SPONSORS OF ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
Diver teams normally consist of 4, the legal requirement – the diver, a standby, supervisor and technician/ tender to assist. Safety is stringent as you would expect and they have a Health & Safety Consultant on site whom is responsible for all up to date accreditations ISO2001and all other generic material are up to the minute.
LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES All these risks are part and parcel of this occupation, but Richard has had life changing experiences too, he was posted to Africa for one contract, to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome a small Island whereupon he undertook a Government Contract inspection, idyllic conditions for diving.
He came across the most peculiar of creatures, thankfully not submerged. White sharks were common within this area, however, one which was not encountered, although snails that were indigenous to the island were, and unbelievably the size of a motocycle helmet!
His vocation has taken him to Cadiz in Spain whereupon he was contracted to renovate a dry dock facility, where the super-tankers larger than a mile would berth! He was involved with the installation of Part II of the Tyne Tunnel – a historical moment!
UNUSUAL CONTRACTS Mundane does not feature in
Richards’ occupational vocabulary.
DIVING AND NARCOSIS Richard usually dives from a man riding facility that can be controlled by the surface crew on-site.
One of the fears and massive risks to divers is Narcosis, or as it is commonly known, the “bends”. Richard has fortunately NOT experienced this. Every eventuality can be covered to avoid this occurrence, however every diver is physically different and there are so many other factors to consider but when this strikes, fast action is required.
When recompression has not been carried out correctly the body reacts and in the event of a “Bend” the diver can experience pain in any part of the body.
On many occasions in his career he has undertaken all aspects of various jobs, carrying out deep sea inspections, ‘leg cleaning operations’ for rigs, base of wind turbines, all contracts have demanded de-compression chambers on board rigs/ tankers even in some cases when they have been working in less than 50 metres.
One of the most unusual contracts he fulfilled was in 1990’s where a science project required him to dive off the North East Coast of Bridlington to study lobsters. The project was worldwide, scientists wanted to learn the lifecycle of juvenile lobsters. It was known they began life as larvae, and developed to small shrimplike mini-lobsters, however there was nothing known about their first 2 years of their life!
Richard was somewhat bemused at having to track lobster trails and locating them! – what Richard doesn’t know about Lobsters or squat lobsters, is not worth knowing! Not sure if he can look one in the eye when ordered from the menu though!
CLOSE FAMILY TIES Richard draws his inspiration from his family, he mentions that his parents, wife and children have been his rock, and have always been there to support him, through rough seas, literally.
When asked how he would describe himself, there was a thoughtful reflection, and a moment to consider, never an easy question, but in short – caring, conscientious, thoughtful and a loathing for injustices. Most of all, and a pre- requisite for the job, a sense of humour!
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Asked how he wound down after a stressful day under-the-sea (which is sometimes hard with three very boisterous children) he states, being round his family and a cool beer – simply happiness.
HOBBIES One would normally associate the adrenaline-drenched career of a diver to continue on land – and is this reflected in his mode of transport? – evidently he had a passion for bangers up until 40! Now being the happy owner of Subaru WRX.
It would seem he also enjoys tinkering with motorcycles, being a self-trained mechanic. He used to build and race motorcycles and still to this day participates on track days.
THE FUTURE With such a hectic life, when asked where he would like to be in the next 10 years, there is no hesitation – to have an active hands on role in the installation of his continued success with his company, diving and overseeing the installation of a revolutionary product, which will ultimately save the wind industry massive funds!
INDUSTRY INNOVATION Never far away from his first love, diving, he also has extreme interest in new innovations for the diver and is constantly and actively involved with new products which can enhance and expedite efficiencies with underwater engineering, Flange work, welding equipment, anodes, sacrificial anodes which benefit off shore wind farms, piers and harbours.
Having spoken with Richard there is no doubt that his diving is a vocation, not just a career – the ultimate modest attitude with unstinting professionalism.
Fliss Chaffer Interviewer extraordinaire Wind Energy Network
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