New vs Used Commercial Diving Helmets

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August 7, 2018

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.

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

By

cdiver

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December 17, 2017

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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.
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….

By

cdiver

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September 24, 2017

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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

By

cdiver

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March 10, 2017

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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.

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

By

cdiver

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March 10, 2017

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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

By

cdiver

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March 6, 2017

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subsea global solutions acquires all-sea underwater

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:

Makes it easier for us to expand our portfolio of repair services so that we can respond faster throughout the world;
Makes it easier for us to secure and service long-term fleet contracts based on a larger unified corporation with a bigger global footprint;
Provides a more stable business platform to grow organically and through acquisition of companies globally
Strengthens our talent pool of Diver / Technicians so that we can support more jobs concurrently on a global basis.
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 [email protected] . We appreciate your business and we look forward to working with you in the near future.

Sincerely,
Paul Peters, CEO | Paul[email protected]
Vincent Cummings, President and CEO | [email protected]

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.

Trident 4x Thruster exchange Walvisbaai Nambia

By

cdiver

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August 6, 2016

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Check out this video of a thruster exchange sent in by Bow Van Der Weijde

Underwater Diving Bell Restaurant

By

cdiver

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August 5, 2016

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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:

President Energy plans July drilling in Argentina

By

cDiver

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June 28, 2016

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President Energy (AIM: PPC), the oil and gas exploration and production company provides the following update on Argentina operations and revised loan agreements (the “Loan Restructuring”).

Highlights

President has now engaged drilling contractors for a 2016 three horizontal well programme due to commence by end July.
Objective of the drilling campaign is to increase sustainable production above 1,000 bopd.
Revised funding arrangements with IYA Global Limited (“IYA”) provides the Company with the funding to undertake the 2016 drilling campaign and increased working capital headroom.
Loan Restructuring provides increased funding of US$20.0 million comprising an additional US$5.0 million to the Company’s existing US$10.0 million loan facility and US$1.0 million to the existing convertible loan of US$4.0 million.
The maturity of both the loan facility and the convertible loan will be extended by two years to 30 June 2019 with the same interest rates and payment terms as the existing loan agreements.

Argentina Operations

The objective of the initial drilling campaign is to elevate sustainable production beyond the 1,000 bopd level from the Puesto Guardian Concession. In pursuit of this objective President Energy has now engaged contractors to provide the main drilling services. The operations will be managed by the Company’s own Argentine technical team.

The drilling rig is currently being readied and will then be mobilized to site with drilling of the first well planned to commence at the end of July. As previously announced each well will be a re-entry and side track with a horizontal producing leg and will be on each of three fields within the Company’s Puesto Guardian Concession. The first well will be at Dos Puntitas with a 500 metre horizontal section. The subsequent two wells will be at Pozo Escondido Este and Puesto Guardian.

It is estimated that each well will take approximately one month to drill and complete. The first two wells will be drilled back to back and the third well will be drilled in autumn 2016, after the drilling rig is utilised by another neighbouring operator.

Group Funding

To finance the drilling programme, President Energy have entered into revised funding arrangements with the Group’s current funder, IYA, a member of the PLLG Investments Group, and a company that is beneficially owned by the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive, Peter Levine.

The revised funding arrangements will result in an increased facility of US$20.0 million comprising an additional US$5.0 million to the Company’s existing loan facility of US$10.0 million and a US$1.0 million addition to the existing convertible loan of US$4.0 million. The maturity of both the loan facility and convertible loan will be extended by two years to 30 June 2019.

The revised funding arrangements are not subject to any due diligence, remain unsecured and continue to be free of any reserve base or production level conditions or covenants. The terms of the existing loan facility and convertible loan will continue to apply to the additional loan monies being provided including the unsecured nature of all the loans, the same interest rates, payment terms and in relation to the convertible loan, conversion price. Interest on the enlarged convertible loan will accrue but not be payable until 30 June 2017. If and while the production achieved from the new wells is less than 75 per cent. of the Proved Reserve projection for each well’s production which are aggregated in the Reserves Report from Gaffney Cline & Associates dated 23rd September 2015 (a copy of which is published on the Company’s web-site), interest on the US$5.0 million addition to the loan facility will be deferred and not be paid out until maturity of the loan. Interest will not be payable on amounts so deferred. In addition, a 3% Net Profit Interest based on profits over the life of the three new wells will be payable to IYA.

The revised funding arrangement is classified as a related party transaction under AIM Rules. The Directors, excluding Peter Levine, who is not considered to be independent by virtue of his relationship with IYA, having consulted with Peel Hunt LLP in its capacity as the Company’s nominated advisor, consider the terms of the Loan Restructuring fair and reasonable insofar as the Company’s shareholders are concerned.

Miles Biggins, Bsc Joint Honours University College London, with 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, is a Petroleum Engineer and member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers who meets the criteria of qualified persons under the AIM guidance note for mining and oil and gas companies, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this announcement.

Source

Iran Oil Chief Shakes Up Oil Firm in Bid to Strike Pre-election Deals

By

cDiver

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June 28, 2016

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Oil minister Bijan Zanganeh has handed the running of Iran’s national oil company to a trusted ally in a push to agree long-awaited deals with global oil majors, which could be derailed by next year’s presidential polls.

Iran has pledged to open up its lucrative oil reserves, the world’s fourth largest, although hardline rivals of reformist President Hassan Rouhani have opposed the new contracts, saying Iranian natural resource reserves cannot be owned by foreigners.

The new deals, known as Iran Petroleum Contracts (IPCs), follow the lifting of Western sanctions in January and would end a system dating back more than 20 years under which foreign firms were banned from owning stakes in Iranian companies.

Iran last week selected several local firms which can become partners of Western oil companies and on Monday, Zanganeh pledged to tender 10 to 15 fields under new deals as early as this summer. Oil majors insist these must be more attractive than the loss-making contracts of the 1990s.

The change follows the naming this month of Zanganeh’s trusted ally Ali Kardor as head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), replacing Rokneddin Javadi who had held the post since 2013 and has been made deputy oil minister for supervising hydrocarbon resources.

Iranian and industry sources say the NIOC reshuffle is aimed at boosting oil exports and getting some deals in place ahead of Iran’s 2017 presidential election as an internal political power struggle intensifies.

“There has been a lot of pressure on Zanganeh for not doing much to bring new oil investments as quickly as promised and until now the new contracts are still being drafted,” said the oil executive.

Kardor, who was earlier NIOC’s director of investment and financing, is “one of Zanganeh’s old guard”, a senior non-Iranian oil executive with close contacts to Iran said.

Because of his background in finance, Kardor’s appointment is meant to show that Zanganeh is serious about attracting much needed oil investments quickly, sources told Reuters.

Two Years Of Delays

Iran’s new oil and gas contracts are a cornerstone of its plans to raise crude production to pre-sanctions levels of four million barrels per day (bpd), and the OPEC member has said it needs $200 billion in foreign money to reach the goal.

Iran sits on the world’s fourth largest oil reserves just behind Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

But the domestic infighting over the structure and commercial terms of the new oil and gas development contracts has caused several delays in tendering them. Plans for a London conference to present them have been delayed by almost two years.

Tehran’s oil sales have nearly doubled since December, with companies such as Royal Dutch Shell and Total resuming purchases, despite the absence of upstream deals.

“We haven’t seen anything. Nothing at all which would indicate that work on contracts is progressing,” a top executive of a major Western oil company with a long history of dealings with Iran said.

“And to be honest I’m not very concerned about it as my ability to invest in new projects is severely restricted at the moment by low oil prices,” he added.

Others dismissed the chances of Zanganeh’s changes speeding up new deals before the mid-2017 presidential election.

“The energy sector in Iran is more linked to politics than any other country,” said an Iranian industry source. “I don’t think we will see anything happening this year or next year.”

Source