Wannabe looking for sage advice from those who have their finger on the pulse of the off-shore market:
Hello to all out there. My name is Mike and I am new to the site and am looking at enrolling in a commercial program offered by a school here in British Columbia where I live. I am in very good physical condition, have about 700hrs underwater with most being solo and technical oriented, but in recreational diving. (Having said that, I realise that the dive is only the trip to work….Point being that I am comfortable in all cold water and viz environments)
I have 20 yrs in various construction fields (non industrial), as well as several in business ownership and management. I am also an early-retired member of the RCMP. My age is 44 approaching 45. Some may say I am a workaholic. More likely is that I like the adventure of a challenge and learning new things.
I have been interested in comm. diving from a teen but had no mentoring available to me at the time. Now I am looking for an additional career which is new, challenging and where I am able to contribute with my acquired hands on work and mental skills but in a new environment. .I am aware that tablesaws, nails and plywood are not typically used underwater but I hear that chainsaws, wrenches and dredges are! Being away for weeks or months at a time does not pose a problem nor does seasonal work or slow downs in the industry as I am fully tooled for all aspects of the residential construction market and therefore have an established and proven “Plan B” as well as a “Plan C”.
Would any of you be generous enough to provide some advice for someone who is very self confident but not egotistical, has many years of hands on construction, management, troubleshooting experience, successful problem solving skills, works extremely well under pressure and still has a passion for challenges. As well as learning new things, doing what is required regardless of… Is a very optimistic 44 year old, fully aware of the food chain and respects the value of experience. By the way I don’t smoke and am a modest drinker (boring I know, but I have a healthy sense of humour!)
My questions would include:
Is my age a detriment?
The realities of working offshore, including that of pay.
Does any of my aforementioned experience help me in any way?
While I realise that this is a brief snapshot of me, any feedback would be helpful. Thanks in advance and it has been a trip reading through this forum.

Mike Lasko