Advice for 36 yo looking to start commercial diving / DMT

Hello everyone, I am new to this site and was looking for some advice by experienced divers and or DMTs.

I am considering enrolling in a commercial diving program with the added training of a DMT/ Life Support Technician program. I would like to work offshore and internationally as well. I have been doing my research as far as schools go and what credentials I will need to work internationally.

I am curious about the job prospects I will have when I graduate. I will be 36 this year and have seen mixed opinions if my age will be a hinderance or not. I have been a scuba diver for 20 years and recently got my Divemaster cert. I also have an Associate degree in Maritime Technology as well as EMT training. I also am a distance runner and am pretty fit.

My questions to the forum are:

1) What is the the reality of my expectations of finding employment in the field these days?

2) Will the DMT training allow me to start right away as a DMT, or will I have to climb the ladder starting out as a tender?

3) What is the average salary I can expect with a few years experience as a DMT/ diver?

4) Are there any training programs that you would recommend or discourage?

5) What is the upward mobility of a DMT/diver for future advanced positions?

Any and all advice is much appreciated, thank you in advance and have a happy new year!

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Permalink Reply by Jim Bathgate on January 3, 2015 at 1:48am

Do take advice from as many people as possible, but be aware of a few issues. Gaining Commercial Air Diving experience prior to advancing to a Mixed Gas qualification , can take time. A Diver Medic qualification is usually  additional to a Diving or LST/LSS Qualification, and usually not a separate job. An ALST course will get you only an assistant ticket, after which you'll need to complete 2400 panel hours before you can sit the IMCA exam, and then see if you can get work as a qualified LST. Work gets quiet when the oil price is low, so now might not be the best time to start, since oil prices have halved in 6 months, but I ignored that advice 35 years ago and went for it anyway. I had some busy years, and some lean ones also, so expect the same. Scuba diving experience would of course help your understanding of course topics, but won't interest an employer. Dive schools mislead people telling them all about how much money you will likely earn. It can take time, effort and money but if you're determined then go for it if it's the thing you really want to do. Don't go for it if it's just for the pay cheque. Last advice, ask your wife/girlfriend what she thinks, as not all get used to you being absent more than half the year and being unable to plan your life, cos you'll have to grab the work when it's available. I started in 1980, but in March it'll be 30 years without moving firms….they just get bought over in succession. Best of luck !

Permalink Reply by Patrick Martin Andrews on January 7, 2015 at 9:35pm

Hi 718 diver - I wrote a book about how I got started, you might want to check it out if you have time, see this link Killer Sea, best of luck  

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