, however, you will NOT be able to use it for any hazmat jobs.
2- A full diving helmet will cost you more and be heavier but will also provide more protection and is acceptable on hazmat projects.
There are so many other factors that go into finding the right helmet. Fit, communications, breathing functions, and more!  Hopefully, you will have some guidance from your school or fellow divers when selecting the right helmet.
If you know which type of helmet you need, where do you look?

USED

• Check your local resellers and see if they offer diving helmet consignment where divers can re-sell their helmets that they no longer need.

Searching eBay can also be a great place to score a used, but still in great condition helmet.

• Right here! We have seen some divers have great luck posting items for sale right here on cDiver in our forums.
• Check with your diving school or company. Many operations will provide you with a helmet or resources to find one of your own.

NEW

• Check with your local resellers. If you live somewhere that has a shop, stop by and see what they have available. Many resellers will list their inventory online.
In person, you will also be able to ask questions, which you can’t do as easily online.
See a full list of Kirby Morgan dealers here.
• Online – Make sure any website you find selling commercial diving helmets or masks that they are an authorized distributor.  Look on websites like Dive Helmets or American Diving Supply.
Best of luck finding the perfect diving helmet or mask!
It will be with you for a long time. Take good care of it!

DIVER STORY: Experienced

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Dominic wrote in and shared his amazing uncle’s story about how he got started as a commercial diver. Sadly, his uncle Brian passes away last year. We are happy to post his adventure of his very first commercial diving job!
Thank you so much for sharing, Dominic!

……….

My Uncle Brian Worley (Comex 1974-76, Seaway Diving 1976-79, Global Diving 1979-82, Marsat 1982-84)

His Divers Tale

Many East End family members worked in the Docks at one time or the other. In fact, it was a short stint of a couple days work in the docks that would be instrumental in starting me on a journey that would take me away from the UK for most of my adult life

After finishing Art college, I lived and worked in the West End of London as a commercial design artist. By my mid-twenties, however, I was spending more and more time in the numerous clubs, both in the West End and the East End This environment was not really contusive to my future and I was becoming increasingly restless.

I heard they were looking for experienced divers for two/three days in the London Docks. As the money offered was good, and having had some experience in sports Scuba diving, I duly presented myself as an ‘experienced’ commercial diver.first commercial diving job
The job was to recover coils of copper wire that had been dropped overboard while the ship was being unloaded. The urgency was great because it was preventing other vessels tying up to the quay.
I did get the job. But needless to say, my exaggeration of being ‘experienced’ was soon discovered as soon as they started to dress me in the traditional diving suit, that consisted of a heavy canvas and rubber suit. And even heavier bronze helmet and lead soild boot. So heavy that I couldn’t even stand up

Nevertheless, they persisted and finally did get me in the water. Not knowing how to compensate the pressure inside the suit, immediately floated to the surface. !!

Eventually, I made it to the bottom, which was about 40 feet deep. Six foot of that being thick black mud, in which Ihad to scramble about in, to find the missing copper coils. Once discovered, all I had to do was hook them on to a crane.

Simple. But first I couldn’t see a thing. Second I couldn’t handle the diving suit correctly and air would get air into the legs and turn my upside down.

When I finally did find a coil and managed to hook it onto the crane, many times I discovered that I was also attached and going up and down with the load. I won’t go into the third, fourth, fifth and sixth forms humility that I suffered

Example of diving condition taken from Path News
Going Down: This video has no sound
http://www.britishpathe.com/…/going-down/query/SouthendonSea

Needless to say, when they finally landed me back on the quay like a beached whale, the Gaffa’ informed me that as I was not as ‘experienced as I had led them to believe. I, therefore, was only going to receive half the pay

However, because I had stuck with and persevered, If I wanted to return the following day, I would receive the full hourly pay, because now I WAS ‘experienced! !! This I did.

The start of my Personal Journey
A few months later I answered another add seeking ‘Experienced’ divers Not in the London Docks, but for oilfield work in the Middle East.

As I was now ‘Experienced’ I answered the add, and three weeks later was flying out to Dubai, which would be the start of a career working on most of the Oilfields throughout the world for the next 30 odd years
It’s a decision that I have never regretted. The alternative can never compare to the many experiences that I have enjoyed
Oilfield diving was in its infancy and the transition from normal Civil Engineering Diving required a whole new technology, that I was able to absorb myself in.

 

Do you have a great story to share?  Tell us below!

DIVER STORY: That was just wrong….

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Story submitted by community member Jake Heckman. Thanks, Jake!

Post Katrina and Rita work for Chevron on the Mighty Uncle John, was grueling at times. Non-stop bell runs for years. We grew barnacles on the bell an inch long. One of the greatest supervisors ever Mr. Moe was constantly trying to get a rise out of us divers, making the job seem as bad as he could with miss leading statements like “I know your times up, but we are sending you the jet hose and need you to work over.” Or “sorry, but hot water is out and the showers are going to be cold till we get some parts out”. It was all good fun, but we had to get him back.

After 27 days in the can we unwrapped the last of our mini snickers. Dug the corn out of the mixed veggies. Bagged them up and ordered coffee and a bag of ice. We melted the mixture with the coffee, by wrapping the bag around the stainless pot. Molded the perfect turd, and hardened it with the ice. During bell checks, Kieth

Photo courtesy of community member Vector Spain

mentioned that he had to go, but could wait till we hit bottom. On the way down we were placing bets on who would win the corn race. I lucked out and hooked up my bailout, while Kieth got checks on standby. The timing couldn’t have been better. As I dropped down under the bell I asked Moe to have Kieth hand me my knives I left in the bell. Moe relayed this to Kieth. Kieth says hold on I’m taking a $#it. At this very moment, my hand is reaching towards the trunk, “All Stop” Moe responded, and splash a snickers bomb lands right in my hands. I snatch it up and start playing with it. Moe is so distraught he can’t speak. He is trying to, but all he can let out is a long “HEeeeeee…” then click the mic goes dead. This happens several times, all the while I’m commenting on how Kieth won the corn race in less than 12 hours, and his turd is hard as a rock. After minutes of trying to talk, Moe finally gets a “myyy for fffface hurts” out. “Then that was wrong” “you’re messed up”.
My response was:

“I a Scat I mean Sat diver and I ain’t scared of $#it.”

Years later we finally got a new supervisor and instead of forgetting my knives I forgot my gloves. Bare hands are better for this prank.

 

Do you have a great story to share?  Tell us below!

 

Making Beer Safe for the Ocean – Edible Beer 6-pack Rings

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Earlier this year, Saltwater Brewing and WeBelievers came up with the idea and created the world’s first edible six pack rings to carry beers.

The problem was obvious. Think of all the soda & beer you have drank in your life (it’s okay if you can’t, most divers can’t count that high) and think of the number of 6-pack rings you have tossed away. A large number of these rings end up in the ocean, hurting or killing the marine life in some pretty cruel ways.
turtle six pack ring around shell seal six pack ring around neck seabird six pack ring on head


Starting with the Wheat & Barley by-products from the beer making process, Saltwater Brewing & WeBelievers were able to create a six pack ring that can effectively carry the beer while also being 100% edible, biodegradable and compostable.

They hope to have the new beer rings available on the market in 6-12 months, at which point you’ll be able to support marine wildlife by drinking more beer.  Like we needed another excuse…

If you find yourself with downtime near Delray Beach in Florida, go check out their tasting room and support the cause.

Commercial Diving Tribute Video

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Cool video posted by YouTube user Emanuele Mulargia on YouTube earlier this month.  Some of the footage is from other videos you may have seen before, like the diver getting attacked by a Marlin at (0:45) and the diver petting the sea turtle (0:50).  Though definitely some footage that we haven’t seen before.

SubSea Global Solutions Acquires All-Sea Underwater Solutions

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Initial Press Release

Combined entity will be a global leader in providing underwater ship repair, maintenance and marine construction solutions

SGS was actively seeking a partner for which to expand its service lines, improve its talent base, and broaden its geographical footprint. Having been partners in the past, SGS was quite familiar with All-Sea, and the two decided that becoming a worldwide leader in underwater solutions was a smart choice.

Paul Peters, CEO of SGS remarked:

“We are excited to add All-Sea Underwater Solutions to the Subsea Global Solutions family. We have worked together as partners in this industry for years and have always maintained aligned core values in our individual corporations. it is great to bring the entire team together as one.”

Vincent Cummings, President and CEO of All-Sea stated:

“This merger into Subsea Global Solutions will give All-Sea Underwater Solutions the strength and additional assets it has yearned for to continue to grow and serve our clientele globally. We are excited to finally merge together with our friends and old alliance partners at SGS!”

About All-Sea
Established in 1978, All-Sea Underwater Solutions is a world leader in underwater ship repair and maintenance. Their dive technicians are highly skilled, well trained and solution-focused with years of experience in all types of conditions. All-Sea has developed specialized, proprietary equipment and procedures to carry out maintenance or technical repairs of the highest standards, underwater, anywhere in the world.

For additional information:
SGS Acquisition Announcement


Follow Up Client Communication

Subsea Global Solutions is pleased to announce the acquisition of All-Sea Underwater Solutions. Together, we will be the global leader in providing underwater ship repair, maintenance and marine construction solutions. The closing of this transaction is effective 2 March 2017.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your business and inform you that we are excited about this transaction as it positions us for future growth and it provides us with more opportunities to serve you. Some of the enhanced benefits that we anticipate include:

  1. Makes it easier for us to expand our portfolio of repair services so that we can respond faster throughout the world;
  2. Makes it easier for us to secure and service long-term fleet contracts based on a larger unified corporation with a bigger global footprint;
  3. Provides a more stable business platform to grow organically and through acquisition of companies globally
  4. Strengthens our talent pool of Diver / Technicians so that we can support more jobs concurrently on a global basis.
  5. Expands our pool of technical resources so that we can continue to innovate new underwater value adding repair solutions to meet your needs.

As we go through this exciting transition, we will honor our existing commitments. We are confident that there will be no disruption in our services and you will continue to receive the excellent service that you are accustomed too.

Our Business Development representative will be in touch with you within the next two weeks to answer any questions you may have. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please send them to rick@sgsdiving.com . We appreciate your business and we look forward to working with you in the near future.

Sincerely,
Paul Peters, CEO |  Paul@sgsdiving.com
Vincent Cummings, President and CEO | Vincent@all-sea.com

 

About Subsea Global Solutions

Subsea Global Solutions is the globally formed corporation consisting of the assets and personnel of SGS US East Coast LLC, SGS US West Coast LLC, SGS US Gulf Coast Diving LLC and SGS Caribbean NV. With a dedicated staff situated globally, Subsea Global Solutions has revolutionized the methods of repair for ships and advanced the methodology used in underwater Marine Construction. After a decade of unprecedented productive growth, SUBSEA GLOBAL SOLUTIONS companies are solidly positioned to present their unique and revolutionary methods for underwater ship repair and husbandry to customers under a single global banner and brand.

Underwater Diving Bell Restaurant

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When was the last time your diving bell was fully stocked with Champagne & Lobster?

The Nemo 33 pool in Belgium is the deepest indoor swimming  pool in the world.  As if diving deep wasn’t good enough, they added a bell to the bottom of the pool where divers can enjoy food and a drink while they relax before their ascent.

Check it out in this video: