| Danial Norjidi |
COMMERCIAL diving offers potentially rewarding career opportunities, and such services are required in multiple areas of the maritime sector and marine environment preservation.
These points were highlighted in a keynote address by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Minister of Communications during a seminar on commercial diving safety organised by Al-Hadid Marine Services (B) Sdn Bhd yesterday at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
In his speech, the minister said that the seminar would raise raise awareness of the field of commercial diving as a career choice that is rewarding but also challenging in many aspects.
“The services of commercial divers are also needed primarily by the maritime sectors, especially shipping, oil and gas, defence and also humanitarian missions (such as search and rescue) and historical explorations. Among the highlights include underwater photographers, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) divers, as well as scientific navy divers.”
“With the growth of these sectors, the employment opportunities as commercial divers will not only open wider in this country, but also elsewhere,” he said. “An important aspect to be highlighted during this seminar is that of health, safety and environment. This is particularly fitting to those who are in this field.”
Commercial diving is a profession that carries a high risk because the divers are dealing with a different environment, and are exposed to danger, whether known or beyond expectations, he said.
He also noted that the career requires individuals to act in accordance with established procedures and principles that give priority to security or safety first. It is clear here, security is a factor that cannot be compromised in commercial diving.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Minister of Communications, viewing some of the diving apparatus on display. – DANIAL NORJIDI
“Among them are the need to ensure that gear such as breathing apparatus and communications equipment are always functional and in good condition. In addition, safety procedures must be complied with, while also possessing physical and mental endurance for them to make any decisions and act accordingly in dangerous atmospheres and environments.
“This should also be known by those who want to get involved as commercial divers, especially those who already have technical expertise in other fields.”
“To this end, I have been informed that Al-Hadid Marine Services uses international standards and best practices set by government bodies in developed countries that use them to govern commercial diving activities in these respective countries, particularly the International Marine Contractors Association in the United Kingdom.”
“In this regard, I believe Al-Hadid Marine Services, as a pioneer in commercial diving services, has a unique position to work with government agencies towards setting up more coherent, specific standards to be used as guidelines for commercial diving services in this country,” said the minister.
He noted that the Ministry of Communications places safety as one of its key strategies in its policy for improving the public transport service system. This includes meeting the requirements of the standards set by international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“Towards this, the Ministry of Communications has established a Safety and Investigation Division that will continue to monitor the preparedness and readiness of agencies under the ministry to handle any eventuality. This is important for all parties to give due attention given the responsibility of the Ministry of Communications involves the movement of the public as a whole.”
“In this case, the maritime sector also continues to face various challenges,” he continued. “The maritime environment continues to face threats stemming from maritime activities themselves. Among them are shipwrecks, vessel discharge and oil spills, which can affect the safety of maritime navigation.”
“Taking into account the importance of preserving the marine environment from threats like these, the need for commercial diving services is becoming increasingly clear. Commercial divers are able to carry out work such as disposing of shipwrecks, making inspections as well as assessing and repairing damage to infrastructure and buildings below sea level.”
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