Name: Angus Haig
Age: 26
Where brought up: Kishorn, Wester Ross
What is the course you are studying? I am currently working with Stork Technical Services on their new diver trainee programme. It is the first of its kind in Scotland and is a three-year work-based training initiative.
What does the course involve? So far, we have been doing on-site training as mechanical-dive technicians with the in-house technicians at Stork’s Subsea Unit, working on the maintenance of the new diving boats, panels and equipment.
Part of the training also includes getting both onshore and offshore diving experience and this week I have been working at Peterhead, Aberdeen and Dundee harbours.
I am looking forward to my first trip offshore, which will be on board Stork’s diving support vessel The Siem Stork. The key thing is getting the right on-the-job experience required for our ticket (qualification) to be able to work as an offshore commercial diver.
Why did you choose a diving career? I began recreational diving when I was 16, and actually did my first PADI ticket at the Underwater Centre in Fort William. I worked for a while as a diving instructor in Turkey before returning to Scotland, where I got a job as a chamber operator at the Hyperbaric Centre in Aberdeen. It then seemed like a natural progression to train as a commercial diver, so I returned to the Underwater Centre last year to do the training.
Why did you choose Stork?
Stork actually picked me. I am one of two newly-qualified commercial divers to be chosen by Stork to participate in their new diver trainee programme. They are the only company in Aberdeen that employs newly-trained divers, so it has been a great opportunity for me. I am gaining a lot of experience and learning new skills, which is just what the industry is looking for when it comes to employing divers.
What do you think are the best and worst bits of a career in diving?
The best bits are definitely the job satisfaction, the diversity of the work, always seeing and doing new things and, of course, the money. The worst bits are the sitting around wet, and at times the conditions can be hard and demanding, particularly when you can’t see your hand in front of your face.
Who or what has influenced you most in your study and career decisions to date?
That’s difficult to answer as there was no one person in particular that influenced me. However, the lifestyle which is on offer is very attractive – being able to work all over the world, every day being different, always seeing and doing new things and the opportunity to make some good money were all things which drew me to a career in diving.
What advice would you give to others looking at studying towards a career in diving?
Know for sure that it is definitely what you want to do as it’s a big investment to undertake. Also take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.
What dream job are you aiming for?
I’m doing it. More than anything, diving is what I want to do and I’m on my way.
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